Syllabus for American History

Amerikansk historia

A revised version of the syllabus is available.

Syllabus

  • 7.5 credits
  • Course code: 5EN712
  • Education cycle: First cycle
  • Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: English G1N

    Explanation of codes

    The code indicates the education cycle and in-depth level of the course in relation to other courses within the same main field of study according to the requirements for general degrees:

    First cycle

    • G1N: has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
    • G1F: has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G1E: contains specially designed degree project for Higher Education Diploma
    • G2F: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G2E: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
    • GXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

    Second cycle

    • A1N: has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1F: has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)
    • A2E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
    • AXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

  • Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG)
  • Established: 2008-11-13
  • Established by: The Faculty Board of Languages
  • Revised: 2012-09-19
  • Revised by: The Board of the Department of English
  • Applies from: Spring 2013
  • Entry requirements: General entry requirements and English 6 or English B
  • Responsible department: Department of English

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course students will

• be able to account for important aspects of US history

• be able to show introductory knowledge of what is regarded to make the US unique, both historically and at present

• be able to account for contemporary US society and the social forces that have helped shape its history

• be able to analyse historical texts in speech and in writing.

Content

The course provides an overview of historical developments in the US from colonial times to the present. Some emphasis is placed on aspects related to phenomena like US exceptionalism and ethnicity.

Instruction

Campus course: Lectures and group instruction with use of historical material.

Active participation in course seminars is obligatory. In cases of absence students will be given the opportunity to complete an extra assignment within the framework of the course period.

Internet-based course: Teaching is done in the the virtual learning environment. A number of on-campus meetings for group instruction may be added. English is the language of instruction.

Assessment

Campus course: Examination is done both orally and in writing and by continuous assessment. Grades used are either Fail, Pass, or Pass with Distinction.

Internet-based course: Written exam. Grades used are either Fail, Pass, or Pass with Distinction.

Students who do not achieve a passing grade on the regular examination will have another opportunity to take the examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination.

Students who fail a certain examination twice have the right upon request, following consultation with the head of department, to have another examiner appointed.

Transitional provisions

For transitional regulations in the case of changes in the syllabus, please contact the student adviser.

Other directives

For admission to the course American Studies B1 a further 22.5 credits from American studies A are required.

If the syllabus or course reading for a component has been changed, students have a right to be examined under the original syllabus and course reading on two occasions during the following semester. Normally this right then expires. Otherwise there are no limitations on the number of examination opportunities.

The course may not be included in a degree with the course American studies A.

Syllabus Revisions

Reading list

Reading list

Applies from: Spring 2013

Some titles may be available electronically through the University library.

  • Jenkins, Philip A history of the United States

    4th ed.: Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012

    Find in the library

    Mandatory

Photocopied material.

Print syllabus and reading list
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