Resources pertinent to the seminar shall be provided in class and via reserves ("Semesterapparat" 84,2) available in the university library and on Learnweb thereafter.

IIM students may choose themes from this compartive cultural studies seminar for the English-language part of their intermediate exam ("Zwischenprüfung"). IKÜ students may choose themes from this seminar for their final oral exam (mündliche BA-Abschlussprüfung). This seminar is offered every semester (albeit with different themes).

Successful completion of the Sprachkompetenz English Exam or equivalent English proficiency.

Those wishing to participate in this seminar should anticipate regular reading and practical assignments which will enable us to explore the respective themes in depth and with an analytical and academic approach. Most importantly, you should be willing to commit to being an active participant in class discussions and activities.

What are the conditions under which we flourish and lead happy lives? Among several approaches, we shall be exploring happiness as a 'learned cultural phenomenon' of our Western society. The seminar will be attempting to analyse how we work towards making ourselves and others 'happy'. The 'pursuit of happiness' is deemed an 'inalienable right' in the United States, and is constitutionally seen as a cornerstone of U.S. American culture. Yet, are all Americans happy? And, if so, in what way?

IFK, IIM, IKÜ in the third semester of study or higher. In addition to active participation, both a seminar presentation (Referat) and a term paper (Hausarbeit) shall be required to earn credit for this seminar (IIM: G2/G6; IKÜ: Modul BA9E, 4 LP).

Students enrolled in degree programs not listed above yet wishing to participate in this particular seminar are asked to please contact the instructor directly.