This seminar investigates identity constructions in 20th and 21st century literary and filmic representation of the American West. Literature and films on the American West have always been a reflection of the special interest and fascination for this area and frequently represent the long tradition of the area as “borderlands” (Anzaldúa). Students will be introduced to the genre of the “Western” as well as selected theories and concepts, before we engage in the discussion of identity constructions in recent Western texts/films. Our special focus will be on the way identities are constructed, especially with respect to discourses concerning ethnicity, class, gender or sexuality. Additionally, we will critically examine clichés and stereotypes in the representation of the American West and its population and analyze how these are used to construct and/or deconstruct identities. The texts/films for our analysis will be Cormac McCarthy’s novel No Country for Old Men, the film No Country for Old Men directed by the Coen brothers, Annie Proulx’ short story “Broke Back Mountain”, the film Broke Back Mountain directed by Ang Lee and a selection of short stories by Claire Vaye Watkins from her collection Battleborn.
Please buy the novel No Country for Old Men in the following edition:
McCarthy, Cormac. No Country for Old Men. Random House, 2006. (ISBN: 9780307277039)
The shorter texts and a selection of secondary material will be made available in form of a reader which you can purchase through our office.
Students will have access to the films.
Requirements:
Class participation, including reading assignments and discussion, a short presentation in class and a seminar paper.
. |
