NORAM2503 – American Politics, Institutions, Geography, Economic System
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course addresses several important aspects of American society as a broad basis for the study of American culture to achieve a sound understanding of what is truly American. The geographical component of the course is primarily focused on regional differences and ethnic diversity, whereas its political and economic components emphasize the defining characteristics of the American political and economic systems. An important objective is to consider American life and institutions in an international perspective, including comparisons with Norway, in particular, and other countries of special relevance. There is a strong emphasis on the self-image of Americans as a nation and its dominant values and ideologies in a broad sense. The course will also deal with problems of methodology related to the interdisciplinary nature of the American Studies movement. An overall objective is to focus on those aspects of American culture which can help us understand the role of the USA as the dominant superpower in contemporary global society.
Learning outcome
To provide insights into aspects of American culture that are vital to a true understanding of contemporary American culture and society.
Admission
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.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
The course can be taken as a first course. Admission to the course is required.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English
Overlapping courses
This course overlaps with NORAM4583 – American Politics, Institutions, Geography, Economic System (discontinued).
Teaching
The course is taught throughout the semester with 2 hours per week, 28 hours in all. There is a mid-term break (one week in autumn term, two weeks in spring term) during which the students are expected to prepare obligatory assignments (see below) and otherwise study on their own.. The students are supposed to attend the course regularly
Examination
Students must turn in an essay of 5 standard pages by a stated deadline during the semester. The evaluation is based on a 4-hour written exam, which is graded from A to E (pass) and F (fail).