NORAM2573 – American Society and the Law
Course description
Course content
This course focuses on how legal aspects and considerations have put their stamp on American society. It discusses the basic principles of American society and how they are reflected in everyday American life and politics; in short, how law, legalistic thinking, and the legal system are integral parts of life in modern America.
Learning outcome
The aim of this course is to explain the central part played by the law, the courts of law, and lawyers in American society, both in everyday life and as part of the national ideology.
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
Recommended previous knowledge
The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English.
It is recommended that the student has taken ENG1506 – American History and Society: An Introduction, NORAM1500 – American history (discontinued) or NORAM1503 – American politics, institutions, geography, economic system (discontinued).
Overlapping courses
This course overlaps with NORAM4573 – American Society and the Law (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 will write an essay (5 standard pages, 11.500 bytes) at an appointed time. The essay must be approved by the tutor; if it is not, the student will be barred from attempting the final 4-hour written exam. Once the course requirements have been fulfilled, they remain valid for the current and the two consecutive semesters when the course is given.
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.
The results will be found on the StudentWeb within three weeks of the exam.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.