NORAM1503 – American politics, institutions, geography, economic system
Course description
Course content
This course addresses several important aspects of American society as a broad basis for the study of American culture to achieve a sound understanding of what is truly American. The geographical component of the course is primarily focused on regional differences and ethnic diversity, whereas its political and economic components emphasize the defining characteristics of the American political and economic systems. An important objective is to consider American life and institutions in an international perspective, including comparisons with Norway, in particular, and other countries of special relevance.
There is a strong emphasis on the self-image of Americans as a nation, and its dominant values and ideologies in a broad sense. The course will also deal with problems of methodology related to the interdisciplinary nature of the American Studies movement. An overall objective is to focus on those aspects of American culture which can help us understand the role of the USA as the dominant superpower in contemporary global society.
Learning outcome
To provide insights into aspects of American culture that are vital to a true understanding of contemporary American culture and society.
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
Formal prerequisite knowledge
No prior NORAM courses required.
Recommended previous knowledge
Good working knowledge of English, written and spoken.
Overlapping courses
Emnet overlapper med NORAM2503 – American Politics, Institutions, Geography, Economic System (discontinued) og NORAM4583 – American Politics, Institutions, Geography, Economic System (discontinued).
Teaching
A combination of lectures/seminars , 2 hours per week, for one semester, a grand total of 28 hours. There will be a two-week midterm break for individual study and writing. Class attendance is compulsory, an attendance rate of 80% is required to qualify as a candidate for the final written exam.
Examination
Student evaluation is based on two assignments: Students must hand in an essay (5 double-spaced pages) (pass/fail) by a set date and sit for a 4-hour written exam. The home essay must satisfy the criteria for a C in order for the candidate to be admitted to the final written test, which will be graded according to a scale from A to E, for pass, and F for fail.
Previous exams can be found here:
http://www.uio.no/studier/emner/hf/ilos/NORAM1503/Eksamensoppgaver/Eksamensoppgaver.xml
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.
Grades will be published in Studentweb three weeks after the examination or deadline at the very latest.
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.