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In this seminar we will critically investigate a variety of myths as well as representations of (historical) figures which are important for the U.S. and its self-stylization as a nation. Students will be introduced to a selection of literary and visual sources which present myths and symbols which represent the U.S. or were influential for the construction of ”American identities.” We will follow these myths through the centuries to examine how they were presented in different times and consider which influences different media played for these representations. Students will be introduced to theoretical readings important for myths and national narratives before we delve into the analysis of changing representations of myths over time and the relevance these changes play in historical context (for the time of production as well as reception). We will read excerpts from a selection of seminal texts like Crèvecoeurs’ Letters from an American Farmer or Frederick Jackson Turner’s ”Frontier Thesis” as well as a selection of (excerpts from) fictional texts, consider visual sources which feature allegorical or (historical) figures like Columbia, Uncle Sam, Annie Oakley, Daniel Boone and Davy Crocket and investigate ”American myths” like freedom, Westward expansion, the myth of ”discovery” or the melting pot. Students will be enabled to trace the origins of these myths and cultural icons, discuss the role they played for the self-stylization of the U.S. and their relevance for the process of nation-building as well as their importance for recent cultural productions.
All relevant materials will be made available via moodle.
Requirements: Active class participation, including reading assignments and discussion, a short written assignment during the semester and a seminar paper. |
