What will I learn on this module?
This module will provide you with an overview of the social, political and cultural development of the United States from revolutionary period to the present day. Within a broad chronological framework, this module will introduce you to key themes within modern American history: race, gender, ethnicity, class, regionalism, the media, and foreign policy. Topics include the American Constitution, Jacksonian America, the antebellum and Civil War period, Reconstruction, the New Deal, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Cold War. You will have the opportunity to consider the major controversies in American history, key concepts, and the nation’s transformation from a colony to a superpower.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn on this module by attending lectures that present key topics in US history and discussing those topics in seminars. You will be taught through twice-weekly lectures and weekly seminars, and will engage with a variety of primary and secondary sources. Lectures will provide broad overviews of themes, concepts and historiographical controversies. Seminars will offer you the opportunity to engage with some of these themes/concepts/controversies in a more interactive manner. You will be expected to conduct a significant amount of independent research for seminars and for assessment. You will complete a series of multiple choice tests via the eLearning Portal and will write a 2,000 word essay at the end of the module. By the end of the module you will have gained a knowledge and understanding of modern American history that will provide a foundation for further study of the United States.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Your academic development will be supported through engagement with your peers, academic tutors, and programme leaders. Academic support is provided through seminar discussions and optional essay tutorials which allow specific issues to be addressed and to promote progress in academic development. The module tutor will be accessible within publicised office hours and via email. Your peers will provide you will a collaborative learning environment, and your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will also be supported through individual engagement with the academic literature, lectures, and resources available on the eLearning Portal. Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar activities and through assessment tasks.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an understanding the major developments in the history of the United States.
2. Exhibit knowledge of the key concepts that have defined United States history from the War of Independence to the twenty-first century.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Show ability to access a range of sources of information and present the results orally and in written form in a coherent and persuasive fashion.
4. Demonstrate skills of conceptualisation, critical thought, problem solving, epistemological awareness, and working both independently and as part of a group.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Value curiosity, collaboration, and academic integrity as the keystones of effective learning.
How will I be assessed?
There are two assessments for the module:
1. a series of multiple choice tests that you will complete via the eLearning Portal (Blackboard). These exercises are designed to test your knowledge of the module and the readings; each question must be completed within a short time span and may not be repeated (30%). MLOs 1, 2, 5
2. a 2,000-word essay (70%) on a chosen aspect of American history. The assignment is designed to test the students' knowledge and understanding of particular concerns of the module, and their ability to grapple with issues and concepts. The essay should also test their generic intellectual, practical and study skills. MLOs 1-5
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code T700
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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