AMS-10024: New York, New York: An Introduction to American Culture

School of Humanities

AMS-10024

New York, New York: An Introduction to American Culture

Co-ordinator:

Dr James Peacock Room: CBB0.025, Tel:33140

Teaching Team:

Mrs Jayne Braddick, Mrs Amanda Porritt, Miss Jo-Anne Watts, Dr Mariangela Palladino

Lecture Time:

See Timetable...

Level:

Credits:

Study Hours:

150

School Office:

Tel: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for

English and American Literatures Single Honours (Level 1)
English Dual Honours (Level 1)
English Major (Level 1)
English Minor (Level 1)
Film Studies Dual Honours (Level 1)
Film Studies Minor (Level 1)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description

New York City holds a special place in the popular imagination. Immortalised in cinema, literature, visual art and song, it continues to symbolise much that is iconic about the United States, but also to maintain a unique identity as somewhere diverse, inclusive, democratic and edgy. This module offers Level I students a chance to explore and discuss the icons, the myths and the realities of this infamous urban space, and at the same time, through a range of texts which includes literature, film, visual art and journalism, demonstrate the unique cross-disciplinary approach of American Studies as a degree programme. Core texts include: William Dean Howells, A Hazard of New Fortunes; Martin Scorcese, Gangs of New York; John Dos Passos, Manhattan Transfer; paintings of the Ash Can school; Spike Lee, Do the Right Thing.

Aims

To facilitate awareness of cross-disciplinary approaches to American Studies, which in turn will provide students with suitable academic development for study on level II and III modules such as "The Detective and the American City." To introduce students to, and provide training in, specific research issues and techniques, as well as transferable skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe and evaluate basic features of multi-disciplinary scholarship (literary, historical and/or political) relating to study of the United States. will be achieved by assessments: 02, 03, 04
describe basic features of the social, historical, and political identity of the United States. will be achieved by assessments: 02, 03
analyse and interpret a range of primary and secondary written and/or visual sources. will be achieved by assessments: 01, 02
make coherent arguments based on evidence and analysis orally and in writing. will be achieved by assessments: 02, 03, 04
relate textual analysis to social, cultural and historical contexts will be achieved by assessments: 03
carry out research using a range of textual and electronic resources. will be achieved by assessments: 02, 03, 04
employ the basic bibliographical, referencing, and presentation requirements of the core disciplines. will be achieved by assessments: 03
demonstrate time management skills will be achieved by assessments: 01, 02, 03

Study hours

10 x 1-hour lectures; 10 x 1-hour seminars; 2 x 2-hour workshops; 76 hours seminar and workshop preparation; 48 hours research presentation and examination preparation; up to 2 hours individual feedback.

Description of Module Assessment

01: Portfolio weighted 30%

Formative tasks leading to a research skills portfolio
Students are required to complete 5 research tasks, including the use of electronic databases to find specific sources, library skills work, how to use quotations properly, and bibliographic conventions. The tasks will be related to their choice of groups presentation topic (assessment 3). In fact, it is advisable to view the portfolio and the presentation almost as one assessment strand because they are closely interlinked.

02: Group Presentation weighted 20%

Group presentation to tutor and peers on chosen topic. Summative.
Small groups (3 or 4 students) will give a presentation of about 10 minutes on the findings of research. Students must pass the examination to pass the module because it is the largest assessment element, and such a requirement helps maintain overall academic standards."

03: Exam weighted 40%

2-hour examination
2 sections. Part A students choose 1 question from a selection and write a conventional essay on a module topic. Part B is a comparison of two short texts from different genres on the same subject (e.g. 9/11). Students compare language, tone, political agenda etc. Students must pass the examination to pass the module because it is the largest assessment element, and such a requirement helps maintain overall academic standards.

04: Class Participation weighted 10%

Participation in seminar and workshop discussion activities
Assesses general quality of contributions, as well as teamwork and time management in seminars and workshops.

Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Oct/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.