Module Tutor Photo
School of Humanities  
 
 
AMS-30029 Social Thought and Social Movements in the US  
Co-ordinator: Prof Axel Schaefer    Room: CBB1.057, Tel:33009  
Teaching Team: Mrs Jayne  Braddick, Dr Tim  Lustig, Mrs Amanda  Porritt, Prof Axel  Schaefer, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts, Mr Jonathan  Bell  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
American Studies Dual Honours (Level 3)
American Studies Minor (Level 3)
American Studies Single Honours (Level 3)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
None
Prerequisites
Successful completion of at least one module coded AMS-2XXXX

Description

For a nation conceived in revolution, radical social thought has always had a special cultural and political significance, in spite of the apparent dominance of liberal capitalism as the main mode of ordering political, socio-economic, and cultural relations. This module explores selected critical social movements and intellectual traditions in the US, using both primary and secondary sources. This will serve both as an introduction to the field of the history of ideas and as a means of understanding the main contributions American culture has made to traditions of Western social thought.
Aims
This module explores selected traditions of social thought and social criticism in modern American society, using both primary and secondary sources. It is designed to expose students to a wide variety of traditions in American thought in order to introduce them to the field of intellectual history and to place what they have learned in other modules in the broader context of developments in American arts and letters. Moreover, the module seeks to relate traditions of social thought to a variety of social movements and to examine the impact changing patterns of understanding the self and society had on the development of American culture.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Describe the historical context, intellectual grounding, political challenges, and cultural significance of a range of social movements in American society through the analysis of a range of primary and secondary sources. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
Apply their critical understanding of historical ideas and movements through the analysis of the connections between social thought and social action. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
Evaluate evidence critically, argue logically, and challenge taken-for-granted assumptions. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
Present findings in appropriate oral and written form will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
Study hours
12 two-hour seminars: 24 hours
Required reading and seminar preparation: 24 hours
Assessed Essay preparation: 50 hours
Exam preparation: 40 hours
Seminar Presentation preparation: 12 hours
Description of Module Assessment
01: Essay weighted 40%
Assessed essay
c. 2000-word essay, enabling students to apply their critical understanding of the interaction between social ideas and movements though the analysis of a range of primary and secondary sources and give them feedback on their knowledge and skills acquisition.
02: Presentation weighted 10%
individual presentation and class handout
Students will be able to choose from a range of set topics for a 15-minute seminar presentation to demonstrate the module's main learning outcomes in preparation for the assessed essay.
03: 2 Hour Unseen Exam weighted 40%
unseen exam - 2 hrs
Unseen examination testing overall course content.
04: Class Participation weighted 10%
Seminar attendance and participation
Participation is assessed according to effort as well as academic ability; i.e., evidence of preparation in response to set seminar topics, readiness to apply the preparation positively in class discussion, and quality fo contributions. Tutor will keep a weekly record to support marks awarded. Encourages development of both individual oral presentation and team-working skills in seminars and workshops
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

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