US and the World: Rise of a Superpower (HIST30065)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject examines the relationship between the United States and the world from the Spanish-American War in 1898 to September 11, 2001. It explores how the United States went from being a third-rate global power with a small military that was notionally wedded to non-interventionism and isolationism at the turn of the twentieth century to being a global superpower with vast military, economic, and cultural reach by the century’s end. Throughout the course we consider whether the United States should be considered an “empire” by examining different facets of American power, including politics, jazz, high culture, Hollywood, consumerism, capitalism, technology, media, sport, and militarism. We cover key events including colonisation and Native dispossession; how the United States was shaped by war from the world wars to Vietnam; the Cold War; CIA interventions in Latin America and the Middle East; economic expansionism; immigration and nativism.

The course emphasises the wide range of people that have influenced US relations with the world from presidents and diplomats to bankers and artists as well as the role of ordinary people including immigrants, activists, and radicals in exile have played. In accounting for the rise of a global superpower, we also trace how US engagement with the world has shaped American vulnerabilities, both real and perceived.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to: 

  • Analyse the principal figures and significant events and developments in US foreign relations
  • Engage with the major historiographical debates concerning U.S. foreign relations and with major interpretive perspectives and approaches to the subject
  • Locate and analyse primary and secondary sources in constructing and evaluating historical arguments
  • Evaluate the global impact of U.S. foreign policy decisions from the late 19th century to the present, including their effects on international relations and global power dynamics
  • Critically assess the role of economic, political, and ideological factors in shaping the United States' emergence as a global superpower
  • Compare the U.S. approach to foreign policy across different administrations, identifying continuities and shifts in strategy and objectives.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should be able to: 

  • Communicate effectively (written and oral)
  • Construct an evidence-based argument or narrative through competent use of the library and other information sources
  • Develop problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Engage with new ideas and perspectives
  • Improve research skills using printed and electronic sources, both primary and secondary, in preparing a substantial research essay
  • Apply critical thinking and oral expression and argumentation through group discussion.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

HIST20043

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A research essay

  • 2400 words
Week 1060%

A reflective essay

  • 1600 words
During the examination period40%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval.Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorPatrick McGrath
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours29 hours: 1x 1.5-hour lecture per week for 12 weeks, and 1 x 1-hour tutorial per week for 11 weeks (Week 2-12).
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Dr Patrick McGrath: patrick.mcgrath@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025