ENG2500 – American History
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
You will study the topic of US history in the 20th century with focus on a particular theme or era. The course may focus more heavily on select decades—with greater focus on the post-WWII years, a heavy focus on the interwar era, or more attention paid to the early part of the century. It may also highlight race and civil rights, religion, foreign affairs and diplomacy, or a similar, overarching theme. Students will assess and analyze the major developments and the ways that American society and culture changed over the decades. The course will cover this period of profound change by examining the critical social, cultural, and political transformations that altered the nation. Major historiographical interpretations will be emphasized as well. The United States’ involvement in world affairs and the tension between international engagement and isolationism will also be stressed. Primary and secondary source readings, along with classroom activities, will help students to critically engage this key era of American development and will help them to build their interpretive skills.
The semester topic for spring 2025: The Long 1960s
In this course you will study the political, cultural, and intellectual history of the US in the turbulent, Long 1960s (roughly 1956 to 1974). This era was marked by intense social strife seldom witnessed in the nation’s history. It was an age defined by artistic and social experimentation and breaking with tradition. As journalist and author Joan Didion put it, "This sense that the world can be reinvented smells of the Sixties in this country, those years when no one at all seemed to have any memory or mooring . . ."
Accordingly, you will examine the upheaval of the era with special attention to ethnicity, race, environment, youth, and gender. Topics and themes to be covered include: liberalism, the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, student radicalism and the counterculture, music and film, conservatism, and the legacies of the 60s. Students will read from a range of original sources from the decade along with secondary source, interpretive literature.
Finally, you will explore the impact of this critical decade in the nation’s history and consider how the developments and controversies of the 60s continue to influence the present.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you:
- are able to critically analyze the way in which scholars understand key issues of 20th-century US history.
- can critically engage with historical theories and methodologies to investigate and analyze the political, economic, and cultural struggles within the US.
- will be able to apply knowledge and communicate informed opinions about 20th century American history, employing historical claims and arguments, and analyzing and clearly presenting arguments.
- can demonstrate an awareness of historical and contemporary relationships and how these relations shape our perceptions.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
It is recommended that students take ENG1506 – American History and Society: An Introduction before taking this course.
Teaching
Seminars, 2 hours per week for 10 weeks. 20 hours in all.
You are expected to read all assignments and come ready to discuss these in the seminars.
Students are required to pass 4 of 6 short open-book quizzes in order to complete the course.
The submission of the first draft of your term paper. Read more here about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements. Information about guidelines for obligatory activities
It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you have to attend 6 of 10 seminars. The requirement is absolute.
The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.
If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.
If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.
In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accomodations.
All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester for you to sit the exam. Approved course requirements are only valid the semester you attend the course.
Examination
The final grade is set on the basis of a written term paper (5-7 standard pages à 2,300 characters, 60% of the grade) and a school exam (2 hours, 40% of the grade).
A pass mark is required on both parts. You have to take both examination parts in the same semester.
You will be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of American history in this era, your ability to analyze and critically discuss historiographical theories, and your skills of interpreting primary source evidence. You will have the opportunity of receiving formative feedback on seminar discussions, debates, and tutorial sessions.
Examination support material
School exam: no examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
A term paper or equivalent that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.
If you?withdraw from the exam?after the deadline, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.