NORAM2582 – America in the world
Course description
Course content
This course examines the relation between ideology, politics, power and foreign policy. We consider both mainstream and alternative perspectives on the rise of American power by examining its historical circumstances, strategic considerations and ideological justifications. In particular we will fairly represent, but also critically examine reigning theories of international relations, both as applied by defenders of American global hegemony and from the perspective of globalism and related internationalisms. Examining the rise of American power with its enormous impact on the world, we will also consider the prospects for its future role in light of its declining economic and political circumstances.
Learning outcome
After completing this course you will have:
- gained a thorough introduction to U.S. foreign policy history, with an emphasis on the period from the 1890s to the present.
- learned about the relationships between American foreign policy and international relations models and tenets more generally.
- practice in studying the country's foreign relations in an interdisciplinary framework that includes domestic history, as well as American politics and culture.
- gained oral and written practice in formulating and defending a clear analytical argument on topics in the course.
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.
Lectures are open to the general public.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Good reading skills in English and basic knowledge of American government and politics.
Recommended previous knowledge
NORAM1500 – American history (discontinued) and NORAM undergraduate courses in American government and politics are recommended.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with NORAM4582 – America in the World (discontinued)
- 10 credits overlap with ENG2576 – USA and the World: Contemporary American Foreign Policy (discontinued)
Teaching
Seminar, two hour per week, for 10 weeks, 20 hours in all.
Attendance is an obligatory class requirement (80%).
Examination
The assessment will be based on a portfolio, consisting of:
- An essay, which will be due in a first and a final draft. Papers must be at maximum 5 standard pages in length.
- The two-hour final examination, which will be held in the classroom at the last meeting.
A student must pass both the essay and the final exam to pass the course.
Previously given exam assignments.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Examination support material
English-english dictionary
Language of examination
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.
The results will be published on the Studentweb within three weeks.
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.