SFE21113 American Pluralism in the 20th Century (Autumn 2013)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Obligatory subject within the 30 ECTS English extension courses.
May be taken as part of the Bachelor of Arts in Society, Languages and Culture.

Lecture Semester

English extension course, 1. Semester (autumn 2013)
Part of Bachelor of Arts in Society, Language and Culture, 3d or 5^th semester (autumn)

The student's learning outcomes after completing 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.

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.

Forms of teaching and learning

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.

Examination

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 .

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated twice each semester.

Literature

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)