ENG2503 – America and Britain in the World

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

This course focuses on the foreign policy of both the U.K. and the U.S. from 1945 to the present, with particular attention to the period from 1992 to the present (the post-Cold War era). We will consider both policies and perspectives, examining the relation between foreign policy and domestic politics, openness to the world and national autonomy, global governance and national leadership, cooperation and deterrence, soft power and hard power. In the process we will learn to explain the character of the current world order and its prospects for the future.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you:

  • have an understanding of, and insight into, the development of British and American foreign policies since 1945
  • can analyze the relation between national identity and outlook on the world, and between domestic politics and foreign policy
  • can analyze the impact of financial globalization and economic regionalization on the conduct of British and American foreign policy after 1991
  • can analyze the impact of migration and domestic terrorism on popular and elite perceptions of foreign policy in both Britain and America
  • can analyze the impact of wars for humanitarian intervention on current foreign policy
  • can explain the shift in foreign policy in the last decade in both Britain and the United States

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.

It is recommended that students take ENG1505 - British Civilisation and ENG1506 - American History and Society: An Introduction before attending this course

Teaching

Seminars, 2 hours per week for 10 weeks. 20 hours in all.

You are expected to turn up prepared for the seminar, having covered the assigned reading for each session, and any exercises you have been asked to work on in advance.

Obligatory activities:

  • Students will submit a first draft of their term paper by a stated deadline. Read more about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for approved postponements here.

All obligatory activities must be approv