From Johnny Cash to The Chicks, from Buddy Red Bow to Beyoncé: country music has always been far more diverse, innovative, and controversial than its stereotypes suggest. At its heart, country is a storytelling tradition—turning everyday experiences, personal struggles, and unforgettable characters into songs that travel across generations.
Struggling with the expectations of everyone around you? Kacey Musgraves might remind you to ”Follow Your Arrow.” Wondering how much to risk—and how much to save—for those pesky exams? Kenny Rogers’ ”The Gambler” may have a lesson or two. And if you ever need advice on dealing with a wayward lover, June Carter and Johnny Cash’s ”Jackson” are ready to show you how it’s done.
For students studying in a decisively rural area of Northern Germany, country music offers unique perspectives on themes that still matter today: life in small communities, changing rural identities, family histories, migration, work, belonging, and the deep connection between people and place.
So, saddle up, y’all, for a journey into the heart of American country music! Explore the stories, history, culture, and legends behind the songs that have shaped generations of Americans—from dusty backroads to the biggest stages. Then bring those inspirations home: in a creative project, develop your own stories, ideas, and artistic responses inspired by American country roads and your own local landscapes.
A little country spirit, a lot of creativity, and plenty of room to make it your own: This could be your 2026-2027 B.A. Applied Studies of English Project. Yee-haw!
- Dozent/in: Anette Brauer