Course Objectives

The intention of this course is to provide some insight into the development of the multi-cultural American society during the last two centuries, with particular emphasis on the 20th century.

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to immigration history and literature. The course also provides an introduction to minority cultures, particularly the history, art and literature of the Native American, Afro-American and Latin American minorities. The syllabus comprises a selection of literary and non-fiction texts, films and paintings. Themes such as assimilation, the ‘melting pot’ and various forms of cultural diversity will be discussed. The syllabus texts will provide students with an elementary insight into and practice of textual criticism, using the appropriate terminology and methods. In meeting these artistic and cultural manifestations, the students will develop a feeling for the language that will be valuable in teaching and in other arenas of communication. Particular emphasis will be placed on how the texts can be used and taught in schools.

Learning Methods

Lectures and seminars. Four hours weekly during the spring semester.
The lectures will provide background and broadly discuss the themes of the syllabus, while the seminar instruction will help the students to activate their use of verbal English and provide an arena for discussing specific syllabus texts. As part of the ongoing assessment, the students will also work with written assignments and/or oral presentations. An attendance rate of at least 80% is required for the seminars.

Assessment Methods

Assessment during the course will include tests and/or assignments, which will constitute 40% of the final grade. The final examination will count for 60%. Students must achieve passing marks in both the ongoing assessment and the final examination in order to earn a final passing grade.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean