Puritans and Indians Transcultural Encounters and the Making of the Frontier in Early America

This class examines cultural encounters between the early pioneers on American soil and Native Americans. How were such interactions used in literature and the visual arts to negotiate the problems as well as the opportunities of colonial experience? Symbolic constructions like that of the 'uncivilized' territory beyond the frontier inhabited by heathen tribes were instrumental in endowing the settlers with a firm sense of religious and cultural identity. The dominant self-image of puritan America was marked by a number of myths and legends that helped shape social and cultural practice in the colonies. What role did the narrative of Pocahontas have in the constitution of early America? In what way did the clash of world views and spiritual backgrounds influence the rhetorical as well as the political shaping of colonial life? How did Europeans respond to the New World in words and images? To what degree did the process of colonialization change the indigenous 'old world'? What function did the genre of captivity narratives assume? Why did some captives decide remain in Indian captivity while others modeled native Americans into epitomes of Satan? We will discuss important foundational texts of colonial America, especially sermons, jeremiads, and spiritual autobiographies as well as documents crafted by Native Americans. Texts will include John Smith's writings on Pocahontas, Jean de Brébeuf's missionary accounts in New France as well as Mary Rowlandson's tales of her captivity. We will also look at a few films, such as Black Robe and New World. Anglistik - Amerikanistik Grading: For 5 or 7 credit points: regular attendance and lively participation in class discussions (1/3), an oral presentation as part of an expert group (1/3), and a final paper (10-12 pgs. / 17-20 pgs.) (1/3). For 2 credit points: attendance and participation in class discussions (50%), oral presentation as part of an expert group (50%). Deadline for Final Papers: Friday, August 31 (Tuesday), 2010. Note: There is no (!) extension of this deadline. Universität Siegen 20101 SoSe 2010 26 Priv.-Doz. Dr. A Brandt Stefan L 26 Priv Doz A