THE UNITED STATES: THE RHETORICAL MAKING A NATION

This module is part of the minor course "The Americas: Rhetorics, Politcs, Myths", which aims at offering a specific knowledge of the construction of social and cultural idenities in the Americas, focusing in particular on the rhetorics that have contributed to the emergence of various national and transnational mythologies, which continue to have a significant impact on political, social and cultural changes worldwide.

The educational goals related to each of the three parts of the module are:

Section 1:
- general knowledge of the factors contributing to an autonomous self-definition of American identity;
- general knowledge of key texts related to such self-definition;
- ability to locate those factors in the historical and cultural landscape.

Section 2:
- general knowledge of the historical development of American literature from WWII to now;
- knowledge of the main features of postmodernism;
- ability to recognize the most recurring formal choices in postmodernism.

Good knowledge of English (≥B2)

The module “The United States: The RhetoricalMaking of a Nation” is divided into two sections centered on: 1) the rhetorics of new beginnings in Puritan culture; 2) the rhetorics of media and consumerism in the late 20th century.

The readings required for submodules 1 and 2 are all available on moodle:
https://moodle.unive.it/course/view.php?id=1043

The final 6 credits for the module can be gained as follows:
2 credits gained by attending the following classes within the Anglo-American Literature 2 (LT002B) course taught by Prof. Simone Francescato
2 credits gained by attending classes taught by Pia Masiero, starting from November 20th. The schedule will be negotiated with the teacher.

Part 1:
J. Smith, da The General History of Virginia
W. Bradford, da Of Plymouth Plantation
J. Winthrop, “A Model of Christian Charity”
A. Bradstreet, brani scelti
M. Rowlandson, da A Narrative
C. Mather, da Magnalia Christi Americana

Part 2:
G. Saunders "Jon", "The Semplica Girls Diaries"
D. Foster Wallace, "E Unibus Pluram", “Little Expressionless Animals"
These texts will be available on moodle.

Reference textbook (for part 1 and 3) An Outline of American Literature (available on moodle and here: https://publications.america.gov/publication/outline-of-american-literature-outline-series/ )

Written exam featuring 6 open questions (2 for each part of the module).

Lectures and class/online discussion

The "The United States: Rhetorics of a Nation" is hosted on the moodle platform: https://moodle.unive.it/course/view.php?id=1043
The key to subscribe will be provided by Prof. Francescato at the beginning of the module.

written