Entry requirements

General entry requirements and English 6

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course students will 

• be able to account for the historical developments regarding race and ethnicity in the United States; 
• be able to show good familiarity with the relation between various minority groups and the U.S. majority population;
• be able to account for how race and ethnicity have helped shaped American identities and U.S. society.

Content

The course examines how race and ethnicity have affected the U.S. society in historical and contemporary perspectives. Focus is placed on the relations between various minority groups and the U.S. majority population. The course addresses issues such slavery and its long-term consequences, immigration and ethnic minorities, political aspects of race and ethnicity, and what it means to be an American.

Instruction

Teaching is done through lectures and seminars. Virtual meetings may occur. 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. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

Examination is done through spoken as well as written assignments and by continuous assessment. 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.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Other directives

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 three occasions during the following three semesters. Normally this right then expires. Otherwise there are no limitations on the number of examination opportunities.

The course cannot be counted toward a degree together with the course American Studies A1.

Transitional provisions

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