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CS92PROD
The 20th-Century United States

HIST 240
Fall 2011 not offered
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.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST
Course Format: Lecture / DiscussionGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Requirement for: (AMST)(CIVI-MN)(EDST)(HIST-MN)(HIST)(STS)

Last Updated on DEC-21-2024
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