Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to the complex richness of 'Americanness' and prepares them for the Major in American Studies. Divided into historically grounded modules (Race; Religion; Gender; Politics; Region), the unit will approach each from a variety of angles: the historiographical, the literary, the cultural, the political, the cinematic. It will open lines of interrelation between historical and imaginary forms in the construction and ongoing redefinition of the United States.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	United States Studies Centre
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	AMST1001 or 12 credit points at 1000 level in American Studies
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AMST2601
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rodney Taveira, rodney.taveira@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Interactive oral	Interactive Oral Exam Supervised final	45%	Formal exam period	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial participation notes Participation	15%	Multiple weeks	600wd equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Alternative alt-text caption of archival image Early Feedback Task #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03	250 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Reading response Assignment	35%	Week 06 Due date: 30 Mar 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Alternative alt-text caption of archival image - in this Early Feedback Task, students will receive an image with an auto-generated caption. They will then write their own caption, incorporating learnings from that week's readings and reflecting on the accessibility purposes of the caption.
Reading reponse: Submitted work using prescribed readings and responding to given statements.
Tutorial participation notes: Each week, you are expected to write a half-page of notes, or roughly five questions or points that trigger further discussion about ideas, issues, or events related to the weekly readings. Your tutor will collect notes in three selected weeks (not identified in advance) for assessment.
Interactive oral assessment: Students will act as an expert interviewee in a podcast setting, responding to a set topic that they have prepared for with reference to set readings and independent research.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	The Sociology of American Religion and the Politics of Persecution	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	The Sociology of American Religion and the Politics of Persecution	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Race 1: History and Race	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Race 1: History and Race	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Race 2: Harriet Jacobs - Incidents in the life of a slave girl	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Race 2: Harriet Jacobs - Incidents in the life of a slave girl	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Politics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Politics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Native America and American foundations	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Native America and American foundations	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Gender 1: American Studies and Feminisms	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Gender 1: American Studies and Feminisms	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Essay consultation	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 09	Gender 2/Ethnicity 1: Hispanic America	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Gender 2/Ethnicity 1: Hispanic America	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Gender 3/Ethnicity 2: gender, intersectionality and Asian America	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Gender 3/Ethnicity 2: gender, intersectionality and Asian America	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Region 1: Regional Identities	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Region 1: Regional Identities	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Region 2: south by north	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Region 2: south by north	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Conclusions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusions	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend no less than 90% of their scheduled classes without showing cause.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which literary, cinematic and historical texts and events influence one another in the construction of national identity
LO2. display an understanding of the concepts, narratives and methods used by different disciplines to study the United States
LO3. demonstrate a capacity for experimental and problem-solving tasks on the borders between disciplines
LO4. display a greater ability to pursue genuinely interdisciplinary methodologies in other units
LO5. communicate knowledge in discussion and scholarly writing.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Students have been given extra class time to prepare for their interactive oral assessment. I have also changed some of the readings. New lecturers will deliver lecturers in their fields of expertise.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AMST2701: American Dreams

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links