Outline

Overview

This unit surveys the long history of social movements and protest in the US. Beginning with 19th Century movements against slavery, the course charts the way everyday Americans came together to make demands on the state, the economy, and American culture. From abolitionism, students move onto close study of the history of American feminism, Civil Rights, agrarian revolt, the labor movement, antiwar politics, gay liberation, Chicano rights, and grassroots conservatism with an eye toward commonalities and divergences in protest strategy and a close attention to the historical contexts in which various movements arose and their long-term effects on American society. The unit will utilize the insights of the disciplines of history, sociology, political science, anthropology, communication studies, and philosophy in order to build on inter- and multi-disciplinary studies of social movement in the US - one of the main subjects of deep fascination that has engaged the multitude of the humanistic social sciences and encouraged debate between them as well as interdisciplinary cross-fertilization.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	United States Studies Centre
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in American Studies or 12 credit points at 2000 level in History
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Kathryn Schumaker, kathryn.schumaker@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
Written exam	Final exam Students will respond to multiple choice questions and write one 2600-word essay in response to a prompt from a pre-circulated list.	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Tutorial questions two times across semester Students write well-considered questions that fuel tutorial discussion.	20%	Multiple weeks	350 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Informed tutorial participation Comments on readings and lecture material	10%	Multiple weeks	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Short essay Students will choose 2-4 readings from the first half of the semester to analyse in a short essay. The readings must be chosen from a minimum of two different weeks. The essay should put the readings into conversation, identifying key themes and problems.	20%	Week 08 Due date: 17 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1200 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Tutorial questions: Students should submit 3 substantive questions based on the reading due that week. They absolutely should not be questions that can be answered 'yes' or 'no' or factually. At least 2 of the 3 questions should be based on direct engagement with the texts of the week's readings. The third may be more speculative, theoretical, or philosophical but should be inspired nonetheless by engagement with that week's texts. Provided you follow the directions, engage with the texts and ask substantive questions that can be discussed (rather than answered) you will receive a 100% for your questions.
Short essay: Students will compose a short analytical essay that examines 2-4 primary source readings assigned from the first half of the unit. The essay should demonstrate critical thinking skills as it puts these readings into conversation with one another. The readings must be chosen from at least two different weeks. Students should aim to identify key themes, problems, and questions prompted by these readings. The essay should have a strong thesis statement supported by ample appropriate evidence from the texts.
Final exam: Students will complete a comprehensive final examination for the unit that covers material from weeks 1-13. Students will receive a list of potential final essay questions at mid-semester; they will respond to one of these questions in the final written exam. The essay should demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of unit material and synthesise information from lecture, readings, and tutorial discussions. Students will also complete a short ten-question multiple chioce section of the exam.
Informed tutorial participation: All students must attend tutorial having completed all assigned readings with a readiness to discuss them respectfully in a saminer format. Much of our discussion will be centered around issues and movement that are controversial, to use the parlance of the day, perhaps even 'triggering.' To that end everyone is asked to engage with texts and classmates in good faith and respectfully. Your participation mark is not just about showing up but about engaging with texts and classmates with sophistication and an open mind.

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 to Theories of Change and the American Paradox	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Great Awakenings: Abolitionism and Women's Rights	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Abolitionism and Women's Rights	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	After the Civil War: Reconstruction and Redemption	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Reconstruction and Redemption	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Skilled Labour, Organised Labour	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Labour Rights	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Populism, Progressivism and the East/West Divide	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Populism and Progressivism	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Suffragists and the Second Ku Klu Klan	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Suffrage and the Second Klan	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Chicano/a Movement and Immigrant Rights	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Chicano/a Movement and Immigrant Rights	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Pacifism, Non-Violent Civil Disobedience (and Malcolm X)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Pacifism, Violence, and Nonviolence	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Student Protest, Vietnam War, Violent Struggle and Self-Defence	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Student Protest	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Gay Liberation, Gender Politics, and the New Conservatives	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Gay Liberation and the New Conservatives	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Indigenous Rights and the Environmental Movement	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Indigenous Rights	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	#BlackLivesMatter and Anti-Woke Politics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	#BlackLivesMatter and Anti-Woke Politics	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	MAGA, Free Speech, and the New New Right	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	MAGA and Free Speech	Tutorial (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold. Given the exceptional circumstances of the 2020 pandemic, all coordinators will tend to proceed generously in this matter. The expectation is still that you attend classes (i.e., join live online tutorials through zoom and listen to pre-recorded lectures), but if time zones or lack of technological infrastructure make it too difficult, we can make arrangements for alternative ways of satisfying required attendance.
Lectures: Pre-recorded lectures will be available to students on the LMS in segments.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

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.

Required readings

The set readings will be on the Canvas website.

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. show a sophisticated and detailed understanding of multidisciplinary approaches to the study of the United States through independent and original research, comparative analysis, and close reading of primary text
LO2. demonstrate the ability to analyse independently, ethically, and in-depth an aspect of American culture and life using multidisciplinary methodologies, sources, and intellectual approaches.
LO3. relate detailed and analytic understanding of issues and topics in the contemporary and historical United States to issues in the larger world
LO4. apply multidisciplinary knowledge of the United States to analytic issues encountered in interdisciplinary contexts
LO5. illustrate skills in innovative and responsible research, critical analysis, and the presentation of complex cultural problems in oral, written, digital and group formats.

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.

Some changes to the unit have been made in response to student feedback.

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

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

USSC3603: Dissent and Protest in America

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links