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Unit outline_

USSC2602: US Politics: Race, Power, Polarisation

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit explores American political institutions and culture. We look at who holds power in the United States, how they gained it, and what they do with it. It uses cutting edge quantitative research to explore the causes and political consequences of growing economic inequality, ongoing racial tensions, and how it has shaped the dominant ideologies of US politics and growing political polarisation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit United States Studies Centre
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
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12 credit points at 1000 level in American Studies or 12 credit points at 1000 level in Politics or 12 credit points at 1000 level in International Relations
Corequisites
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None
Prohibitions
? 
USSC1602
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Kathryn Robison, kathryn.robison@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam hurdle task Final Exam
1 x 2 hours (2500 words equivalent) Final Exam The Final Exam is a hurdle task and students must achieve a minimum score of 50 to pass.
40% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Contribution Participation
Classwork, tutorial participation, and written summaries
15% Ongoing Ongoing AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO2 LO3
Contribution Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task
10 minutes
0% Week 02
Due date: 16 Aug 2026 at 23:59
Week 1 Readings Discussion Activity AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Out-of-class quiz Online Midterm Test
approximately 60-90 minutes
30% Week 09
Due date: 09 Oct 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 23 Oct 2026
Canvas-based midterm test AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Written work Reaction Paper
Students will submit a reaction to a reading
15% Week 10
Due date: 16 Oct 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 30 Oct 2026
500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

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Mode of delivery Assessment summary Late penalties
Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) day

The participation will consist of in-class activities, the reaction paper will respond to an assigned reading, the midterm exam will be online through Canvas and the final exam will be a secure assessment during the formal exam period.

For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in theÌýÌý(Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

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Distinction

75 - 84

Ìý

Credit

65 - 74

Ìý

Pass

50 - 64

Ìý

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of theÌýAcademic Integrity Policy.

Visit theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per day.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our websiteÌýprovides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed theÌýAcademic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)Ìýwhich is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit theÌýCurrent Students websiteÌýfor more information on AI in assessments, includingÌýdetails on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through aÌýsimple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible forÌýspecial consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,ÌýÌýincludes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students PolicyÌýreflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Discussion and practical learning related to lecture topics to include scenario-based learning Tutorial (10 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 01 Foundations - US Political Institutions and Historical Contexts Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 From the Founding to the Politics of "Whiteness" Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 Reconstruction, Realignment, Segregation, and Civil Rights Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 White Identity Politics Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 Outgroup, Ingroup, and Migration Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 06 The Rise of the Alt-Right Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 07 Media, Pop Culture and Polarisation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 08 Review for Midterm Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Midterm Assessment (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Reaction Paper Week Self-directed learning (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Parties Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 12 Institutions Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 13 What Now? Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the key issues in contemporary American politics around race, power, and polarisation.
  • LO2. Demonstrate ability to think analytically and strategically by utilising relevant theoretical tools and frameworks.
  • LO3. Demonstrate confidence in research and ability to discern relevant and credible sources of information.
  • LO4. Develop advanced oral and written communication skills that conform to the professional standard in the field.
  • LO5. Demonstrate ability to work to a deadline and produce research outputs different from the standard academic assignments.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all ±¬ÁÏÍõ graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit has been offered for a number of years and the UoS coordinators have continually worked to improve the quality of teaching materials, learning activities and forms of assessment based on student feedback.

Disclaimer

Important: the ±¬ÁÏÍõ regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .