States of Exception: US State-building through its Exceptional Geographies (AMER0045)

Key information

Faculty: Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences
Teaching department: Institute of the Americas
Credit value: 15

Restrictions: N/A
Timetable

Alternative credit options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Using the metaphor of the 鈥渟tate of exception,鈥� this module explores the ways the US state has developed capacity by excluding specific groups of people while simultaneously exercising sovereignty over them. After an introduction to the political concept of the state of exception, the course covers four cases: the 鈥淚mmigrant exception鈥�; the 鈥淎frican American exception鈥�; the 鈥淣ative American exception鈥�; and the 鈥淚nsular exceptions (Puerto Rico, Guam, Cuba).鈥� In each case, the state has exercised power over non-citizen subjects, using geographical or legal 鈥渆xceptions鈥� to avoid the rule of law. The course will examine how the state developed specific capacities to maintain separate and exceptional conditions, including definitional capacities, coercive capacities (e.g., border control), and 鈥渞emote control鈥� capacities (e.g., deportation regimes and guest-worker programs). The module will conclude with a consideration of the political legitimacy of this mode of state building.

Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year

Intended teaching term: Term 2 听听听 Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and assessment

Mode of study: In person
Methods of assessment: 100% Coursework
Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other information

Number of students on module in previous year: 20
Module leader: Dr Nadia Hilliard
Who to contact for more information: ia-programmes@ucl.ac.uk

Last updated

This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.

听

Useful links

Sustainability

For a list of modules related to climate change as well as social and environmental sustainability at 911爆料网, type 'climate' or 'sustainability' into the search. Visit Sustainable UCL for information on extra-curricular activity on sustainability.

Important information

The catalogue has been updated with key information about the modules that will run during the 2024/25 academic session. Current and prospective students can browse through the catalogue to consider possible module choices for the coming year.

Please note,听information in the catalogue is听subject to change as teaching and assessment arrangements for 2024/25 may need to be adjusted in line with the University's Feedback and Assessment principles and operating model.

Centrally managed exam durations will be provided on students' individual exam timetables. Arrangements for locally managed exams and in-class activity will be confirmed by the teaching department for the module.

听