The 20th-Century United States
HIST 240
Fall 2011 not offered
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Crosslisting:
AMST 230 |
Certificates: Civic Engagement, The Study of Education |
This course addresses the changing shape of American political culture over the course of the 20th century. Central to our discussions will be the values and convictions--social, political, religious--that have moved citizens, political parties, and policy agendas over time. Under what conditions can citizens and politicians alter history? Under what conditions does history itself seem to have a profound influence over political decision making? How do different political groups attempt to harness the state--or eliminate government participation in their lives--to solve pressing social problems?
Though this class will cover the entire scope of American history since 1912, we'll focus our attention on three vitally important periods of change: the Great Depression of the 1930s, when the economic liberalism of the New Deal fundamentally transformed the nation; the social upheavals of the 1960s, when Americans became increasingly polarized over issues such as the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and social changes; and the modern resurgence of conservatism since the 1970s in a broad range of American life. |
Essential Capabilities:
Effective Citizenship, Interpretation Effective Citizenship: Readings and assignments will emphasize political participation, the creation and articulation of a political vision, and how ideas about citizenship develop and change over time.
Interpretation: Students will use analytical tools to explore a variety of historical interpretations. They will also deconstruct the assumption underlying seemingly absolute categories, while learning how to engage individuals with different views.
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Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS HIST |
Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Graded |
Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (AMST)(CIVI-MN)(EDST)(HIST-MN)(HIST)(STS) |
Major Readings:
Alexander Blook and Wini Breines, TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS: A SIXTIES READER Eldridge Cleaver, SOUL ON ICE Barry Goldwater, THE CONSCIENCE OF A CONSERVATIVE May Ngai, IMPOSSIBLE SUBJECTS: ILLEGAL ALIENS AND THE MAKING OF MODERN AMERICA John Okada, NO-NO BOY Richard Polenberg, THE ERA OF FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, 1933-1945 Anthony Swofford, JARHEAD: A MARINE'S CHRONICLE OF THE WAR AND OTHER BATTLES
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Examinations and Assignments: A midterm exam, a final exam, and two 3-5 pp. essays |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments: Class attendance, participation. and completion of all assignments. |
Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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