Review: American Studies at the Long Night of the Sciences 2016

It has been about four weeks now since the Dresden Long Night of the Sciences took place on June 10, 2016. As every year, scientific institutions of all kinds presented their research to the broader public via presentations, displays, information stands, and other media. For the first time after a longer pause, the American Studies at TU Dresden were among the number of participants: from 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. this evening, visitors could get an impression of what the American Studies at Dresden are all about.

With the US presidential election looming big over the year 2016, the general focus of this evening was on American politics. A short clip combining scenes from the US primaries with imagery from popular media created the right mood for the evening.

Copyright: Fabian Gregori.

Further, individual stands offered information and commented on concepts, threads, and narratives that have played – and continue to play – a prominent role in US politics, while visitors had the opportunity to participate in a mock election. Voters could choose one of the three candidates which were still in the race for the presidential election: the Democratic Party (symbolized by the color blue) had still two potential candidates – Hillary Clinton and Bernard “Bernie” Sanders. The potential nominee for the Republican Party (symbolized by the color red) was and is Donald Trump.

Copyright: Fabian Gregori.

In addition, every hour, members of the institute gave short presentations on their past or current research projects:

Prof. Katja Kanzler:  “Von ‘West Wing’ bis ‘Veep’: Politik in Amerikanischen Fernsehserien”.

Gesine Wegner: “Nur für Kinder? Comics als Gegenstand wissenschaftlicher Analyse.”

Michaela Beck: “‘Regional ist erste Wahl’? Amerikanische Local Food Narrative als Orte der Wertevermittlung.”

Copyright: Fabian Gregori.

Last but not least, visitors of all ages were challenged in a little quiz about the United States.

Copyright: Fabian Gregori.

We want to thank again all who helped in advance, during, and after this truly successful event – whether you prepared, planned, designed, cleaned, cleared up after us, or attended as a visitor with your interest, your questions and suggestions!

It is with this very positive impression that the American Studies at the TU Dresden are looking forward to the Long Night of the Sciences 2017.