| Description |
In this course, we will study the region of New England in the American northeast. The region is comprised of six states (listed from north to south): Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
The course will focus on New England's contemporary culture, society, and geography. We will also include some major historic and cultural events, e.g. the Boston Tea Party, and their impact on American history.
We will spend two sessions on each state, one for a general overview and another to look at specific objects, food & drinks, artefacts, tv shows & films, songs, paintings, sports, literary texts, events, locations, buildings, and people to highlight particular aspects of that state. Lastly, we will try to determine some common features that perhaps unite New England as a cultural and geographic entity and that might set it apart from the rest of the United States.
This course is particularly suited for future English teachers (Lehramt) with regard to its less theoretical and more practical, fact-oriented approach (e.g. useful knowledge for English lessons or school trips/partnerships), but of course B.A. students are equally welcome.
Video material
- Documentary Aerial America by the Smithsonian Institution (https://www.si.edu/), one episode about each state listed above. These are available on Moodle and must be watched and studied before the semester begins.
- Other material will be provided via Moodle.
Texts
- To be announced in April via Moodle.
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