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Welcome to the online platform for our Leistungskurs in English.
In the first semester, our overarching theme is Ideals and realities, which is divided into the following sub-topics:
Q1.1 The USA--the formation of a nation *development and principles of American democracy, especially 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'; landmarks of American history, especially Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter; recent political and social developments
Q1.2 Living in the American society (migration and the American Dream, especially questions of identity; values and beliefs (e.g., patriotism)
Q1.3 Manifestation of individualism (American Dream, especially conformity vs. individualism, ambitions and obstacles; visions and nightmares)
We examine values and ideals considered essential in establishing the new nation, the conflicts between those values and ideals and the social, political and economic realities at specific historical moments, and the tensions between the individual and society, especially in the context of the 'American Dream.'
The literary and non-literary texts that we will read, discuss and analyze will be supplemented by an in-depth examination of the 2008 film Gran Torino through the lens of the semester's themes.
Your participation in our lessons is required, meaning that you must come to class well-prepared. Written homework assignments may be collected and evaluated at any time. The more effort you put into doing them, the better prepared you will be both to express yourself orally and to write the exams. Homework must be submitted for my review after your absence from our lessons.
- Teacher: Robin Sherlock