LISTENING 2
PRE-VIEWING QUESTION
Can you define exceptionalism? What connotation do you think this word has?
Vocabulary
1. to teem with — be full of or swarming with
2. incantation — a series of words said as a magic spell or charm
3. to bestow — to confer or present (an honour, right or gift )
4. vigilante /vɪdʒɪˈlænti/ — someone who illegally punishes criminals and tries to prevent crime, usually because they think the police are not doing this eff ectively
5. full-fledged — (AmE; cf BrE fully fledged) completely developed or established Note Tarring and feathering is a form of public torture and punishment used in feudal Europe and its colonies in the early modern period, as well as the early American frontier, mostly as a type of mob vengeance. The image of a tarred-and-feathered outlaw remains a metaphor for severe public criticism.
VIEWING TASK
Listen to the lecture and note the important points (fill in the table below). Pay attention to the vocally stressed words.
| Name of | Key words to describe it |
| concept: | |
| notion: | |
| idea: |
Pair work
Compare your notes with a classmate’s and try to give a short description of each concept / idea, etc. If in doubt, at home listen to the lecture again. To check your comprehension, answer the questions (A) and mark the sentences (B) as True, False or Not Given. Support your opinion.
A.
1. What does the idea of American exceptionalism imply?
2. Why is the word ‘freedom’ so extensively used in American political discourse?
3. What serves as a symbol of freedom and liberty in America?
4. What are the features of American freedom?
B
1. Americans know better how to solve others’ problems.
2. Republicanism implies the rule of the majority.
3. The power of the government is limited by checks and balances.
4. America wasn’t supposed to have trade relations with Europeans as they were not to be trusted.
5. American exceptionalism stresses the divine origin of the American mission.
6. The idea of Manifest Destiny was used to validate the acquisition of the North American continent by the colonies.
Critical Thinking
1. Did you find the lecture comprehensive enough? Do you have any questions left that would prompt you to listen to the second part of the lecture? If so, listen, watch and share the new information with your classmates.
2. Did you find the lecturer’s tone appropriate? Was it impartial or did it give an indication of the lecturer’s stance?
Speak Up
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What do you make of American exceptionalism?
2. Why does the idea still hold? Do you think American interference in other countries’ aff airs can be justifi ed by their mission to spread freedom and democracy? Explain your reasoning.
3. What role do you think Manifest Destiny played in the establishment of America as a country?
4. In your view, does America still live up to the standards of liberty and democracy it set for itself?