128110 VO Cultural Studies - MA M01 (2021S)

The lecture course offers students in the MA program insight into a variety of cultural theories and how they can be used to analyze texts of various genres and media in American history, from the Puritans to the 21st century. It focuses on the critical discussion of the most popular and foundational US-American myths (e.g. the myth of "discovery," of the promised land, of the self-made man, of the melting pot, etc.) and their recurrent manifestations in American culture (including transatlantic aspects). It famliarizes students with various theories of myth criticism (e.g. semiotic theories/Roland Barthes; or the Myth and Symbol School) as a cultural studies approach. The lecture course offers:
- a broad overview regarding the theoretical and practical analysis of various cultural texts and media, with a thematic focus on US-American culture;
- an in-depth introduction to core theories of American Studies
- in-depth practice of your analytical competence (each session will allow for practice elements)

Aims: In the course of this lecture, students…
- develop their knowledge of appropriate methods, concepts, and vocabulary for analyzing various forms and media of representation (written, images, audiovisual texts, digital media …)
- deepen their understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of aesthetic products (transcultural competence)
- are prepared to pursue advanced research/studies in American Studies, such as the SE in cultural studies or an MA thesis project in that realm

Methods: lecture with discussion and analytical practice elements