From mythological sirens to ocean explorers, women’s relationships with the sea have been shaped by both cultural constraints and acts of resistance. This seminar examines historical and cultural representations of girl- and womanhood and bodies of salt (and fresh) water in the English-speaking world, with a focus on Turtle Island, i.e., the North American continent, in the world ocean. Through the analysis of various cultural objects, such as motion pictures, art, as well as nature, autobiographical, and fictional writing, students will explore key themes at the intersection of feminist cultural criticism, gender studies, and the blue humanities. In addition to deepening their knowledge of cultural history and cultural analysis, students will also refine their academic reading, writing, and presentation skills.
The class is open to B.A. E-SC students studying D2a, WD2b, and WD2c as well as international exchange students and students doing ‘Freiwillige Zusatzleistungen,’ general studies, or ‘Ersatzleistungen.’ Prior enrolment via Stud.IP is mandatory and admission is limited to a maximum of thirty-five students. Please check Stud.IP regularly for updates.
Requirements
• active participation in weekly in-person meetings,
• in-depth study of the primary and secondary material (including extensive weekly reading assignments) in preparation for each session,
• graded or ungraded assignment in accordance with the respective module requirements.

From mythological sirens to ocean explorers, women’s relationships with the sea have been shaped by both cultural constraints and acts of resistance. This seminar examines historical and cultural representations of girl- and womanhood and bodies of salt (and fresh) water in the English-speaking world, with a focus on Turtle Island, i.e., the North American continent, in the world ocean. Through the analysis of various cultural objects, such as motion pictures, art, as well as nature, autobiographical, and fictional writing, students will explore key themes at the intersection of feminist cultural criticism, gender studies, and the blue humanities. In addition to deepening their knowledge of cultural history and cultural analysis, students will also refine their academic reading, writing, and presentation skills.
The class is open to B.A. E-SC students studying D2a, WD2b, and WD2c as well as international exchange students and students doing ‘Freiwillige Zusatzleistungen,’ general studies, or ‘Ersatzleistungen.’ Prior enrolment via Stud.IP is mandatory and admission is limited to a maximum of thirty-five students. Please check Stud.IP regularly for updates.
Requirements
• active participation in weekly in-person meetings,
• in-depth study of the primary and secondary material (including extensive weekly reading assignments) in preparation for each session,
• graded or ungraded assignment in accordance with the respective module requirements.