American History, Politics, Economics I & II

Instructor: Ken Kennard
Offered: First  and second semester
Course description:  
The central ambition of this module, which is taught over two semesters, is to consider and comprehend the key historical, political and economic concepts that have helped underpin the American developmental process. Moreover, to critically review the practical application of these core ideals whilst contrasting them with European and international understandings. In other words, to see how New World ideology and its resultant politics can be measured and valued when compared to Old World societal policies and performance.
To enable us to achieve this we will need to understand the complex relationship between American ideas, their application and subsequent comparative development. Furthermore, we should consider how this political construct was influenced by Old World imperial governance,  more ‘enlightened’ social  thinking and economic considerations. Therefore, we will initially review, chronologically, the historical process of US nation-state development (1776-2012), identifying the key strains of thought that have molded and continue to influence domestic sociopolitical structures and overseas relationships. Subsequently, building on this historical sweep we will adopt a more thematic approach to achieve our central aims; looking at how the theoretical notions of Freedom, Law, Individualism, Economics, Democracy and Power have evolved within the US over the last two hundred odd years. In the second semester, we will then consider how these ideas and their nuanced adaptations have played out practically by deconstructing the performance and effect of major US Presidencies, key American political personalities, and resultant influential domestic and foreign policies.
In summary, we will identify chronologically, and interrogate, thematically, how the US developed and applied their ‘exceptional’ ideas to their stated aims of pre-eminence. Crucially, we will consider this ‘successful’ process within a European and international context, allowing us to reveal why the World moved from being largely Euro-centric to one led by the United States of America.
Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
Evaluation: A research paper (50%) a written exam (40%) and class participation (10%) per semester.
Course Materials: All reading and research material will be detailed in your course syllabus. Many of these books and papers will be available at the Center for American Studies in Brussels and/or at the University Library in Ghent. On confirmation of your place on this program you will also receive a pre- course reading list that will allow to prepare for your studies.