forging an american culture 1790-1860 why study culture? u art and literature are the ultimate...
TRANSCRIPT
Why Study Culture?
Art and literature are the ultimate expression of a nation’s identity
They are the product of the society’s collective experience
Culture can be used to underscore and reinforce themes taught in class
Literature: Themes
Past Imagination Common Man & Democracy Mystery & Supernatural Individualism Nature (Love of Nature & its Wisdom) Emotion over Reason
Literature: Writers
Herman Melville: Moby Dick Nathaniel Hawthorne: The Scarlet Letter James Fennimore Cooper: The
Leatherstocking Tales Henry David Thoreau: Walden Essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson Poetry of William Cullen Bryant Stories of Edgar Allan Poe &
Washington Irving
American Music
No major orchestral composers Few cities had their own symphonies or
large performances Orchestral music reflected romantic
elements Most popular music focused on
common man themes
American Music
Buffalo GalsI danced with a gal with a hole in her stockingAnd he knees was a-knockin' and her shoes was a'rockin'I danced with a gal with a hole in her stockingAnd we danced by the light of the moon
CHORUS:Buffalo gals won't you come out tonightCome out tonight come out tonightBuffalo gals won't you come out tonightAnd we'll dance by the light of the moon
Stephen Collins Foster
Pioneer in American Music
•One of the first to write popular music with wide appeal
•Oh Susanna
•Camptown Races
•The Old Folks at Home (state song of Florida)