Implementation of integrative approach in teaching American studies in institutions of higher education

Abstract

Introduction: the relevance of this research is rooted in the changing political and economic climate of the world community, with the increasing role and presence of Russia and the USA in the global picture. It should therefore be investigated and critically analyzed how the world outlook and national values evolve during the time of crisis at the turn of the 20th and 21st century.Interdisciplinarity and complexity are the main principles that underlie the proposed integrative approach used in teaching the course "American Studies: Economic, Historical and Cultural Perspectives" in modern Russian universities. The main purpose of the article is to elaborate theoretical and practical basis of the American Studies syllabus and to define the most rational methods of teaching the course to university students majoring in economics. Materials and Methods: the methodology of the research was based on the principles of integrative approach. Systematic method, being the main method of the present research, implies incorporating texts of various discourse practices into the methodological base of the interdisciplinary course, which was devised by the authors of this article. Comparative analysis is considered to be the dominant method of teaching, as it contributes to the development of the whole set of competences ranging from intercultural communication to professional skills and abilities. Results: this research pioneers a comprehensive theoretical base for an integrated course that would combine history of literature, history of culture and history itself. The findings of the research include a range of topics and texts that cover economic, political, social and cultural issues expressed in various language forms. As a result of this research,methods that activate the development of analytical skills and problem solving skills in any professional practice have been highlighted. Discussion and Conclusions: practical approbation of the developed course showed that it promotes the systematization and deepening of students' knowledge within the professional cycle, the formation of scientific and comparative analysis skills and general scientific competencies in general, and awareness of the social function of cultural phenomena. Further developments in this area may be associated with the strengthening of components that reflect the interaction of the linguistic and cultural component with the phenomena and technologies of modern times, with the mass media and multimedia environment.