HI2106 Themes in Modern American History
Module Organisers: Prof. Ciaran Brady & Prof. Daniel Geary
Duration: Michaelmas Term
Contact hours:
2 lectures per week and 6 seminars over the course of the term
Weighting: 10 ECTS
Assessment: 20% essay, 80% examination
Description: American history has been constantly defined (and redefined) by significant and important events dating from its earliest beginnings to more recent times. The impact of such events on the modern United States, as well as the entire world, cannot be understated and as such this course will provide an introduction to some of the main themes in American history. The course is arranged roughly chronologically, but the goal here is not simply to bombard students with an extensive amount of facts and figures, but rather to have them think critically and independently about the different issues under examination. Therefore each week, lectures will focus on a specific major theme from American history spanning from the beginnings of English colonisation in the seventeenth century to the present.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- Outline chronologically and explain key developments in the history of the United States
- Assess the impact of these developments
- Search for, and critically appraise, relevant literature
- Undertake an extended analysis of select contemporary sources
- Communicate analysis and argument in written and verbal format