Understanding the United States: Central Issues in American Society

Education facts

Code: 5EN570

The United States plays a significant role in today's society, yet our knowledge of the country paradoxically often relies on quick media reports and cultural stereotypes. This course, open for students from the entire field of humanities and social sciences, provides a deeper understanding of the country, and explores central aspects of American history, politics, and culture in historical and contemporary perspectives. Three overarching themes are in focus: expansionism - geographic, political, and ideological- race relations, and freedom and democracy. The themes are explored through interdisciplinary approaches and new research in the field, and grounded in an introductory overview of historic and political changes in what today is the United States from the 16th century to the present time.

Entry requirements

180 credits, including 90 credits in the humanities or social sciences. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Understanding the United States: Central Issues in American Society

  Uppsala University

  Start date: 31 August 2026

  End date: 1 November 2026

  Pace of study: 50 %