Vorlesungsverzeichnis

Border Crossings: Exploring North American Culture through Literature and Cinema (Seminar)

Inhalt: Imagine this seminar as an exercise in border crossings in which we will embark upon figurative journeys to three diverse thematic realms in North American culture: Canadian-U.S. relations and identity construction, gender, equality, and sexual politics as well as contemporary representations of the vampire. We will explore these realms though literary and cinematic texts in conjunction with supporting theoretical readings. As a general framework, I would like to propose several overarching titles for these realms of exploration: "Encounters at the 49th Parallel: Crossing the Border or Crossing the Line?” (identifying and debunking common stereotypes and myths about Canada and the U.S., e.g. the ‘polite’ Canadian vs. the ‘ugly’ American), “Reclaiming the ‘F’ Word: Feminism Goes Pop Culture” (examining the three waves of feminism and changing gender roles in sitcoms and dramadies), “Revamping the Vampire: The Transgressive Traveler” (delving into deep dark issues through the eyes of contemporary vampires in literature and film). As these three realms might initially appear disparate in nature, additional emphasis will be placed on discovering intersections and unifying themes. Interested in further details? Then you are most welcome to peruse the tentative syllabus ("Seminarplan"). Required book: The Night Wanderer. Drew Hayden Taylor. Toronto: Annick Press, 2007. (ISBN-13: 978-1554510993) Seminarapparat 159 (Henck | Border Crossings)

Britain in Europe - The United Kingdom between Tradition and Change (Seminar)

Dozent/in: Inga Dwenger

Termin:
wöchentlich | Donnerstag | 12:15 - 13:45 | 12.10.2015 - 29.01.2016 | C 5.311 Seminarraum

Inhalt: Britain's relations with continental Europe reach back into prehistory when a wide land bridge enabled settlers to move easily from continental Europe to what is now Britain. As temperatures rose after the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago Britain was finally cut off from the continent. But in spite of the barrier of the Channel, Britain - the United Kingdom and its constituent nations - and the countries of continental Europe have over the intervening period enriched each others lives, fought each other in numerous wars and co-operated in trying to find solutions to European problems. Today the United Kingdom is a multi-faceted, dynamic nation with a rich heritage and an amazing ability to reinvent inself. London for example used to be the hub of an empire and is still a major financial centre. British culture, its film industry and thriving pop, fashion or clubs is as widely known as the British countryside and the Britons' originality when it comes to customs and traditions. This course will look at a variety of aspects: the concept of "Britain" and the UK, the nation's traditions and changes, its cultural identity and diversity, national stereotypes, the troubled relationship between Britain and Germany and Britain's ambiguous status within the European Union.

The United States in the 21st Century (Seminar)

Dozent/in: Sabrina Völz

Inhalt: This seminar takes a look at the social, political, religous, and cultural themes in the United States since the beginning of the 21st century and places them in their historical and cultural contexts. After a brief introduction to the United States, we will examine a variety of subjects (the role of religion in society, the legacy of Holocaust survivors in the United States and Post-Holocaust Jewish American identity, Latinos/Latinos, the legacy of slavery in contemporary African American film, and African American film) from multiple perspectives, analyzing both high and popular culture, mainstream and marginalized voices.

Understanding Area Studies (Seminar)

Dozent/in: Sabrina Völz

Termin:
wöchentlich | Montag | 14:15 - 15:45 | 12.10.2015 - 29.01.2016 | C 5.019 Seminarraum

Inhalt: This introduction to area studies is designed to provide students with an understanding of key terminology and readings in the field of area studies and intercultural communication. Practical applications and goals for the classroom will also be discussed.

Vorlesungsverzeichnis

Lehrveranstaltungen

Border Crossings: Exploring North American Culture through Literature and Cinema (Seminar)

Britain in Europe - The United Kingdom between Tradition and Change (Seminar)

The United States in the 21st Century (Seminar)

Understanding Area Studies (Seminar)