Master
2026/2027
Research Seminar "American Literature Cultural Code"
Type:
Elective course (Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication)
Delivered by:
School of Foreign Languages
Where:
Faculty of Humanities
When:
1 year, 3 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
3
Contact hours:
20
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course is designed to illuminate the nuances of American cultural identity, with a particular emphasis on the foundational myths that have shaped the nation’s collective consciousness. Central to this exploration is the seminal myth of North America as the "Promised Land," coupled with the early colonists' self-conception as a people "chosen by God." These core narratives laid the groundwork for the emergence of derivative myths, such as the myth of New Canaan, which guided European settlers in their adaptation to the "new" continent, and the myth of the New Adam, whose archetype served as an aspirational model for generations of migrants.
Over time, these mythic constructs have become integral components of the American cultural code, permeating the nation’s literary canon from the early 19th century to the present day. This course, combining literary and cultural studies, will delve into the rich literary heritage of American authors who have played a pivotal role in perpetuating and reinterpreting the abovementioned myths, offering students a profound understanding of their enduring influence on national identity.
To fully engage with the course material and participate in discussions, students are expected to possess a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English, corresponding to a CEFR level of B2+ to C1.
Learning Objectives
- The course aims to develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in oral and written formats. The course offers a motley variety of activities, including quizzes, essays, discussions, presentations, project work, games, creative writing, etc. • be able to differentiate between American cultural models • be able to identify the connections between American literature and culture • be able to analyze essays on American culture • be able to outline the literary history of America • be able to identify core American national myths • be able to summarize an argument, compare/contrast the thematic and structural characteristics of literary texts • advance skills of presenting one’s own opinion and participating (individually or in small groups) in debates on a wide range of topics related to the course subject matter • advance skills of thinking, reading, and writing analytically and critically • advance skills of using terminology and methods employed within the course • advance skills of working with primary and secondary sources • know major periods in American literature • know significant periods and streams of American literature
Expected Learning Outcomes
- • be able to differentiate between American cultural models
- • be able to identify the connections between American literature and culture
- • be able to analyze essays on American literature and culture
- • be able to outline the literary history of America
- to be able to identify the national myths in the texts of contemporary American literature
Course Contents
- Topic 1 Intro class. How did American national myths appear?
- Topic 2 What is the role of the indigenous peoples of America?
- Topic 3 What are the traits of American national character?
- Topic 4 What are the limitations of American Dream?
- Topic 5 What myths do the contemporary American authors exploit?
Assessment Elements
- Ongoing quizzes and tests: Контрольные работы *0,2
- Independent Assessment: Активность * 0.2Active participation in group discussions and in-class assignments is required at every seminar. Students should inform their professor about their excused absences before the class (not after) by email, and provide the doctor’s note and other documents about them. An excused absence is an absence due to a number of accepted reasons such as a medical or personal issue beyond one’s control, participation in a significant extracurricular university event, conference etc. If the absence is excused, the grade for seminar participation will not be reduced. However, even if a student is absent, they are still responsible for any written homework assignments; because they will have at least a week’s lead time, the due date for these remains the same regardless of one’s absence.
- Research Paper Presentation: Выступление с докладом * 0.3
- Essay: Эссе * 0,3
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 3rd module0.2 * Ongoing quizzes and tests: Контрольные работы *0,2 + 0.3 * Research Paper Presentation: Выступление с докладом * 0.3 + 0.3 * Essay: Эссе * 0,3 + 0.2 * Independent Assessment: Активность * 0.2
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- From puritanism to postmodernism : a history of American literature, Ruland, R., 1992
- Pavese, C., & Fussell, E. S. (2017). American Literature : Essays and Opinions. London: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1564310
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- A brief history of American literature, Gray, R., 2011