Running in American culture extends beyond a simple physical activity and has increasingly become a means of individual and collective expression. Its impact resonates in health, community building, cultural representation as well as political and social movements.
This seminar will discuss the multifaceted theme of running narratives within the context of American culture. Grounded in interdisciplinary perspectives, we will discuss the role of running in different texts and in how far running is an intricate part of the American social and cultural landscapes. The course will draw on a diverse range of materials, including literature, film, advertisements, and social media. We will explore narratives that span across various communities from Native American running traditions to the meaning of the marathon in contemporary urban settings.
Key areas of discussion include the intersections of running with issues of race, gender, and class, scrutinizing how running narratives contribute to the construction and negotiation of individual and collective identities. In addition, this seminar critically assesses the role of this sport in shaping notions of freedom, resistance, and empowerment, taken its significance in both historical and contemporary contexts into consideration.
In-depth analysis and collaborative discussions will be vital parts of this course. We will have a critical look at running narratives from various angles, understanding - for example - how running serves as a metaphor for mobility, progress and the pursuit of the American Dream.
- Kursleiter/in: Iris Aya Laemmerhirt