UnivIS
Information system of Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg © Config eG 
FAU Logo
  Collection/class schedule    module collection Home  |  Legal Matters  |  Contact  |  Help    
search:      semester:   
 
 Layout
 
printable version

 
 
 Also in UnivIS
 
course list

lecture directory

 
 
events calendar

job offers

furniture and equipment offers

 
 

  PS First Ladies in US Politics and Culture (AE_PSFLUS)

Lecturer
Dr. Stefanie Schäfer

Details
Proseminar
2 cred.h, ECTS studies, Sprache Englisch
Time and place: Mon 10:00 - 12:00, KH 2.014

Prerequisites / Organisational information
Das Proseminar gehört zu folgenden Modulen:
BA English and American Studies: Zwischenmodul II Culture
BA English and American Studies: Import-Kombi-Modul Politics and Culture
Zulassungsvoraussetzung: Erfolgreicher Abschluss der GOP

Contents
“Pillow power”; “ornamental part of the presidency”, “symbol of American womanhood” are among the many controversial labels assigned to the First Lady of the US by the few scholarly studies in existence. She is not elected, but resides at the center of the executive branch. She may assume the roles of hostess and mother, interior designer or welfare activist, but she may never meddle in the realm of politics. And yet, the First Lady ‘office’ holds the potential of becoming an influencer, style icon, activist—and even politician.

This course discusses the changing views of the First Lady in the US culture from the Early Republic through the present by looking at historical case studies as well as fictional First Ladies personas. We will discuss “FLOTUS” through a number of perspectives from American Cultural Studies, including civil religion, feminisms, celebrity studies, and fashion studies to assess the public personas different First Ladies have developed in the White House. Specifically, our focus will lie on readings of FLOTUS in popular culture and biography, as well as texts written by First ladies themselves. Case studies will include Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton, as well as Jackie Kennedy and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Recommended literature
Readings: A reader will be provided by the beginning of term. Please buy Katherine Brower’s First Women. The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies and the Nicolle Wallace’s novel Madam President.

Additional information
Maximale Teilnehmerzahl: 20
Registration is required for this lecture.
Registration starts on Monday, 17.9.2018, 19.00 and lasts till Saturday, 6.10.2018, 22.00 über: mein Campus.

Department: Chair of American Studies (Prof. Dr. Paul)
UnivIS is a product of Config eG, Buckenhof