Searching for the American Dream

Subject 131-018 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 25.000
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Three weeks in the United States in the Winter Recess (after the examination period ends on 22 June), eight 1-hour lecture/workshops and at least thirty site visits
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 50 points of first year from any area of study within the Faculty of Arts.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Glenn Moore
Subject Overview:

In this subject we trace the American Dream from its origins in Puritan Boston, to the present day. We spend time in Boston, New York, and Washington, with day trips to Salem and Lowell. In each city we visit museums, historic sites, and a range of current day organisations. For example, in Boston we speak with the Public Defender about the American legal system, and we explore the role sport plays in American culture by seeing a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. In New York we take walking tours of Harlem and the Lower East Side, and we visit a range of community organisations. In Washington, we meet with several political players as well as touring the monuments and visiting Arlington Cemetery. On return to Australia, students are required to write an essay based on one of the visits.

Assessment: A journal exercise of 4000 words 45% (written throughout the trip), a research essay of 4000 words 45% (due at the end of August) and class participation 10%.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be familiar with the archives and other primary material available for research in American History, and to use some of that material to produce an essay;

  • demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

  • show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

  • show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument.

Notes:

Special entry conditions apply. A quota of 45 students applies. Itinerary and travel arrangements are available from the subject coordinator or the School. The subject dates and HECS/course fee census date for this subject change each year. Check your enrolment record for the correct census date for this subject.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (American Studies)
Diploma in Arts (History)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (American Studies)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (History)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (American Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (History)

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