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This Train is Bound for Glory? American Dreams Then and Now

  • Course Dates: Tue 8 November 2016, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Celebrate the US election day by joining us for this unique occasion.

The American election campaign is once again throwing into sharp relief the differing self-identities that exist in that vast country.

This day will look at them historically, theologically and musically through the image of the train. It will include a live musical lecture by world expert on Woody Guthrie, but will also consider songs from the Spiritual tradition, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.

Outline Programme

Session One – City Upon a Hill with a Manifest Destiny
Looking at the historical roots of American Exceptionalism. It will look at the establishment of the USA and will include reflections on the transcontinental railway.

Session Two – A Promised Land?
Faith in America, from the Founding Fathers to Martin Luther King. An examination of theological concepts underlying the American dreams.

Session Three – This Land is Whose Land?
An illustrated lunchtime concert featuring the story and songs of Woody Guthrie.

Session Four – Land of Hopes and Dreams
Get on board! Visions of America and faith through the lens of a train ride. This will feature live songs from the early spirituals, as well as from the Impressions, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Who is on board the train and where is it going?

Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries
courses@sarum.ac.uk  |  01722 424826  |  01722 424800 (main reception)

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Course Details

Date:
Tue 8 November 2016
Time:
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Event Categories:
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Tutors:
Will Kaufman was born in New Jersey but is now based at the University of Central Lancashire, and is the author of ‘Woody Guthrie- American Radical.’ He is also an accomplished open-tuning guitar and slide guitar player, and interpreter of a wide range of Guthrie’s songs; Hugh Wright recently graduated from Sarum with an MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture (he also holds MA degrees from Oxford and Portsmouth). He is the Vicar of Ventnor and Bonchurch on the Isle of Wight, where he is regularly heard playing and singing the songs of Bob Dylan on his guitar!
Course Code:
2416
Course Price:
£50, includes lunch and refreshments