Learn about the history of the United States, American culture and the dynamics of relationships between different cultures (nationally and internationally) through in-depth and critical readings and films.

Students are encouraged to use up-to-date and flexible methodologies during class discussions.

The final test allows students to effectively assess the acquired skills.

Student autonomy in critical learning and study organization is also promoted, providing - to this end - adequate guidance and support.

The course introduces the interdisciplinary study of the history of North American culture.

Through the analysis and study of paradigmatic cases, the student will deepen his knowledge of the features and developments of American culture.

Among the central objectives is the detailed knowledge of the history of the United States of America.

After having examined some of the founding 'myths' of American culture, part of the course will be devoted to the relationship between the dominant culture and that of the 'minorities'.

An introduction to the principles of 'postcolonial studies' will allow for the critical reading of cinematographic products by Native American directors who aim at the re-appropriation of the image of the Indian and at the deconstruction of the stereotypes presented by Hollywood cinema.

- Knowledge and understanding

The student will come to possess knowledge of the contents and problems characteristic of the discipline (issues concerning the construction of identity and interculturalism in the United States) and of its specific field covered by the course (the representation of such relationships in history, society and cinema). By developing the ability to understand the proposed contents and the ideas discussed, the student will be able to identify and use previous knowledge and will be able to trace intersections and connections with other disciplines (history, geography, political science)

- Applying knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding in order to demonstrate a professional approach to work. Both the ability to support arguments and to solve problems go in this direction, also with reference to new and interdisciplinary situations. Will be able to discuss social and cultural issues with appropriate language and in depth.

- Making judgments

The student will have acquired information and/or data in the field of study in question, useful for reflection, the formulation of hypotheses and the determination of independent judgements. He will also be able to apply the study and research methodology to other aspects of U.S. culture. not specifically treated. Will be able to face a discussion in an interdisciplinary way and with respect for cultural, ethnic, class and gender diversity.

- Communication skills

The student will be able to clearly communicate knowledge, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist interlocutors. This also includes the acquisition of specific vocabulary.

- Ability to learn (learning skills)

The student should have already learned to study and learn independently. If not, this will be a good opportunity to do so.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

'Front' lesson and 'participated' lesson, film watching, group work, participation in conferences.

Innovative teaching methods

The lessons will be held in English. We will use the CLIL methodology to venture into chapters related to those touched by the central theme of the course.

On the "Blended" platform, materials and resources are available to expand and deepen the lessons.

Attendance

Study all the material that will be progressively inserted on the Blended platform.

Bring the texts for adoption in the classroom either in paper or electronic format.

To communicate with the teacher it is mandatory to use the uniurb institutional account (eduardo.fichera@uniurb.it).

Course books

Key texts of the course:

• Remini, Robert. Breve storia degli Stati Uniti d'America. Bompiani, 2009
• Campbell, Neil and Alasdair Kean. American Cultural Studies: An Introduction to American Culture. 4th ed., Routledge, 1997.
• Heike, Paul. The Myths That Made America: An Introduction to American Studies. Transcript, 2014.
• Rollins, Peter and John O'Connor, editors. Hollywood's Indian: The Portrait of the Native American in Film. The University Press of Kentucky, 1998.
• Ashcroft, Bill, Gareth Griffiths and Helen Tiffin. Post-Colonial Studies: The Key Concepts. 2nd ed., Routledge, 2000.

Additional texts and resources (film; video; web) will be indicated during the semester.

The sections (chapters; articles; film sequences; etc.) to be studied for these texts will be specified during the course.

For those enrolled in the course, the texts are available on Blended in ".pdf" format

Assessment

Written test. There will be six (6) open questions on the exam. Students are required to answer five (5) of the six questions. At least two of the answers must be in English. Time allowed: 50 min.

The evaluation is based on knowledge of the information and understanding of the topics covered, as well as on a correct and coherent presentation of the contents.

The maximum score obtainable on each of the answers is six (6). Who gets at least 2 points on each of the answers will get '1 extra point'. Who gets at least 3 points on each of the answers will get '2 extra points'.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Attendance

Additional work for non-attending students will be posted on Blended

Course books

Key texts of the course:

• Remini, Robert. Breve storia degli Stati Uniti d'America. Bompiani, 2009
• Campbell, Neil and Alasdair Kean. American Cultural Studies: An Introduction to American Culture. 4th ed., Routledge, 1997.
• Heike, Paul. The Myths That Made America: An Introduction to American Studies. Transcript, 2014.
• Rollins, Peter and John O'Connor, editors. Hollywood's Indian: The Portrait of the Native American in Film. The University Press of Kentucky, 1998.
• Ashcroft, Bill, Gareth Griffiths and Helen Tiffin. Post-Colonial Studies: The Key Concepts. 2nd ed., Routledge, 2000.

Additional texts and resources (film; video; web) will be indicated during the semester.

The sections (chapters; articles; film sequences; etc.) to be studied for these texts will be specified during the course.

For those enrolled in the course, the texts are available on Blended in ".pdf" format

Assessment

Written test. There will be six (6) open questions on the exam. Students are required to answer five (5) of the six questions. At least two of the answers must be in English. Time allowed: 50 min.

The evaluation is based on knowledge of the information and understanding of the topics covered, as well as on a correct and coherent presentation of the contents.

The maximum score obtainable on each of the answers is six (6). Who gets at least 2 points on each of the answers will get '1 extra point'. Who gets at least 3 points on each of the answers will get '2 extra points'.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.