HIS4424 – America and the World since 1898
Course description
Course content
This course will survey the foreign policies of the United States government from 1898 to the present, while emphasizing the deep and complex embeddedness of America with other regions of the world. Relations with East Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe will be emphasized. A major theme will be the rise of nationalism around the world and the way that the United States has responded to this phenomenon and been affected by it during the era of ascendant American power. It is often said that the United States first became an empire in 1898 when it conquered the Philippines and other lands from Spain. Yet controversy has surrounded broader claims that the U.S. is an imperial power. Ironically, in the years after the attacks on America of 11 September 2001, it became common for analysts of all perspectives to call America an empire. Now the debate focuses on the nature of that imperial power. This course will equip students to analyze and evaluate historical claims about the precise nature and extent of America’s role in the world from 1898 to now.
Learning outcome
A student who successfully completes this course should be able to…
- Explain how the United States exercised power and how its power was limited by global forces, between 1898 and the present.
- Discuss how America’s interactions with Europe related to U.S. relations with Asia during the twentieth century.
- Outline the continuing debates over the historic nature of American “empire.”
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
A good ability to read and understand English is required for this course.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with HIS2424 – America and the World since 1898: Middle East Politics in Transatlantic Perspective (discontinued)
Teaching
This course will combine lectures with class discussion/group work, in twelve two-hour sessions. Please read the material assigned for the relevant week before that week’s class meetings.
Resources and information in this course will be given in Canvas.
Examination
3-days take-home examination:
Graded work will consist of a paper, approximately 6-8 pages in length (double-spaced), to be submitted through Inspera. You will be provided with details for the home exam in class.
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit assignments in Inspera.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.