Units & Timetables


The US Studies postgraduate program is designed to suit each student's professional and intellectual interests.

Beyond the core units, note that the list of electives is necessarily incomplete. The University of Sydney offers a rich array of units from which to choose. Students are encouraged to create a program, in consultation with the Academic Program Director, that is tailored to their specific needs.

In 2009, for example, the following units were studied by students enrolled in US Studies and are not listed below: GOVT6208 Rise and Fall of the Cold War; ECOP6019 Political Economy of Conflict & Peace; and, LNGS7006 Cross Cultural Communications.

View the 2010 timetable for US Studies units.

Compulsory Core Unit

Core Units

Electives (offered by US Studies Centre)

Electives (offered elsewhere)

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Unit  Descriptions (A-Z)

Academic Communication for Postgraduates - ARTS7000

This elective unit is being offered for the first time in 2009.

This unit is designed for Non English Speaking Background students (NESB) and those wishing to improve their language, critical analysis, and referencing skills. It will cover topics such as writing for different disciplines, achieving advanced proficiency in spoken and written communication, applying concepts of learning in various cultural contexts, and avoiding plagiarism.

This unit is being taught by Louise Katz who has been providing language support to International postgraduates in MECO over the last two years, which has resulted in improved student marks and confidence.

The unit is worth 6 credit points and will be offered in both Semester 1 and 2, 2010.  View the Unit Outline for this unit here.

American Exceptionalism - USSC6907

This core unit examines the domestic and foreign politics of the United States of America. One of the major themes will challenge the idea that the United States is in some sense 'exceptional' and therefore 'incomparable.' Indeed, the focus will be on the extent to which we can 'de-exceptionalise' the United States and treat it is 'just another advanced industrial state' who faces similar problems to everyone else in an ever more globally-integrated political economy. The class will examine how the US and 'the rest' have sometimes developed along similar lines, and sometimes developed along quite different lines; politically, economically, and culturally.

Previous relevant study in US politics is recommended in order to complete this unit of study.


Taught in Semester 1, 2010 by Dr Dennis Phillips. Classes commence in Week 4.

American Film and Hollywood - USSC6919

This unit explores the relationship between 'American Cinema' and Hollywood Cinema. 'American Cinema' draws inspiration from and attempts to contribute to cultural movements and contexts that include Hollywood but extend to literature and the visual arts more generally. Hollywood's power as a cultural sign will be examined in relation to alternative and independent film cultures. This will include not only analysis of feature films but also of writings by filmmakers and theorists. Questions of cinematic subjectivity and authorship will be a focus of the unit.

Taught in Semester 1, 2010.

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American Power: Past and Present - HSTY6999

The diplomatic, political, economic and cultural power of the United States is formidable and often described or denigrated as imperial. But is it? Has it ever been? This unit considers American foreign relations in comparative perspective with past and present empires and considers why most Americans are so adamant that their nation is not an empire-builder. The scope is broad, examining foreign and domestic politics, economics and culture, past and present.

Not offered in 2010.

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Contemporary American Media - USSC6915

This core unit overviews current issues in American Media Studies, including the relationship between democracy and media production, theories of media influence, approaches to audience analysis, and trans-national media spheres. It emphasises the diversity of forms, texts and practices that make up the contemporary American media experience and the cultural flows between the US and the rest of the world. Examples include the press, advertising, genre television, narrative cinema, "current affairs", popular music, radio and gaming and Internet cultures.

Not offered in 2010.

Citizenship and Belonging in Latino USA - SPAN7001

Latino cultural activism emerged in response to the experiences of exclusion and invisibility faced by Latin American-origin people who have, over time, relocated to the US, frequently in search of the 'American Dream'. This history informs the questions raised by contemporary Latino Studies and subjects. The USA's largest 'ethnic minority', Latinos, never a totality, show a plurality of identifications. This course uncovers, examining cultural products and social research, the complexity of that increasingly visible transnational collectivity known as Latino USA.

Taught by Dr Vek Lewis from the School of Languages and Cultures.

Read more about this unit here.

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Climate Change after Copenhagen: Australia, the US and the world - USSC6910 Special Topic in US Studies

From the Rio summit and the Kyoto Protocol in the 1990s to the December 2009 Copenhagen Summit, Australia and the United States have collaborated on tackling climate change within their countries and on the global stage.

Robert Hill, who leads Prime Minister Rudd's Carbon Trust and negotiated Australia's involvement in the Kyoto Protocol, will look back and also towards the future on the climate change agendas of the two countries within their borders and in international forums. Professor Hill will also give a first-hand account of his participation in the Copenhagen Summit, analysis of the outcomes and commentary on future direction of global governance of climate change.

Combining case studies and guest lectures with key players in the area of climate change, participants will: gain insights into how the unique Australia - US relationship contributes to major multinational climate change negotiations; understand the national economic, trade and security interests affecting climate change negotiations; and be better equipped to undertake public policy development, international business and contributions to civil society.

This unit can be taken as both an award or non-award unit and also as an audited unit.

Taught during Summer School 2010 (February 16 - 27).

Cross Cultural Management - IBUS6002

An understanding of cultural differences and how to manage such differences is critical to effective management in international and multi-cultural business environments. The aim of this unit of study is to provide conceptual frameworks and evidence from practice that will develop an understanding of the ways in which cultures differ, how these differences can impact on management, and how cultural issues can limit organisational effectiveness. Major topics include the significance of culture in international management, the meaning and dimensions of culture, comparative international management and leadership styles, managing communication across cultures, ethics and social responsibility in global management, cross-cultural negotiation and decision-making, forming and managing global teams, and developing the international and global manager.

Read more about this unit here.

Developing a Research Project - EDPK5003

This unit surveys a wide range of approaches to research. Basic research design issues are covered and various methods of data collection are examined. There is also a brief introduction to qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis. The unit is designed to support students in the development of their own research project (this can be real or hypothetical-preparatory work is not necessary) and prepares students who are going on to conduct research projects in social sciences. Classes include workshop components during which all students are expected to discuss the development of their own research project. Emphasis is placed on the potential for mixed methods research and on applying critical perspectives to reflect on issues of validity and reliability in research.

Read more about this unit here.

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Fundamentals of US Studies - USSC6901

This unit introduces students to the foundations of American politics, economics, society and culture, examining the interplay of major actors and ideas from these spheres. It is a foundational unit which will familiarise students with the US at home and abroad as well as provide some insight into the reasons for studying the US. The interactive nature of the unit will provide an opportunity for students to meet their peers and to be introduced to the US studies program. It is offered intensively over the first three weeks of semester.

Taught in Semester 1, 2010 by Associate Professor Lyn Carson. Taught in intensive mode during weeks 1 - 3. Classes commence 1 March 2010.

This unit is only offered to candidates in the US Studies program.

Gender, Media and Consumer Societies - WMST6903

This unit examines theories of consumption in regards to cultural and media products and practices. From the basis of sociology, cultural studies and gender theories, we will critically analyse different forms of belonging and identity that are created through these practices. We will also pay close attention to the critiques of globalisation and consumption, theories of the 'citizen consumer' and the realities of geo-political and economic inequalities that underpin many forms of consumption. The unit focuses on theories of culture, media and consumption, principally through the analyses of case studies.

Read more about this unit here.

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Globalism, Internationalism and the UN - HSTY6994

What is the future for international society in the 21st century? This unit of study will attempt to answer this question by examining the idea of international society and its expression in the past of ideas of global communities, globalisation, cosmopolitanism, transnationalism, and international organisations, most particularly the League of Nations and the United Nations. The aim of this unit is also to provide intensive master classes for students interested in researching international history at postgraduate level.Please contact the coordinator, Associate Professor Glenda Sluga, at the latest by 18 July, 2008 (glenda.sluga@arts.usyd.edu.au). There will be an introductory meeting on Tuesday 22 July, with 6 additional hours of attendance required, drawing from a choice of public lectures, a postgraduate master class with visiting international academics from Harvard and Birkbeck, and combined staff/student seminars during the week 22-28 July. This attendance will be assessed and will count towards overall attendance and assessment requirements for the course. Semester seminars will then continue regularly from Tuesday 29 July in completion of those requirements.

Read more about this unit here. 

International and Global Marketing - MKTG6013

This unit introduces students to international marketing using the marketing concept. It firstly considers environmental factors and then studies how marketing strategies are affected by those environmental factors. It aims to give students an awareness and understanding of international marketing concepts and highlight their importance in a rapidly changing global economy. Additionally it aims to develop student skills in designing and implementing marketing strategies in diverse international and global contexts.

Read more about this unit here.

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International Business Finance - FINC6013

In our highly globalised and integrated world economy, understanding vital international dimensions of financial management is becoming increasingly essential for firms and businesses. This unit seeks to provide a greater understanding of the fundamental concepts and the tools necessary for effective financial decision making by business enterprises, within such a global setting.

Read more about this unit here.

International Business Strategy - IBUS6001

This unit analyses how multinational firms leverage their capabilities and competencies to create competitive advantages in international and global markets. Topics include assessing foreign market attractiveness; understanding the impact of differences in legal, cultural, political and economic regimes; evaluating international political and economic risk; building and operating global networks, including entry mode choice; understanding how managers design organisational architecture and implement internal control and incentive mechanisms; and assessing the challenges of global citizenship, ethical behaviour and social responsibility for international business. Problem-based learning, with case study workshops, is an integral part of the program.

Read more about this unit here.

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Issues in American Thinking - USSC6913

This unit exposes students to the variegated landscape of America: its politics and society. Major actors and ideas from these spheres will be examined by students in a highly interactive and very self-directed manner. Contemporary issues will be analysed using an approach to learning that is supervised but without formal classes. Activities include independent research, several different forms of writing (both academic and popular) and opportunities for interviewing and reflecting. Students will focus on the various high profile speakers from the US who will visit Sydney in 2010.

Not offered in 2010.

Key Issues in American Culture - USSC6914

This core unit proposes a week-by-week engagement with some of the defining moments in US cultural history. Working from the premise that ideas in the US are cultural and political acts, the unit constructs a chart of the nation's salient (and often critical) intellectual projections. Blending written texts with works of visual art, high with 'low' culture, the course offers a close encounter with a misunderstood intellectual tradition and shows its relevance to the present.

Read the results of the 2008 and 2009 Student Feedback Surveys. 

Not offered in 2010. This unit will be run again in 2011.

Dr Robertson is a recipient of the 2008 Faculty of Arts Excellence in Teaching (Design and Practice) Awards.

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Literature and Desire - ENGL6938

This unit is concerned with the representation of romance and sexuality in literature and song from the Renaissance to the present. The focus will be on the discursive construction of the lyrical romantic subject, figured in a language of amorous desire. We will explore this through a comparison of two specific milieux: love poetry of the 1500-1600s, and song from the 1930s to the 1970s. The first section of the unit will focus on the development of the courtly tradition in English poetry from Wyatt to the Cavaliers, including Spenser's Amoretti and Epithalamion, Sidney's Astrophel and Stella, Shakespeare's Sonnets, and Donne's Songs and Sonnets. The second section will trace developments in song (with an emphasis on lyrics) from Gershwin, Porter, and Rogers and Hart through to the work of the prominent singer-songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s: Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Joni Mitchell.

Read more about this unit here.

 Literary Journalism - MECO6906

This unit will give students an overview of the history, theory and practice of literary journalism in Australia, a critical understanding of key writers and genres in the field, and an opportunity to gain practical skills in this form of writing. Genres studied will include new journalism, critical review writing, essay writing, memoir writing, travel writing, popular science, and ficto-criticism.

Please note: This unit has been revised. The main focus is now American literary journalism, contrary to what is stated on the link above.

Read more about this unit here.

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 New Security Challenges - CISS6001

This unit considers the evolving nature of security in the context of global politics. It focuses on non-military challenges to security while acknowledging the relationships between these and traditional security concerns. Among the topics considered are: international law and security; the privatisation of security; economics and security; energy resources; environmental degradation; the burden of infectious diseases; population dynamics; gender and age perspectives on security; the dilemmas of fragile and failing states transnational organised crime; and new modes of warfare. The overall objective of the unit is to engage with issues and arguments that challenge how security is traditionally understood. Teaching and learning take place via a combination of lectures, student-led seminars, debates and case studies.

This unit is offered through the Centre for International Security Studies.

Read more about this unit here. 

News in the USA - USSC6920

This unit explores the development of news journalism in the United States of America and asks how the way news is gathered and presented both reflects and affects society, culture and politics. It specifically examines theories about the rise in the USA of objectivity as a professional norm in news journalism and how this played out across Western journalistic practice. It explores what has happened to objectivity in the context of postmodernity and the development of 24-hour global news.

Taught by Dr Shelly Savage during in Winter School 2010. 

Political Economy of Peace & Conflict - ECOP6019

This unit will examine the economic bases of conflict in society at large. It will consider sources of conflict in the relations between market and state; capital and labour, and between national economies in the context of current processes of globalisation. Students will analyse issues of conflict as evidenced in industrial relations, crime, terrorism and war. They will consider economic and political drivers predisposing societies toward violent, or non-violent responses respectively. They will study how to enhance the prospects for peace with justice, by such means as regulation of market economies, corporate social responsibility, and mediation between the interests of stakeholders in economic activities.

Read more about this unit here.

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Population and Security - CISS6008

This unit considers the importance of demographic factors in international security. It attempts to provide answers to the complex questions regarding how population changes affect security concerns. In particular it examines how population dynamics and characteristics such as growth rates, fertility, mortality, age and ethnic structure might be linked to national and international security. Among topics covered will be key global population trends, differing world population transitions, the significance of resource scarcity and environmental degradation, the role of natural disasters, and the significance of ethnic and religious divisions. Case studies will be presented with respect to how demographics may contribute to undermining the viability of modern states and the importance of population to security considerations in the Asia-Pacific region.

This unit is offered through the Centre for International Security Studies.

Read more about this unit here.

Race and Gender in America - HSTY5910

What difference does it make to look at American history from the margins, by taking into account the perspectives of the powerless: from women to ethnic and racial minorities? Why do so many debates today hinge on disputes over racial, ethnic, or gender issues and identities? And what are the best tools for assessing such debates? This unit takes a fresh look at American history by focusing on how scholars have analyzed the place of non-elites in shaping the past and generating contemporary debate.

Read more about this unit here

Research Project in US Studies - USSC6916

Students will undertake research essay of 6,000 words on an approved topic under the guidance of a supervisor from the Centre for US Studies. Normally, the essay involves deeper study of a subject which the student has already covered in the first semester of his or her program. Entry to this unit is subject to the permission of the Academic Program Director and depends upon the availability of a supervisor from the Centre, the student's existing knowledge in the area, and her or his academic performance in the preceding semester.

Taught in Semester 1 and 2, 2010.

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Social Entrepreneurship - IBUS6016

Social entrepreneurs are committed to furthering a social mission through enterprises that rank social, environmental or cultural impact on a par with, or even above, profit. Intersecting the business and not-for profit worlds, social entrepreneurship addresses many complex local and global problems. This unit will critically introduce the concept and develop frameworks for understanding social entrepreneurship (also referred to as social enterprise and social innovation). Teaching and learning will utilise case studies, and include the opportunity to apply real-world experiences. Topics will include creating innovative social enterprises, sustainable 'business' models, philanthropy and funding, impact assessment, and leadership.

Taught in Semester 1, 2010 by Professor Bruce McKern and Associate Professor Lyn Carson from the United States Studies Centre and Dr Richard Seymour from the Discipline of International Business.

Read more about this unit here.

 Special Topic in International Security (Civil-Military Relations) - CISS6011

This unit is offered in collaboration with the Security Policy Studies Program at The Elliott School, George Washington University in the United States. It will require students to engage in an on-line simulation on U.S. strategic decision-making, a video conferencing session between GWU and USyd before and after the simulation, as well as completing written assessment tasks.  The simulation, run through the ICONS software of the University of Maryland, will take place over two weeks, requiring some 4 or 5 on-line sessions.  Due to the time differences between Sydney and Washington, students should expect to do some online meetings late at night or early in the morning. The unit will provide the opportunity to develop skills in strategic decision-making generally and in problem-solving under highly pressured conditions more specifically.  The tentative topic for the simulation is US-Cuban relations.

Offered in Intensive Mode during Semester 1, 2010. 

This unit is offered through the Centre for International Security Studies.

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The American City - USSC6917

This unit explores the idea, image and experience of the city in the United States. It considers key examples of built form, urban planning and urban life through images of the city in art and popular culture. From Edith Wharton's New York to Martin Scorcese's via Frank Miller's Gotham City, and from the collage of Las Vegas to the endless reconstruction of lived space in Second Life, the American city is an influential story about modern life and modern people.

Taught in Semester 2, 2010 by Rowena Braddock and Dr Kurt Iveson with guest lecturer Professor Ed Blakely.

The Anti-American Tradition - USSC6909

This unit will cover the history and origins of the anti-American tradition, exploring in detail why America is often seen by many as an uncouth, naïve and ignorant nation. It will also examine claims that Americans are particularly uninformed about other cultures, global affairs and world geography. Various definitions of what is fairly called anti-Americanism will be explored as will strongly negative commentary on American culture, politics (particularly notable presidential administrations) and foreign policy.

Taught in Semester 2, 2010 by Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor.

The US Business Environment - USSC6908

This unit will comprise three sections. The first will provide an overview of United States business and the structure of key industrial segments. The second part will deal with research and innovation in US business and the strategies and organisation of US firms. The final section will deal with business issues of entering and operating in the US environment, with an emphasis on market research, entry strategy, sources of funds, logistics and operations.

Taught by Professor Bruce McKern. Not offered in 2010.

 US Constitution - USSC6910

This unit examines through a variety of lenses a document which animates nearly all facets of contemporary American life. The US Constitution shapes the contours of speech and media and is constantly tested and reinterpreted by social actors, the judiciary, and political institutions. Many issues faced by foreign businesses or organisations operating in the US have a constitutional dimension.

Previous relevant study in US politics is recommended in order to complete this unit of study. 

Taught in Semester 1, 2010 by Dr Harry Melkonian.

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US Corporate Law
Details forthcoming.

Please note an additional fee applies for this unit.

US Economic Policy and Regulation - USSC6905

This core unit studies the ways in which economic and regulatory policies and institutions drive the business and social environment in the United States. Macro-economic policy, micro-economic reforms and changes to the legal framework and legal institutions have a fundamental effect on the impetus for research and development, the qualities of domestic and imported goods and services, the incentives for business and social innovations, the extent and fairness of competition, the advancement of employment equity, the quality of education, the improvement of productivity, the attainment of social benefits and social equity, the mechanisms for rapid and equitable information transfer, the minimisation of surveillance and enforcement costs, and the equitable sharing of income and risks within US society.

Taught in Semester 2, 2010 by Dr Martijn Konings.

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US Financial Institutions and Culture - USSC6904

This unit is designed to introduce the effects of the way of thinking that dominate the US Corporations and financial markets on US society and business practices. These include the cultural influences of major financial institutions, particularly those of the contemporary investment banking industry and business consulting firms. The theory and practice of financial economics has developed over the past 40 years the extent that it is one of the dominant drivers of life in America, even for those who have no direct contact with financial markets or institutions. The subject will introduce relevant financial theory and study its influence from both rational-economic and critical-political-sociological perspectives.

Not offered in 2010. This unit will be available in 2011.

 US Foreign and National Security Policy - USSC6903

This core unit in US Politics and Foreign Policy will examine US foreign and national security policy formulation and implementation throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It will consider US military policy, foreign economic policy, foreign energy and resource policy, policy on human rights and democracy overseas, and US responses to the proliferation of WMD and terrorism. The unit will conclude by examining US foreign policy in the aftermath of 9/11, the Iraq War, and other contemporary challenges facing the US.

Previous relevant study in US politics is recommended in order to complete this unit of study.

Taught in Semester 2, 2010 by Dr Dennis Phillips.

US International Taxation - LAWS6171

Please note an additional fee applies for this unit.

The object of this unit is to provide an overview of the income tax system of the US and a detailed analysis of the most important legislative and treaty rules of the US in the international income tax area, especially in dealings with Australia. Upon successful completion of the unit candidates will have an advanced understanding of the policies of the US rules for taxing international transactions as well as a detailed knowledge of the principles of income tax law applicable to inbound and outbound transactions in the US. This seminar unit includes a study of: overview of the US income tax system; taxation of inbound investment in the US; taxation of outbound investment in the US; transfer pricing in the US and US tax treaties.

Read more about this unit here.

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US Media Law - LAWS6910

Please note an additional fee applies for this unit.

With different constitutional foundations, there are many similarities and points of comparison between the law of defamation in the United States and Australia. In addition, the law of the United States has long provided more extensive protection of privacy than Australian law, which is now in a critical stage of development since the statutory re-introduction of truth as a complete defence to defamation in Australia. This intensive unit will cover the constitutional background and law regulating media content in the United States, with particular emphasis on: the scope and impact of constitutional protection of freedom of speech in the United States; the law of defamation; and the protection of privacy. Some comparison with Australian law will be included. Professor David Partlett, Dean and Professor of Law at Emory Law School has written extensively on comparative defamation law, free speech and privacy law and is also a co-author of the leading US casebook on Tort Law.

Read more about this unit here.

US Politics: Competing Centres of Power - USSC6902

This core unit examines US domestic politics by analysing the federal structure and separation of powers within the American political system. This understanding will provide an appreciation of the porous nature of US political institutions, offering social actors a variety of venues and opportunities to influence political decision-making. It will examine the factors that make some arenas more open than others and strategies that groups and political actors take to secure or prise open those avenues for change.

Previous relevant study in US politics is recommended in order to complete this unit of study.

Taught in Semester 2, 2010 by Associate Professor Brendon O'Connor.

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