In this course, we will focus on key aspects of socio-economic, political, and cultural developments in contemporary United States, from the late 20th century to the present day. We will cover various topics, including:
− Religion in the U.S.
− Diversity and multiculturalism
− Politics, media influence, and culture wars
− Political parties, recent elections, and political changes
− Inequality, polarization, or the end of the American Dream?
− Globalization, technology, and their impact on American society
− Energy, climate change, and environmental history and movements in the U.S
Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
− Understand key issues related to contemporary United States
− Engage in critical reflection on current political, economic, cultural, and social dynamics, including the increasing inequality and polarization, and the interplay between politics, media, and culture.
− Demonstrate their understanding through the composition of short essays on the topics studied in class.
A 2-hour weekly lecture for a total of 8 weeks, designed to encourage active interaction and open discussions.
Assessment and Final Grade
A 2-hour written exam is scheduled during the end-of-semester exam period. Students will be asked to write short analyses on 2-3 topics studied in class.
Course Requirements
Preparatory materials for each lecture will be accessible on the e-learning platform. Students are expected to dedicate 1-2 hours per week to review and prepare for the upcoming lecture.
Libraries
Practical information
