ATS2836 · De-democratisation and contentious politics in 21st century America

Overview

In this unit you will examine contentious issues contributing to the 21st Century USA’s polarised political environment, the so-called ‘de-democratisation in America’, and the political figures and movements resisting these processes to restore rights and freedoms. These can include: Trumpism’s uniqueness, impact and significance; the divisive politics of national identity and immigration, reproductive choice, LGBTIQA+ rights, and gun control; White Christian Nationalism’s emergence and threat; Black Lives Matter; distrust of mainstream political and social institutions and conspiracy theories’ transitions from the societal fringe to the political mainstream; and Right-Wing Extremism and the January 6 insurrection’s impact on US politics.

Areas of study: Politics International relations

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. evaluate and critically examine contentious politics in the contemporary US; the factors behind the recent reductions in civil and political rights; and the social movements and political and social initiatives resisting this shrinking democratic space, to restore political and civil rights;
2. critically assess core concepts and theories in American politics, comparative politics, and other social sciences, and apply them to contemporary events, issues and phenomena in contemporary American politics;
3. analyse and evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources relevant to contemporary American politics (including audio-visual materials, scholarly literature and internet sources);
4. conduct research and communicate findings through a logical written argument.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.