What is the United States really like? American's like to think of their country as exceptional. How might the U.S. be considered exceptional, and does it live up to that reputation? This course will explore American Society and the many complex aspects of the country and culture that make it distinctive. You will consider and critique its founding as a country based, not upon history or a homogeneous population, but upon the political principles of freedom and democracy. You will also examine its history as a nation of immigrants, as depicted by the words on the base of the Statue of Liberty. Race, religion, class, politics: all of these aspects of society appear to clearly set the U.S. apart from Europe, but how and to what extent? The social and historical differences have also led to a very distinctive culture, which we will examine from the standpoint of music and sport. How did that culture arise and what is its future in a globalised world? We will explore this influential culture and nation from the perspective of historical documents, written texts, audio, and video to give a full flavour of this nation and its culture.
Develop core reading materials and seminar discussion into portfolio entries based on exercises specified in module document. will be achieved by assessments: 02
Relate discrete topics and various disciplinary approaches together within an essay format. will be achieved by assessments: 01
Develop basic skills of analysis, evaluation and synthesis when dealing with complex and often controversial contemporary material. will be achieved by assessments: 01, 02
Develop basic time management skills by producing properly-researched, reasoned assignments (portfolio and essay) on time. will be achieved by assessments: 01, 02
11 x 1 hour seminars
129 hours class, essay and exam preparation
Essay topics encourage students to link together the discrete topics developed in the module blocks, while developing writing skills for use in essays for other modules (such as New York, New York).
Module topics involve a number of specific exercises throughout the semester; students compile portfolio entries and submit portfolio towards the end of the semester.
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.