Undergraduate - UnitATS2908 - Making the American century: US expansion from colonies to superpower

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Synopsis

This unit examines the history of the US in the world, asking how a federation of former colonies eventually became a political, military and cultural power of global reach. It focuses on the early-mid twentieth century, but sets this period against themes and problems arising from 19th century continental expansion. The course explores the validity of imperialism, nationalism and internationalism as conceptual frames, explores the development of distinct foreign policy platforms in domestic politics, and covers such themes as US relations with Latin America, the problem of Americanization, the shaping of post-war world orders, and the use of covert and overt military interventions.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit student will:

1. Have a good understanding of the US foreign relations from the nineteenth century to mid twentieth century
2. Have an understanding of the importance of social movements and non-state actors in the history of foreign relations
3. Have an understanding of the wider cultural and political settings of foreign policy making
4. Have an understanding of the importance of culture - including popular culture - to historical research
5. Be familiar with the research skills and methods of cultural, political and diplomatic historians, especially as they converge
6. Have experience in working with a range of textual, visual and material historical resources
7. Have further developed their oral and written communication skills
8. In addition to the above, students undertaking the unit at level three will have demonstrated the ability to conceive and complete an independent historical research project.

Assessment

Written work: 4500 words (100%)
Tutorial participation (10%)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Tim Verhoeven

Contact hours

One 1.5-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites

First year sequence in history or international studies

Prohibitions

ATS3908