SFE21113 American Pluralism in the 20th Century (Autumn 2014)

Facts about the course

ECTS Credits:
10
Responsible faculty:
Avdeling for økonomi, språk og samfunnsfag
Course Leader:
Robert Lewis Mikkelsen
Duration:
½ year

Table of contents

The course is affiliated to the following study programme

Obligatory subject within the English Extension Course.
Part of the bachelor programme in Society, Language and Culture.

Teaching semester

English Extension Course: 1st semester (autumn)
Bachelor's Programme in Society, Language and Culture: 3d or 5th semester (autumn)

Content

The course focuses on the development of a pluralistic society in the USA. It makes use of both civilization studies and literary texts. These are read in combination and provide a picture of the development from the perspective of society, groups and individuals. Lectures and seminars will discuss novels, accounts and historical and sociological texts with the focus on the period from 1880 to today.

The student's learning outcomes on passing the course

KNOWLEDGE
The course provides students with insight into the relationship between two of the most important characteristics of American society: cultural pluralism and a common national identity in the population.

SKILLS
The course develops critical attitudes and independent thinking, as well as historical and literary analysis, and lays the foundations for teaching English in upper secondary school.

GENERAL COMPETENCE
In an increasingly more pluralistic society in Norway and Europe the course will also contribute to a better understanding of national and ethnic identity, the relationship between these, and of tolerance of differences.

Teaching and learning methods

Instruction will be given in lectures and seminars and advisory sessions.
Students are expected to come prepared and to take active part.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

None.

Exam

Written exam and research essay
There will be a 4-hour written exam (60%). No aids permitted. In addition to a 5-10 page research essay (40%). One final grade will be made on the basis of these two. The grade scale is A-F .

A new assessment means that both parts of the exam must be taken again.

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated twice each semester.

Reading list

Three novels:
O. E. Rølvaag, The Boat of Longing (1921)
E. Galarza, Barrio Boy (1971)
Chin, Frank, Donald Duk (1995)

Excerpts from historical analysis and sociological texts in the following works:
A.M. Kraut, The Huddled Masses: The Immigrant in American Society, 1880-1921, (2001).

E.R. Barkan, And   Still They Come: Immigrants and American Society 1920 to the 1990s  (1996).

M. Ngai & J. Gjerde, Major   Problems in American Immigration, Documents and Essays  (2011)

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 2:48:30 AM