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UCD Clinton Institute for American Studies

Undergraduate Modules

The Institute offers a number of modules at third level (3rd year undergrad) in association with some other Schools

American in the Twenty-First Century

5 credits 

This module explores the political, cultural and social issues that shape the contemporary United States.  Key themes include: the end of the cold War the reshaping of domestic politics and foreign policy; 9/11 and responses to terrorism, the ‘culture wars’: the impact of religious fundamentalism on American culture and politics; and the effects of new media technologies on culture production.  While focusing on the twenty-first century, early readings and lectures deal also with political events immediately preceding the twentieth century.  Topics central to our analysis in the first part of the course include the legacies of the American war in Vietnam, the presidencies of Ronald Regan, George Bush 1 and Bill Clinton, the American domestic and international policies in the 1980s and 1990s .

Journalism: Reporting Conflict AMST30030 

5 credits

This module will examine genres and styles of reporting that focus on conflict and foreign affairs.  What determines a focus on particular aspects of foreign affairs?  What frames are used to report on particular issues?  What is the role of international news agencies in disseminating international news?  We will consider the nature of contemporary war reporting.  What is the role of journalists in war and violent conflicts?  How do they negotiate the competing demands of employers, governments and military sources?  How do they manage the tensions between objectivity and empathy with human suffering?  We will also consider the changing nature of news production and consumption in a global media marketplace, including the impact of new media technologies on the reporting of conflict and foreign affairs.