From a multidisciplinary standpoint, this unit introduces students to the contradictory richness of “Americanness” and prepares them for the Major in American Studies. Divided into five historically grounded modules — race, religion, gender, politics, region — the unit will approach each from a variety of methodological angles. It will open lines of interrelation between historical, political, and imaginary forms in the construction and ongoing redefinition of the United States.

“I thought American Studies would give me a more specific insight into what’s going on in the world due to the United States’ status as a global superpower. I’m actually hoping to pursue a career in the management side of fashion. I thought American culture and politics would be really interesting to study because America’s not only a political superpower, it’s a cultural superpower, so majoring in American Studies informs my knowledge of what’s happening in the fashion industry.” Hayley Kaplan, Bachelor of International and Global Studies

The fine print

Please note: This unit was previously called AMST2601 American Foundations. If you have completed AMST2601 American Foundations, you are prohibited from completing this unit of study.

Classes
Available in Semester 1, 2023
1 x 2 hour lecture per week
1 x 1 hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites
18 Junior credit points or 12 credit points at 1000 level in American Studies.
It is recommended that students take this core unit in their second year.

More details
Visit the University of Sydney website for information about fees, cross-institutional and non-award study, and more.

Unit coordinator

Dr Rodney Taveira

Senior Lecturer in American Studies, and Undergraduate, Honours, and Postgraduate Coordinator, United States Studies Centre