Speakers´ Corner

This course focuses on how German culture shaped both the way American writers thought about their own experience, and how American ideas affected Germans. Course will include enslaved writers (Phyllis Wheatley) and free writers (W.E.B. Dubois). English followed by discussion that allows you to sharpen your English conversation and gain understanding of the cultural themes and structure of American English.

Most coverage thus far of the 2024 US presidential election has focused on Biden and Trump. Whether or not one of them is elected again, since they are both in their eighties, the issue of future alternatives to them looms large for Germany and for the rest of the world. At this point, who are the alternatives? What might be some possible scenarios for the leadership of the Democratic and Republican parties? Note that whatever is said between now and November 2024 is subject to significant change. Short summary: Both candidates will be in their 80's; The effect of Trump's inditement ; The effect of Biden's running for reelection; Consideration of the alternative candidates; Likely outcomes

This course focuses on modern poetry. We will look at poets whose poems either had an impact on Germany (Emily Dickinson for example) or who were physically present in Germany (Rita Dove and Audre Lorde) as well as at the lives of their translators. Brief excursus into Afro-German poets is possible. This course will give you self-confidence in discussing poets in a social context.