The course focuses on the period between US independence and contemporary US History. ¿Social, political and economic themes are all covered with reference to key stages, themes and presidential administrations over the duration of this period. The aim of this module is to provide a clearer historical, political and cultural understanding of what has fundamentally underwritten the American historical/political journey toward its current position as a hegemonic power in the international system. The module also pays close attention to the relationship between the USA and the UK. It pays attention to US hegemony and its limits. Furthermore, it examines crisis management, with attention to the Cuban missile crisis. Finally, the aim of the module is to provide a clear introduction to US relationships with other countries and organisations.

Both essays (50%, 50%) require research, reflection, planning, drafting and referencing one is selected from a range of essay questions. These meet the learning outcomes Knowledge & Understanding, reflection, analysis, application.

Key Information Set Data:
100% Coursework

The module incorporates three inter-dependent learning strategies. The lecture programme introduces themes, developments, events and relationships in US history and foreign policy. The seminars provide for follow up discussion and clarification of the themes, developments and events. Independent learning will be focused on directed reading and note-taking in preparation for lectures, discussion, debate and presentation during the term and a final essay.

1. SITUATE THE WIDER PSYCHO-SOCIAL ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM

[Knowledge & Understanding]

2. UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY OF THE USA SINCE THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE.

[reflection]

3. ANALYSE DEVELOPMENTS AND EVENTS IN THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE USA MAKING USE OF A RANGE OF SOURCES.

[analysis]

4. DEMONSTRATE COMPETENCE IN APPLYING AND EXPRESSING UNDERSTANDING OF MODULE THEMES TO COMMENT ON ISSUES AND DRIVERS OF US HISTORY .

[Application]

Teaching space with digital projection, Blackboard VLE, Library physical and online subscription resources.

Kathleen Burke, Old World, New World: The Story of Britain and America (2009)
Hugh Brogan, The Penguin History of the USA. (1999)
David Reynolds, America: Empire of Liberty (Penguin, 2010)
George C Herring, From Colony to Superpower: US Foreign Relations Since 1776 (2009)
Ambrose, S. E. & Brinkley D.G. [2011]: Rise to Globalism: American Foreign Policy Since 1938, ninth revised ed. Penguin
Cox, M. & Stokes, D. (eds) [2012]: US Foreign Policy, second ed. OUP
Jentleson, B. W. [2014]: American Foreign Policy, fifth ed. WW. Norton & Co