This paper is a summary of the lecture "North American Civilisation". It contains topics such as the American history, culture, politics, arts and lifestyle.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- What constitutes America
- Pilgrim Father to Urban Cowboy
- Cowboys and Indians
- American Dream - Melting Pot to Salad Bowl
- Early Founders
- City Upon A Hill
- Immigration
- Class and Slavery
- Slavery
- Civil Rights Movement
- Class
- Women
- Women's History
- Feminism
- Popular Culture
- Media
- Sentimental Novel
- Film History
- Soap Opera
- Music
- Colonial Era
- Classical Music
- Musical
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text aims to provide a comprehensive overview of North American civilization, exploring its diverse history, culture, and social dynamics. It delves into the complexities of American identity, examining themes of immigration, class, race, gender, and popular culture.
- The Formation of American Identity
- The Legacy of Western Expansion and the Frontier
- The Role of Immigration and Multiculturalism
- The Perpetuation of Class and Racial Inequality
- The Evolution of Women's Rights and Roles in Society
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- What constitutes America: This section examines various perspectives on American identity, highlighting the concepts of "E pluribus unum" and the melting pot, as well as challenges to these ideas. It explores the role of American exceptionalism and the influence of historical figures like Arthur M. Schlesinger and Hector St. John des Crevecoeur.
- Pilgrim Father to Urban Cowboy: This section focuses on key American myths and their evolution, including the frontier myth, the self-made man, and the "city upon a hill" concept. It explores the works of R.W.B. Lewis and Frederick Jackson Turner, highlighting their contributions to understanding American identity.
- Cowboys and Indians: This section examines the romanticized image of the cowboy and the clash between Native Americans and settlers. It delves into the masculine ideal of the American West and the historical figures of Tecumseh and General Sheridan.
- American Dream - Melting Pot to Salad Bowl: This section explores the concept of the American Dream and its evolution. It examines the role of immigration in shaping American society, from the colonial era to the present day, and discusses the transition from the "melting pot" to the "salad bowl" metaphor.
- Early Founders: This section examines the early settlements in North America, highlighting the contributions of different groups like the Spanish, English, Pilgrims, Dutch, and Quakers. It discusses the founding of Jamestown, Virginia, and the Mass. Bay Colony, exploring their unique characteristics and impact on American history.
- City Upon A Hill: This section delves into the concept of "city upon a hill" as an ideal for American society, exploring its origins in John Winthrop's sermon and its reinterpretation by presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
- Immigration: This section provides a detailed overview of immigration waves in North America, tracing the patterns of migration from the colonial era to the present day. It examines different groups of immigrants, including those from Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and explores the legal framework governing immigration.
- Class and Slavery: This section explores the complex interplay of class and slavery in American history. It examines the institution of slavery from its origins to its abolition, highlighting its impact on African Americans and American society as a whole.
- Slavery: This section delves deeper into the institution of slavery, examining the conditions of enslaved people, their resistance, and the struggle for abolition. It features notable events like the Louisiana Purchase, the Missouri Compromise, and the Civil War.
- Civil Rights Movement: This section provides a summary of the Civil Rights Movement, focusing on key events and figures like the 1954 Supreme Court ruling on school segregation, Rosa Parks' bus boycott, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It explores the contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X to the movement.
- Class: This section examines the concept of class in American society, exploring its relationship to race and social mobility. It highlights the perspectives of Thomas Jefferson, Upton Sinclair, and James Dickey on the role of class in shaping American identity and culture.
- Women: This section focuses on women's history and the struggle for women's rights in North America. It explores the legal status of women, the rise of feminism, and the cultural and social changes that have impacted women's lives.
- Women's History: This section delves deeper into the history of women's rights, examining the legal status of women, the suffrage movement, and the emergence of feminist thought. It highlights key figures like Sojourner Truth and the impact of the 19th Amendment.
- Feminism: This section discusses the different waves of feminism, examining their key concerns, strategies, and achievements. It explores the work of Betty Friedan and the impact of the feminist movement on American society.
- Popular Culture: This section explores the role of popular culture in shaping American identity and values. It examines different media forms, including print media, film, television, and music, and their influence on American society.
- Media: This section provides an overview of media forms in America, tracing their evolution from the 17th century to the present day. It discusses the impact of technology on media and the role of media in shaping public opinion.
- Sentimental Novel: This section explores the genre of sentimental novel and its influence on American culture. It examines works like "Charlotte Temple" and "Clarissa" and their impact on shaping American values and sensibilities.
- Film History: This section provides a historical overview of American cinema, tracing its development from the early days of primitive cinema to the rise of Hollywood. It examines key technical innovations, studio systems, and the evolution of film genres.
- Soap Opera: This section examines the genre of soap operas, exploring its origins, characteristics, and impact on American culture. It discusses the evolution of soap opera themes and the role of soap operas in reflecting social and cultural changes.
- Music: This section explores the history of music in North America, highlighting the contributions of different genres, including colonial-era music, classical music, and musical theater.
- Colonial Era: This section examines music during the colonial era, highlighting its roots in British traditions and its role in social events. It explores the development of hymns, folk music, and the use of music as a social gathering tool.
- Classical Music: This section explores the development of classical music in America, examining the contributions of key figures like Charles Ives, Samuel Barber, and George Gershwin. It discusses the establishment of music schools and the emergence of American composers on the world stage.
- Musical: This section examines the genre of musical theater, highlighting the works of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim and their impact on American culture.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The text focuses on key themes such as American identity, immigration, class, race, gender, popular culture, and the frontier myth. It explores concepts such as the American Dream, exceptionalism, multiculturalism, assimilation, and the "city upon a hill" ideal. It also examines historical events like the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the suffrage movement.
Fin de l'extrait de 7 pages
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- Citation du texte
- Bianca Lehner (Auteur), 2013, North American Civilisation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/437799
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