AMS-10026: The American Past: Explorations in U.S. History

School of Humanities

AMS-10026

The American Past: Explorations in U.S. History

Co-ordinator:

Dr Laura Sandy Tel:33201

Teaching Team:

Mrs Jayne Braddick, Dr Tim Lustig, Mrs Amanda Porritt, Miss Jo-Anne Watts, Mr Jonathan Bell

Lecture Time:

See Timetable...

Level:

Credits:

Study Hours:

150

School Office:

Tel: 01782 733147

Programme/Approved Electives for

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

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Yes

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description

The American Past module is designed to equip students with a basic grounding in U.S. history from the colonial period to the present day. It stresses the multifaceted character of American development, interweaving such issues as nationalism, race, gender, and class in a broad narrative and thematic synthesis. Students will be particularly encouraged to develop specific insights into the American historical experience through investigation of documentary evidence which will provide the the basis for seminar discussion.

Aims

To introduce students to key themes in the history of the United States from the late colonial period to the present; to develop skills in historical analysis in preparation for advanced level work; to develop transferable analytic, organizational and communication skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history, including awareness of basic chronology, of major social, economic political and cultural trends, and of key individuals who have shaped American development. will be achieved by assessments: 01, 02, 03
write an essay of historical analysis with appropriate research and validation will be achieved by assessments: 02
Present a short oral report on one or more primary documents as a basis for class discussion will be achieved by assessments: 03

Study hours

12 x 1-hour lectures; 12x 1-hour seminars; 126 hours lecture, seminar and essay preparation

Description of Module Assessment

01: Class Test weighted 30%

Formative and Summative 45 minute 10-question test
The test will be taken in week 5 and is designed (a) to monitor acquired knowledge from the first four weeks of the module and (b) to test understanding of the founding concepts used in our study of American national development which will require extended discussion in the long essay. The test will be returned within seven days with written feedback.

02: Essay weighted 60%

2000-word essay
Essay chosen from list exploring major issues in U.S. history. Emphasis on historical analysis, narrative organization, evidence and validation, presentation, and literacy.

03: Class Participation weighted 10%

Participation in seminar discussion, including presentation
Each student will be required to make one class presentation centred around one or more primary documents. In general, marks will be awarded for consistent and active engagement in the seminar, including the ability to interact with other members.

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

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