North American Studies, 20–30 cr

North America plays an important role in world affairs. North American presence is seen in several dimensions, but key aspects are found in the North American political and economic impacts. Politically, North America has a global effect which can be seen through foreign relations and through the intense interest and scrutiny of the US presidential elections and domestic affairs. North America has an equally large economic impact. The focus of this program, correspondingly, explores the politics and economics inside North America and North America's political and economic impact globally. Reflecting the location of the program, the North American Studies program is a comparative program. Thus, courses go beyond understanding events, policies and issues in North America to understanding these events, policies and issues in general, with North American cases - and Nordic cases - serving as examples.

The North American Studies program at the Tampere University applies analysis from economics and political science. The program uses these multidisciplinary resources, with each field applying its own methodology, approaches, and perspectives.

North American Studies -site.

Courses offered in North American Studies vary early basis. The topics of the courses include several social science issues such as politics, economics, government, education, media and some methodological studies. 

North American Studies is especially suited for students planning a career in research, international organizations and/or international business. Furthermore, it is particularly useful for students planning to write their master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation on a comparative and/or North American topic. Courses offered are possible to complete either Bachelor or Master level. North American Studies operates in close cooperation with international Master’s Programme in Social Science Research – Public Policy Analysis. If you decide to apply for the Public Policy Analysis studies, your previous studies in North American studies can be included to your degree.

Upon completing the programme, students will be able to:

• understand how important economic, governmental and social institutions differ between North America and Europe
• understand how the issue of social institutions is addressed in the fields of economics, political science, and sociology
• acquire in depth understanding of key issues in the politics and economics of North America
• analyse both advantages of and barriers to social and political cooperation which is essential in predicting needs for and success of policies (theory of collective action, game theory, and politics)
• discuss relevant current literature