In/Authenticity: Painting and Modernity in the U.S.

ANG-L3_v1, F2, -F3, -F5; X-LKE-2, -6

7.110204

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Beschreibung

The Western concept of authenticity is a tricky one. It may refer to undisputable authorship or an accurate representation of something as opposed to being an inaccurate version or even a fake by an imitator and, therefore, less valuable. To complicate the matter, authenticity may also refer to character and include a moral component. What does it mean when we call somebody authentic, that is, presumably expressing his/her “true” self? And what does it mean to assign a group or a nation, authentic qualities and behaviors? This class seeks to probe deeper into the ambiguous layers of the notion of in/authenticity by studying some critical essays by, e.g. Walter Benjamin, Lionel Trilling, or Aleida Assmann. Furthermore, we will examine the modernist paintings by Edward Hopper regarding their “authenticity,” stark realism, and genuine “Americanness.” Here, the course seeks to provide students with the necessary skills in the analysis of visual art, including the media-specific characteristics of painting as well as an understanding of the specific art historical contexts.

The course will involve an excursion to the exhibition in Cologne, “Es war einmal in Amerika: 300 Jahre US-amerikanische Kunst.” We are, of course, mostly interested in the paintings by Hopper, whom the exhibition allows us to study alongside his contemporaries and fellow realist painters (see also https://www.wallraf.museum/ausstellungen/vorschau/2018-11-13-amerika/information/). Students will be required to prepare a 10-minute presentation about a work of art that is part of the exhibition.

Further course requirements are regular attendance, active participation in class discussions, preparation of the weekly text materials, and occasional written assignments in preparation for class. The reading materials and paintings are accessible online and through Stud.IP (see syllabus).

For questions, please contact: mikeck@uni-osnabrueck.de.

Weitere Angaben

Ort: 41/E07
Zeiten: Mo. 16:00 - 18:00 (wöchentlich)
Erster Termin: Montag, 22.10.2018 16:00 - 18:00, Ort: 41/E07
Veranstaltungsart: Seminar (Offizielle Lehrveranstaltungen)

Studienbereiche

• Veranstaltungen > Interdisziplinäre Studiengänge > Literatur und Kultur in Europa > Modul 2: Nationale Literatur und Kultur A
• Veranstaltungen > Interdisziplinäre Studiengänge > Literatur und Kultur in Europa > Modul 6: Spezialisierung und Professionalisierung
• Schnupperstudium > Schnupper Uni > Anglistik; Englisch
• Veranstaltungen > Anglistik; Englisch > Kulturwissenschaft > Master
• Courses in English > Language and Literary Studies
• Veranstaltungen > Anglistik; Englisch > Literaturwissenschaft > Master

 Zur Veranstaltung in StudIP