American Studies Minor (Level 3)
American Studies Single Honours (Level 3)
History Dual Honours (Level 3)
History Major (Level 3)
History Minor (Level 3)
When it comes to the study of American politics and society, there is no getting away from religion. About 96 percent of Americans believe in God; 87 percent consider themselves Christians; and upwards of 40 percent regard biblical prophesies as predictions of real events. Moreover, political leaders in the United States tend to openly declare their religious faith and frequently invoke the powerful imagery of the "nation under God". This module examines the origins of religious vitality in the United States and explores its role in American society and culture since World War II. In the process, it not only revises common assumptions about the link between religion and modernity, but also about the separation of church and state in the United States.
Demonstrate textual interpretation skills relating to evidence on church-state relations will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
Critically evaluate evidence relating to the relationship between religion, political institutions, and social structures will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3,4
Required reading and seminar preparation: 24 hours
Assessed Essay preparation: 50 hours
Exam preparation: 40 hours
Seminar Presentation preparation: 12 hours
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.
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.
Unseen examination testing overall course content.
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 of 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.
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.