This unit introduces students to the politics, culture, economy and society of the world's most powerful nation. This unit expands on five distinct facets of the USA: Regionalism, Politics, Culture, Society and Money. Students will learn what makes the United States different, what makes it rich, what makes it poor and what makes it weird. They will learn how race, religion, capitalism and celebrity culture shape American life. They will find out why the US has such influence in the world, and how it uses that influence. They will gain a greater understanding of the US-Australia relationship, from Australian gangsters in gold-rush San Francisco to American bases in the Northern Territory outback. This unit will be useful to students who want to visit the US, live in the US, do business with the US, or simply understand the US. It will give them what they need to know to further explore America, whether on their own or through future study.

The fine print

Online classes
Available in Semester 1, 2022
5 x online modules
1 x 1 hour online discussion participation per week

Assessment
5 x online multiple choice quiz (25%)
1 x research essay (65%)
Ongoing participation and discussion (10%)

Unit coordinator

Dr Aaron Nyerges

Academic Director and Senior Lecturer in American Studies, United States Studies Centre

What is an OLE?

The Open Learning Environment (OLE) is a collection of units that offer you the opportunity to extend your skills and knowledge by exploring other fields of study. You can learn about a diverse range of topics such as global cultures, entrepreneurial thinking, coding, ethics, design thinking and project management.

Units in the OLE are either zero, two or six credit points. Zero credit point units are free and available to all current students (undergraduate and postgraduate). Our short units are completely online and can be completed at your own convenience.