Detailed Information
AE-HN609 - The (Dis)United States of America Difference Disparity and Division in Modern America
America is a vibrant nation drawing together peoples from diverse cultural, ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. Together they are the United States of America, however within these United States there is also difference and disparity which has often led to division, division that, it could be argued, though present since the foundation of the nation has deepened and widened as America has moved into the twenty-first century.
As America prepares to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, bringing together the 13 colonies to form the United States of America, this course will explore issues which have been divisive in America since its establishment including race, immigration, and political, social and economic inequality.
Differing political views, social and economic inequality, issues such as civil rights, race, and immigration have all highlighted differences and disparities that exist in America. Throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries many of these issues have become more critical with people from differing sides trying to push their views to the fore. This has at times led to the widening of the gap between the various perspectives on important issues and the deepening of divisions in American society.
In this course we will examine the differing views and opinions that have played a role in shaping modern American. We will analyse how issues such as immigration, economic inequality, religion, race, and civil rights have been addressed by different groups in American society throughout the period. We will critically assess how, in trying to address the differences and disparities that exist, political and social leaders have brought about the changes that have shaped America over the last 100 years.
The course does not presuppose an in-depth knowledge of American history or politics.
Duration: 6 Mondays
Time: 19:00-21:00
Dates: 26 Jan (No class 2 Feb) 9, 16, 23 Feb 2, 9 Mar
- The Declaration of Independence, framing the constitution and the diverse people and opinions that shaped the founding of the United States of America
- Jim Crow, Race and Civil Rights in America
- Immigration and America
- Socio-economic inequality and disparity in urban and rural America
- Political and societal responses to critically divisive issues in the 20th and 21st century in America
- ‘Woke’, ‘Conservative’, ‘Liberal’ in America today
A reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course.
At the end of this course students should be able to outline the major issues in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries that have perpetuated division in American society. They should be able to critically discuss how issues such as immigration, economic disparity, religion, and race have played a role in reinforcing the differences that exist in American society leading to the othering of certain groups in America in this period. They should also be able to assess how political and social leaders in America have addressed these issues and evaluate what impact their actions had on trying to tackle the divisions that exist in America.
Each class will be divided between a lecture and group discussion. The lecture will give students an introduction and general overview of the weekly topic. A strong emphasis will be placed on group discussion. The group discussion will encourage students to express their views on the topics and debate key issues. Students will be introduced to primary sources, readings and video clips relevant to each topic in order to get them to engage more fully with the subject.
Dr Sarah Feehan earned her PhD from UCD. Her thesis was on the Heath government and proposed arms sales to South Africa. She has previously taught courses on American foreign policy and a history of the American presidency. Her research interests include American politics and foreign policy, Britain foreign policy and Britain and the Commonwealth.