Methodology of Trans-Atlantic American Studies
Instructor: Rob Kroes
Offered: Second semester
Course description:
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries the United States has confronted European nations with a cultural and political challenge. In spite of family resemblances there were notabledifferences, cultural and otherwise, which Europeans have struggled to interpret in terms of likeness and otherness.
In what has been called the American century, from World War II to the present day, the American presence in Europe has only increased, intentionally so, as in America’s cultural diplomacy, or unintentionally so, through the autonomous, unguided radiance of America’s cultural appeal.
This course will delve into areas of cultural and diplomatic history to explore the ways in which the U.S. has exerted its influence on European nations as well as the ways in which Europeans have responded to the challenge.
Teaching method: Weekly readings and discussion in class of assigned literature. Students are expected, on a weekly basis, to write a one-page summary and critical comments on the readings, to be submitted a day ahead. In preparation for the final paper, based on available literature and individual research, students will give an oral presentation in class and engage in discussion with their fellow students. Finally, in groups of two or three, students will prepare presentations in class based on visual material in public space testifying to an American cultural footprint in Ghent.
Evaluation: The final grade will be based on the students’ weekly critical writings (20%), their presentation in class of individual work toward the term paper (20%), team presentation (10%) and a term paper of about 6,500 words, including references (50%).
Course materials: A list of readings will be made available consisting of books to be read in part or in toto, and of published articles.
Offered: Second semester
Course description:
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries the United States has confronted European nations with a cultural and political challenge. In spite of family resemblances there were notabledifferences, cultural and otherwise, which Europeans have struggled to interpret in terms of likeness and otherness.
In what has been called the American century, from World War II to the present day, the American presence in Europe has only increased, intentionally so, as in America’s cultural diplomacy, or unintentionally so, through the autonomous, unguided radiance of America’s cultural appeal.
This course will delve into areas of cultural and diplomatic history to explore the ways in which the U.S. has exerted its influence on European nations as well as the ways in which Europeans have responded to the challenge.
Teaching method: Weekly readings and discussion in class of assigned literature. Students are expected, on a weekly basis, to write a one-page summary and critical comments on the readings, to be submitted a day ahead. In preparation for the final paper, based on available literature and individual research, students will give an oral presentation in class and engage in discussion with their fellow students. Finally, in groups of two or three, students will prepare presentations in class based on visual material in public space testifying to an American cultural footprint in Ghent.
Evaluation: The final grade will be based on the students’ weekly critical writings (20%), their presentation in class of individual work toward the term paper (20%), team presentation (10%) and a term paper of about 6,500 words, including references (50%).
Course materials: A list of readings will be made available consisting of books to be read in part or in toto, and of published articles.
