SFE11320 English: American Culture (Spring 2027)

Facts about the course

ECTS Credits:
10
Responsible faculty:
Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages
Campus:
Online
Course Leader:
Karl Kristian Swane Bambini
Teaching language:
English
Duration:
½ year

Table of contents

The course is affiliated to the following study programme

  • Mandatory course in the One-year English Programme (full-time and part-time).
  • Mandatory course in the 60 ECTS part of the Bachelor's Programme in Languages for students with English as one of their chosen languages.

Teaching semester

  • One-year English programme: 2nd semester (spring).
  • Bachelor's Programme in Languages with English as one of the chosen languages: 2nd or 4th semester (autumn).

Content

The course provides a broad overview of the developments in American history and culture from the founding of the United States to the present day, with a main focus on the twentieth century. It covers topics such as the establishment of the USA, the political system, social class, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, religion, and other related themes. The literature in the course is supplemented with relevant newspaper articles and non-fiction. Students will also receive training in information retrieval, analysis, and academic writing.

The student's learning outcomes on passing the course

Knowledge

The student

  • has knowledge and understanding of American culture and society
  • has knowledge of academic conventions regarding essay writing in English

Skills

The student

  • has analytical skills and the ability for critical reflection when engaging with academic texts
  • is capable of studying culture in a historical context
  • has enhanced their skills in written argumentation and oral discussion in English
  • is capable of using the MLA style of referencing

General competence

The student

  • is capable of independent and critical thinking in the analysis of American culture and social phenomena
  • masters research techniques in searching, evaluating and using secondary literature on the internet and in the university college's library

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching varies between lectures, seminars, discussions and activities in small groups. The students are expected to read the course material every week and take active part in online discussions and group assignments. Students are encouraged to study in online groups where they can go through the literature and work together on assignments outside the scheduled teaching sessions. Students are required to use a webcamera and microphone when participating in online teaching.

Workload

Approx. 280 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

  • One individual written assignment with an extent of 3-4 pages.

The required coursework is assessed as approved / not approved. Required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam.

Exam

An individual written home exam (5 hours).

All aids permitted, except communication and collaboration between candidates. The examination assignment may further regulate the use of certain aids, for example the use of GenAI.

Grading scale A-F.

Examiners

Internal or external examiner(s).

Course evaluation

Feedback from our students is vital in order for us to be able to offer the best possible courses and study programmes. The course is evaluated every semester.

The results are considered by/in teacher groups, the head of studies and the local programme committee.

Reading list

The current reading list for 2026 Spring can be found in Leganto
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 4:31:47 AM