School of English - AUTh

Description

This course focuses on socio-historical events and historical periods which have shaped American culture through the study of literary texts, movies, newspaper articles, speeches. Students will examine important inconsistencies in the history of American political ideologies and practices. They will explore the dynamic relationship between master narratives and counter-narratives through a critical engagement with concepts such as American exceptionalism, war and American imperialism, American democracy and exclusionary practices.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course:

• Students will have familiarized themselves with socio-historical events and historical periods which have shaped American culture
• Students will have examined a wide range of texts, and will have comprehended the dynamic relationship between texts, their contexts, and surrounding ideologies, during specific periods of American history
• Students will have critically studied – through the close reading practices - concepts such as American exceptionalism, war and American imperialism, American democracy and exclusionary politics

Assessment: final exams, optional presentations and take home essays.

Teaching