NORAM1510 – Introduction to American Studies
Course description
Course content
This course is an introduction to the cultural themes and the social and political ideas that have defined American thought. You read primary texts by Important American political thinkers and writers. Topics raised by these writers are related to current academic issues. Texts are organized thematically, but within an historical framework providing an important link to American historical studies.
Learning outcome
After completing this course you will have:
- gained an overview of American political and cultural traditions as well as the patterns of its social life.
- trained your abilities in critical thinking, incisive reading and interpretation of texts, and expository writing.
- learned communication skills in academic English and improved your abilities in reading and writing academic English through individual and group work.
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 obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with NORAM1520 – Introduction to American Studies (discontinued)
Teaching
Seminar, two hours for 10 weeks, 20 hours in total.
Attendance is obligatory at least 8 out of 10 seminars. Additional absences must be justified by documentation to the exam coordinator.
Examination
The exam form is a portfolio consisting of two 5-page essays. You must submit a first draft of each essay for evaluation before you submit the final drafts. After you have received comments, you work further on the essays.
You must make sure to learn the rules for proper citing of sources. All the sources you have used must be referred to, as well as listed at the end of each essay in a bibliography. If you fail to this, it can be considered as cheating.
The two final drafts are gathered in a Portfolio, which must be submitted in Fronter within a certain date. Read more about submission procedures.
The grade is based on the portfolio as a whole.
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.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
A portfolio that has recieved a pass grade, can not be submitted a later semester for re-evaluation.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.