U.S. Life and Institutious 3301-WNfKA150
The aim of this introductory course is to provide students with essential information about geography, political institutions, economy, education, media and life in the United States. The course retells the story of the birth of the United States, discusses its political institutions, nature of federalism, and some chosen aspects of a political-social life in the US Elements of history of the United States are introduced to the extent necessary for understanding the mechanisms of the US federal system and the character of the American society.
Topics for discussion:
1. Cultural-historical regions of America.
2. Geographic-economic regions of the US.
3. Federalism. The Constitution.
4. The US Congress.
5. The Office of President of the United States.
6. The Washington Administration.
7. Political parties.
8. Presidential elections.
9. Judicial and court system.
10. Education.
11. Mass media.
12. Religion.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
BEFORE 2022/23
KNOWLEDGE students:
- know basics of American geography and economy
- know main political institutions of teh U.S.
- know main social institutions of the U.S.
SKILLS
- can explain geographic-economic-politacal inter-relations
- can analyse political institutions of the country
- can analyse social institutions of the country
ATTITUDES
- understand how the state functions
- responds adequately to information about and from the U.S.
- evaluates activities and policies of both political and social institutions
Language training level B2+.
SINCE 2022/23
Knowledge: the graduate will be able to
K_W02 understand key terminology, well established methods and theories of American studies
K_W04 describe the relation between the USA today and historical and cultural processes
K_W09 identify on an advanced level the multiplicity of cultures and their complexity, cultural codes, as well as structural and institutional background of culture, with special focus on the United States
K_W10 describe on an advanced level the geography, history, politics, economy, as well as cultural and societal problems the United States
Abilities: the graduate is able to
K_U03 analyze cultural phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis with respect to the social, historical and economic context of the United States
K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in American studies
K_U05 collect information from various sources, critically assess a source and usefulness of information; analyze and draw generalizations on the basis of information so obtained
K_U07 employ modern technology for the sake of obtaining information and using various communication channels and techniques
K_U08 plan and organize working alone and/or in a team to attain goals
Social competences: the graduate is ready to
K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests
K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others
K_K05 function effectively in social and cultural interactions, through various forms and media, thanks to the ability to express oneself in a cohesive and lucid manner
Students acquire skills of expressing their thoughts in a clear, coherent, logical and precise manner, with the use of language which is correct grammatically and lexically.
Language training at the B2+ level
Assessment criteria
- regular self-study
- completion of all assignments
- test in the end of semester
- retake: test
- optional mini-essay
On-line edition using Moodle IA and @uw.edu.pl
Assessment: as above
Practical placement
No
Bibliography
Diniejko, Andrzej. An Introduction to the United States of America. 2009. Pdf
primary source documents (laws, codes, official sites) available online
periodic handouts
Recommended reading:
Luedtke, Luther, S. (ed.). Making America. The Society and Culture of the United States. The University of North Carolina Press, 1992. /selected essays//
Magleby, David B., Light, Paul C. Government by the people. National edition. Pearson, 23rd edition, 2009
USIA: An Outline of American Geography
USIA: An Outline of American Government
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: