NORAM2580 – American Intellectual and Political History

Course content

The USA’s intellectual and political culture both encompasses and predates the Enlightenment, finding its inspiration both in natural rights doctrine and the in civic humanism and republicanism passed on from the Italian Renaissance through the British political inheritance. By the 19th century an American intellectual tradition developed shaped by the multiple intellectual origins of American political ideas, by romantic thought, and by the country’s post-colonial position. The result was a diverse political tradition.

The course discusses the American political tradition through the writings of the country’s greatest intellectuals, business and political leaders as they confront the various crises and opportunities that mark the unfolding of history.

The course concerns how ideas influence politics, using the USA as an example. It concerns both the national and institutional foundations for the development of political ideas, and how minor political traditions survive in the face of long odds and continue to be of influence and interest over time. Consequently this course is as much about the differences in the American political tradition as it is about its continuity.

Learning outcome

After completing this course you will have:

  • the skills to think critically about continuity and dynamism in the modern world.
  • learned to assess the scholarly literature and debates on the significance of various American political ideas.
  • developed an understanding of how to use literature and other cultural sources to reflect on politics and the political.
  • acquired an overview of some of the central ideas and issues in the American political tradition.

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

It is recommended that you have attended NORAM1500 – American history (discontinued)

Teaching

Seminar, two hours per week for 10 weeks, 20 hours in all.

Attendance on 8 out of 10 seminars is required. Additional absences must be justified by documentation to the exam coordinator.

Access to teaching

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.

Examination

Portfolio evaluation consisting of an essay of five standard pages, and a two-hour written classroom exam.

You must submit your paper in Fronter. Read more about