TEACHING PROGRAM, 2011-2012
Students intending to take classes in the Fall Semester 2011 should register by e-mail (keith.battarbee[at]utu.fi) no later than 12:00 Thursday 8 September 2011.
UPDATE - IMPORTANT (2011-09-06)
NAMS2105 Encounters & Transformations [E&T] (8 op/ECTS credits)
Due to pressure of students interested in taking this course, and the difficulties which we anticipate in obtaining enough copies of the texts, the number of participants has regretfully been limited to 30.
TAUGHT CLASSES 2011-2012
AUTUMN SEMESTER 2011
NAMS1111 Crossing the Atlantic: The Making of North America
NAMS1404 Constructions of Ethnicity in American Cinema
NAMS1210 The American Experience, Past and Present
NAMS2105 Encounters & Transformations
SPRING SEMESTER 2012
NAMS1210 The American Experience, Past and Present
An intensive one-week class on understanding contemporary American society, offered in collaboration with the Language Centre.
NAMS2104 Comparative Politics USA & Canada
NAMS1112 Crossing the Atlantic: Term Paper
NAMS2002 The Making of Canada: Term Paper
NAMS2003 The Making of Canada: Readings
NAMS1003: Road Readings USA
NAMS1051 History of the USA
NAMS1052 American Film
NAMS1053 Regional Geography of North America
NAMS1070 - NAMS1089 DVD Study Units
Sets of video recordings of lecture series by leading American scholars: may be loaned from the Department of English. Students may take a written exam for 2 op/ECTS, AND/OR write a research paper also for 2 op/ECTS. See below for further information
Classes offered every year
Students intending to take classes in the fall should register by email (keith.battarbee[at]utu.fi) no later than 12:00 Thursday September 8 2011.
NAMS1111. Crossing the Atlantic: The Making of North America
(4 op/ECTS credits)
Teaching: Autumn semester
Note: This class replaces the previous foundation course (NAMS1001 Introduction to the United States) and is not open to students who have already completed the older course.
Contact person
Keith Battarbee, Department of English, Juslenia
Objectives
After completing this class, the student should have a clear understanding of the process, context, and major demographic, cultural and political inputs and outcomes in the creation of a neo-European civilization in North America (the USA and Canada). Students should become critically aware of relevant sources of information in libraries and the internet, and familiar with the main historical outlines and major events, and with relevant political, cultural and ideological frames of reference for making sense of these.
Content
The course covers the history of North America and the Caribbean from the first European contacts to the present day. Key concepts addressed include: definitions of ‘North America’, and its regional geographies; its states, populations, and cultures, and the dynamics of their interaction; and the major historical phases and events.
Format
Lectures: 20 h (class contact), + textbook (Brescia & Super: North America: An Introduction), individual study & group activity ('Cells') monitored through regular Cell reports + individual Learning Journals, + final written examination. Language of instruction: English.
Students are required to attend class (one 2-hour lecture/week), to study the set text book, and to participate actively in a Cell (student study group, approx total 35 hrs over the semester). The class lasts the full Fall Semester (= Quarters I + II).
Evaluation
By written final examination, with attention also paid to Cell reports and Learning Journals.
On the scale 5 (high), 4, 3 (average), 2, 1 (weak).
Previous studies required
None
NAMS1112 Crossing the Atlantic: Term Paper
See below for further information.
NAMS2001 The Making of Canada
(4 op/ ECTS credits)
Teaching: Quarter 3-4: Tue 16-18 (room II, main building)
Teaching starts on Tue 17.1.
Contact person
Keith Battarbee
Objectives
The student should have an understanding of the historical context and development of Canada as a sovereign state in North America, parallel to but distinct from the United States.
Content
Historical and geographical development of the neo-European society that became Canada, from its French and English (and Scottish) colonial origins to its present multicultural character. History and present state of contact with the aboriginal peoples. History and development of the Québec question. Assessment of the role and position of Canada in North America and the world today.
Language of instruction
English
Format
Lectures: 28 h (class contact), + approx 30 h of study-group activity (‘Cells’) monitored through regular reports, + individual portfolios (Cell reports + a personal Learning Journal) + final written examination.
Students are required to attend class (one 2-hour lecture/week) and keep a Learning Journal, and to participate actively in a Cell (student study group), 2-3 h/wk.
The class lasts the full Spring Semester (= Quarters III + IV).
Evaluation
By written final examination, with attention also paid to individual study portfolios (Cell reports and Learning Journals).
On the scale 5 (high), 4, 3 (average), 2, 1 (weak).
Previous studies required
For students taking NAMS as a Minor: The obligatory foundation course (Introduction to the United States, OR Crossing the Atlantic) completed.
For international / exchange students: N/A (not applicable)
NAMS2002 The Making of Canada: Term Paper
See below for further information.
NAMS2003: The Making of Canada: Readings
See below for further information.
Electives (4 or 8 op each):
NAMS1210 The American Experience, Past and Present (also registered as KIEN2039)
A week-long intensive course, offered once in each Semester.
Spring semester 2010
Mon 26.3. - Fri 30.3.
The course is open to all students but designed mainly for non-native speakers of English (level B2 or above).
Students will need to be absent from their regular weekly classes to attend this; please consult your regular teachers and ask what arrangements or extra work may be necessary.
Note: The size of the group will be limited to fifteen (15)!
For more information, and to register, please contact
Brett Dellinger
bredelli[at]utu.fi
NAMS 1404 Constructions of Ethnicity in American Cinema
(3 - 6 op/ECTS credits)
Teacher: Pirkka Kivenheimo
(class offered jointly with Cultural History)
Teaching: Autumn semester
The United States has been called a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. As a prominent constructor of American identity and a reflector of that identity both internationally and domestically, Hollywood has always had a major role in influencing the way both American and international audiences perceive various ethnic groups. The course examines the ways in which images of different ethnic groups have been constructed and re-constructed throughout the history of American cinema from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day.
The course work includes an exam or a lecture diary that will give the student 3 op. To earn extra study points the student has the option to write an essay worth 1, 2 or 3 op.
NAMS2105 Encounters & Transformations [E&T]
(8 op/ECTS credits)
An investigation of Canadian narratives of cross-ethnic encounters in print and screen.
Teacher: Keith Battarbee
Teaching: Autumn semester
Required reading:
- Margaret Craven: I Heard the Owl Call my Name (published 1967/screen 1973)
- Brian Moore: Black Robe (published 1985/screen 1991)
- Rudy Wiebe: The Temptations of Big Bear (published 1973/screen 1998-99)
Students need to read these books, and we will watch the screen versions in class. You need to have read each book by the discussion date:
Craven (~150pp) by 26.9.
Moore (~250 pp) by 10.10.
Wiebe (~450 pp!) by 14.11.
The discussion will focus on three themes: (i) Fiction, history, and metafiction; (ii) a comparative approach to narrative in print and on screen; (iii) how these narratives represent the 'Contact' experience between native peoples and Europeans; and (iv) how these narratives represent neo-European and indigenous spiritualities and social cultures.
There will be a 'take-home' exam at the end of the class, with two deadlines: 12:00 noon on Thursday 15.12. for grading published by 29.12., and 12:00 noon on Monday 16.1.2012 for grading published by 30.1. The take-home exam questions will be distributed in class on Monday 5.12.
Registration by email to Keith Battarbee <keith.battarbee[at]utu.fi> by 12:00 noon on Friday 9.9.2011.
NAMS2104 Comparative Politics USA & Canada
(4 op/ECTS)
A six-session course exploring the structural and pragmatic similarities and differences between the political systems of Canada and the United States. Students will be expected to attend regularly, participate in discussion, and then to write a term paper of approx 5000 words (cf: descriptions of term papers above) on a relevant topic of their own choice.
Teacher: Keith Battarbee
Teaching:
Q3: Wednesdays 16-18, H2, Department of English, Juslenia
starting Wednesday 18.1. – Wednesday 22.2.2012
Attendance at the first session obligatory; advance registration through Moodle (Search courses: use “CPX�? or “comparative�?). No code required. Max 1 absence during the course.
Independent Study Modules ("Book Exams")
NOTE: The three modules listed here are regularly available every year by independent study i.e. a "book exam". Contact the teacher responsible for the exam for a book list. (Please note: these are not taught classes; therefore they are not normally recommended for exchange students)
NAMS1112. Crossing the Atlantic: TERM PAPERS
(4 op/ECTS credits)
Objectives
In carrying out a Term Paper project, a student is expected to familiarize themselves with and explore a chosen topic within the frame of reference of North American studies, and specifically to examine how far the ‘Crossing the Atlantic’ paradigm is useful in explicating the chosen topic.
Scheduling
The Term Paper project is available parallel to the Crossing the Atlantic (NAMS1111) taught class, during the same semester. Subject to advance agreement with the examiner, it may also be undertaken at a later date by students who have completed the taught class.
Format
The student defines and investigates a topic within the frame of reference of North American studies, which has been approved in advance by the examiner, and writes a Term Paper of 6000-8000 words based on this research.
The Term Paper should be written in English unless a different language has explicitly been approved in advance by the examiner.
An introductory session will be held explaining the idea, expectations, and procedure protocol for the Term Paper. Thereafter, students will be given individual supervision as necessary. Term Papers should be submitted by the deadline, which is binding; the teacher (examiner) will announce a general deadline at the introductory session; students may also suggest a different personal deadline, which if approved by the examiner also becomes binding for that student. Term Papers submitted late will be penalized by one grade for each week that they are late.
Evaluation
On the scale 5 (high), 4, 3 (average), 2, 1 (weak).
The Term Paper will be evaluated on the following criteria: clarity of the research design, selection and critical use of source materials, coherence of argumentation. Correctness of English will only be taken into consideration for students Majoring in or who are native speakers of English; for all other students, the relevant criterion will be the intelligibility of the writing.
Previous studies required
Parallel attendance at or previous completion of the taught class Crossing the Atlantic NAMS1111.
Note: Students who took NAMS1001 Introduction to the United States may still write term papers based on that class; they should consult the Coordinator to negotiate a topic and a timetable.
NAMS2002 The Making of Canada: Term Paper
(4 op/ECTS credits)
Objectives
In carrying out a Term Paper project, a student is expected to familiarize themselves with and explore a chosen topic within Canadian social history.
Scheduling
The Term Paper project is available parallel to The Making of Canada (NAMS2001) taught class, during the same semester. Subject to advance agreement with the examiner, it may also be undertaken at a later date by students who have completed the taught class.
Format
The student defines and investigates a topic within Canadian social history, which has been approved in advance by the examiner, and writes a Term Paper of 6000-8000 words based on this research.
The Term Paper should be written in English unless a different language has explicitly been approved in advance by the examiner.
An introductory session will be held explaining the idea, expectations, and procedure protocol for the Term Paper. Thereafter, students will be given individual supervision as necessary. Term Papers should be submitted by the deadline, which is binding; the teacher (examiner) will announce a general deadline at the introductory session; students may also suggest a different personal deadline, which if approved by the examiner also becomes binding for that student. Term Papers submitted late will be penalized by one grade for each week that they are late.
Evaluation
On the scale 5 (high), 4, 3 (average), 2, 1 (weak).
The Term Paper will be evaluated on the following criteria: clarity of the research design, selection and critical use of source materials, coherence of argumentation. Correctness of English will only be taken into consideration for students Majoring in or who are native speakers of English; for all other students, the relevant criterion will be the intelligibility of the writing.
NAMS2003 The Making of Canada: Readings
(4 op/ECTS credits)
Contact person
Keith Battarbee, Department of English, Juslenia
Objectives
In completing this independent reading and research assignment, students are expected to deepen their awareness and understanding of Canadian social history.
Content
All students study three or four books selected either from a list of recommended titles, or suggested by the student and approved in advance by the teacher.
Format
Independent study. Introductory sessions at the beginning of each semester. Supervision available as necessary through individual consultations or by email.
Available throughout the academic year.
Evaluation
By written examination.
On the scale 5 (high), 4, 3 (average), 2, 1 (weak).
NAMS1003. Road Readings of the USA. 4 op
(4 op/ECTS credits)
Contact person
Keith Battarbee, Department of English, Juslenia
Objectives
In completing this independent reading and research assignment, students are expected to deepen their awareness and understanding of the vastness of the American space, the variety of its cultures, and the specificities of its regional landscapes and societies.
Format
Independent study. Introductory sessions at the beginning of each semester. Supervision available as necessary through individual consultations or by email.
All students study three or four books or equivalent internet sites: first, John Steinbeck, Travels with Charlie; then either one more recent full-length road journal in book form, or two road journal blogs, or an equivalent amount of similar material as agreed with the examiner; and in addition, one full-length book dealing with a topic in contemporary American society which is of central cultural importance or is culturally contested.
Available throughout the academic year.
Evaluation
By written examination.
On the scale 5 (high), 4, 3 (average), 2, 1 (weak).
Recommended scheduling for student
_
Teaching materials used
John Steinbeck, Travels with Charlie; other materials as specified above, to be chosen by the student and submitted for approval to the examiner.
NAMS1051 History of the USA
(8 op/ECTS credits)
Readings + examination
Auvo Kostiainen, General History (Sirkkala campus)
aukosti[at]utu.fi
You may take the book exam on selected days, at the examinations of General and Cultural History. The examination dates and places are listed here.
For more information, see the office of General History (Kaivokatu 12, yellow building, first floor, School of History building, Sirkkala campus), tel. 02-3335232. You should fill the brown registration envelope and hand it into the office ten days before the examination date, or by internet.
The examination gives a total of 8 study points; short written essay-type answers are expected.
The following books will be examined:
- Jenkins, Philip, A history of the United States. Basingstoke, Macmillan, 1997
- Dippie, Brian W., The vanishing American: white attitudes and U.S. Indian Policy. Lawrence, Kansas U. Press, 1991.
AND - Bodnar, John, The transplanted: a history of urban America. Bloomington, Indiana U. Press, 1985.
OR - Gabaccia, Donna R., Immigration and American Diversity. A Social and Cultural History. Oxford, Blackwell, 2002.
Readings + examination
Veijo Hietala, Media Studies (Sirkkala campus)
veijo.hietala[at]utu.fi
NAMS1053 Regional Geography of North America
Readings + examination
Harri Andersson, Geography (Sciences Building I)
harri.andersson[at]utu.fi
N.B. Registering for these three exams must be done in the relevant departments. The exams must be taken on the exam dates of the department in question.
NAMS1070 - NAMS1089 DVD Study Units (2+2 op)
These sets of video recordings of lecture series by leading American scholars, with supporting material, are published by The Teaching Company, and have been generously donated to the NAMS program by the US Embassy.
They may be loaned from the Office of the Department of English for 4 weeks. Students may then take a written exam on the topic, for 2 op, AND/OR choose to write a research paper also for 2 op.
Click here for the list of DVDs available.
Final Project
NAMS3001 Interdisciplinary Project
(10 op)
By completing this Project, the student (or students, in the case of a joint Project) demonstrate their ability to define a coherent and feasible research project, within the frame of reference of North American Studies, which can be insightfully approached from the perspective of more than one intersecting scholarly or scientific disciplines. They are expected to carry out both the design and the execution of the research project essentially independently, ie: to identify a feasible interdisciplinary project, to set out its research design clearly and convincingly, to identify what sources they will need to use for their data and other information and to use and evaluate these sources critically, to implement the research design, and to write a clear and coherent research report on their findings.
Content
For this project, intended for persons who already have a wide background in North American Studies, students propose a North American research topic of their own choice which involves a multidisciplinary approach. Group projects, involving more than one student, are warmly encouraged.
Obligatory for students completing the Intermediate Level (25+35 op) in North American Studies.
Available throughout the academic year.
Procedure
Presentation of a research design for approval; its implementation and reporting in a written paper (approximately 8000 words, or very approximately 25 pages).
The Interdisciplinary Project will be evaluated on the following criteria: clarity of the research design, selection and critical use of source materials, coherence of argumentation. The paper should be written in good English, and should be language-edited if necessary before submission.
The Interdisciplinary Project should normally be the last unit carried out by a student before completing the upper phase in North American Studies (25+35op).
International and exchange students will only be allowed to undertake the Interdisciplinary Project if they already have previously completed an extensive range of relevant studies.
Previous studies required
Extensive studies in or highly relevant to North American Studies: usually approximately 40-50 op (40-50 ECTS credits).