SFE11320 English: American Culture (Spring 2025)

The course is connected to the following study programs

• 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.

Lecture 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).

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

The student has

• knowledge and understanding of American culture and society

• 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

Content

The course provides a wide-ranging review of the development of American history and culture from the founding of the United States to the present day, with a main focus on the 1900s. It covers topics such as the establishment of the USA, the political system, social classes, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, religion, and other related themes. The literature in the course will be complemented with relevant newspaper articles and non-fiction. Students will also receive training in information retrieval, analysis, and academic writing.

Forms of teaching and learning

Teaching varies between lectures, seminars, talks 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. Each student is required to keep their webcamera and microphone turned on when participating in classes.

Workload

Approx. 280 hours.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

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

Required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam.

Examination

An individual written home exam (5 hours).

All aids permitted, except communication and collaboration between candidates.

Grading scale A-F.

Examiners

One external and one internal examiner or two internal examiners.

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.

Literature

The current reading list for 2024 Spring can be found in Leganto