Syllabus for Race and Ethnicity in the USA

Decisions and guidelines

The syllabus was adopted by the Board of the Faculty of Languages 2008-11-13.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the component students will
- be able to account for the historical developments regarding race and ethnicity in the US
- be able to show good familiarity with the various minorities in today's US and their background
- be able to show good understanding of the relations between minority groups and the majority population in the US
- be able to account for how race and ethnicity have helped form the American identity.

Content

The component deals with the debate about which factor, race or ethnicity, is more important in describing today's US society. Issues taken up include are the different minority groups, the relationship between minorities and the majority culture, affirmative action for minorities, and what it means to be an American in the early 21st century.

Instruction

Lectures and group instruction.

Active participation in course seminars is obligatory. In cases of absence students will be given the opportunity to complete an extra assignment within the framework of the course period.

Assessment

Examination is done both orally and in writing and by continuous assessment. Grades used are either Fail, Pass, or Pass with Distinction.

Students who do not achieve a passing grade on the regular examination will have another opportunity to take the examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination.

Students who fail a certain examination twice have the right upon request, following consultation with the head of department, to have another examiner appointed.

Transitional provisions

For transitional regulations in the case of changes in the syllabus, please contact the student adviser.

Other directives

For admission to the course American studies B1 another 22.5 credits from American Studies A1 are required. The course cannot be counted toward a degree together with the course American Studies A1

If the syllabus or course reading for a component has been changed, students have a right to be examined under the original syllabus and course reading on two occasions during the following semester. Normally this right then expires. Otherwise there are no limitations on the number of examination opportunities.