To understand the history of the United States, American culture, and the dynamics of relationships among different cultures (both nationally and internationally) through in-depth and critical readings and films.

Students are encouraged to use updated and flexible methodologies during class discussions.

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

Furthermore, students’ autonomy in critical learning and in organizing their study is promoted, providing - for this purpose - adequate guidance and support.

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

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

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

After examining some of the founding 'myths' of American culture, part of the course will be dedicated to the relationship between dominant culture and that of the ‘minorities’.

An introduction to the principles of 'postcolonial studies' will allow for the critical reading of cinematic products by Native American directors aimed at reclaiming the image of the Indian and deconstructing stereotypes presented by Hollywood cinema.

- Knowledge and Understanding (Conoscenza e capacità di comprensione)

The student will come to possess knowledge of contents and characteristic problems of the discipline (issues concerning the construction of identity and interculturalism in the United States) and its specific subject matter of the course (the representation of such relationships in history, society, and cinema). By developing the capacity 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 (Conoscenza e capacità di comprensione applicate)

The student will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding in a way that demonstrates a professional approach to work. This includes both the ability to support arguments and to solve problems, even in reference to new and interdisciplinary situations. They will be able to discuss social and cultural issues using appropriate language and in-depth analysis.

- Making Judgments (Autonomia di giudizio)

The student will have acquired information and/or data in the field of study in question, useful for reflection, formulating hypotheses, and determining independent judgments. They will also be able to apply the study and research methodology to other aspects of U.S.A. culture not specifically treated. They will be able to engage in a discussion in an interdisciplinary way and respecting cultural, ethnic, class, and gender diversity.

- Communication Skills (Abilità comunicative)

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

- Learning Skills (Capacità di apprendere)

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

Frontal lecture and participatory lesson, film viewing, group work, participation in conferences.

Study all the material that will be progressively added to the Blended platform.

Bring the adopted texts to the classroom either in paper or electronic format.

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

Study all the material that will be progressively added to the Blended platform.

Bring the adopted texts to the classroom either in paper or electronic format.

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

Innovative teaching methods

Course books

Key texts of the course:

• Remini, Robert. Breve storia degli Stati Uniti d’America. Bompiani, 2009 
• Heike, Paul. The Myths That Made America: An Introduction to American Studies. Transcript, 2014.
• Rollins, Peter e John O’Connor, editori. Hollywood’s Indian: The Portrayal of the Native American in Film. The University Press of Kentucky, 1998. 
• Kearny Datesman, Maryanne, John Crandal, Edward Kearny. American Ways: Introduction to American Culture. Pearson (US). 2014.
• Mauk, David e John Oakland. American Civilization: An Introduction. Taylor & Francis Ltd. 2009..

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 exam. On the exam, there will be six (6) open questions. 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 an accurate and consistent presentation of the content.

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

Teaching

Study all the material that will be progressively added to the Blended platform.

On Blended there are instructions for additional work for 'non-attending' students.

To communicate with the professor, it is mandatory to use the uniurb institutional account ([email protected])."

Course books

Key texts of the course:

• Remini, Robert. Breve storia degli Stati Uniti d’America. Bompiani, 2009 
• Heike, Paul. The Myths That Made America: An Introduction to American Studies. Transcript, 2014.
• Rollins, Peter e John O’Connor, editori. Hollywood’s Indian: The Portrayal of the Native American in Film. The University Press of Kentucky, 1998. 
• Kearny Datesman, Maryanne, John Crandal, Edward Kearny. American Ways: Introduction to American Culture. Pearson (US). 2014.
• Mauk, David e John Oakland. American Civilization: An Introduction. Taylor & Francis Ltd. 2009..

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 exam. On the exam, there will be six (6) open questions. 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 an accurate and consistent presentation of the content.

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