Challenges of transatlantic study

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  • #5777
    Sarah Robbins
    Guest

    What do you see as the major challenges facing curriculum-building in transatlantic studies today? What are some strategies for addressing those challenges?

    #7622
    Kaleigh Wyrick
    Guest

    It seems to me that tradition is the biggest obstacle to transatlantic studies, since once we zoom out and see that there are transatlantic movements and connections taking place around and through our localized lenses, trying to define an “American” or “British” studies seems difficult to justify. I would think that if the strategy of directly creating transatlantic courses doesn’t work, then in any American or British class I would encourage students to think about our topics with that frame of mind and to do projects that make those connections, and I would include readings that bring in transatlantic information and perspectives. At this point that might be more difficult to do, but even one or two transatlantic readings is a start!

    #7648
    Marie Martinez
    Guest

    I think one of the main challenges I’ve encountered is knowing that I do not have an equal command of British and American literature. With 19th-century British literature as my primary area of specialization, I find that I may not be quite as prepared to respond spontaneously to students’ more challenging questions about American works and authors during class discussions. In these moments, I am very transparent with students, and I’ve found that they appreciate having someone go the extra mile to find out the answer(s) to their questions. Often they are questions we can find out the answers to together. It has been one way to get students excited to do a bit of research and also to practice research skills, and we get to learn together.

    In my scholarly work, using public health or medicine and transatlanticism as lenses provide a starting place that have helped me narrow my research focus while also broadening my knowledge of both American and British culture and literature.

    #7696
    Samantha Moore
    Guest

    I think one of my biggest concerns is similar to Marie’s. As my focus is on 19th century British Literature, designing a course that equally explores transatlantic connections is still somewhat intimidating. The connections I see being made in the syllabi on this site are fascinating, and they will continue to be invaluable resources when I plan my own transatlantic class!

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