HIST 439-01, Recent History of the United States

Abstract

This course will survey American history in the post-1945 period. Using both secondary and primary source documentation, students will come to an understanding of the myriad forces that worked to shape what many call the ―American Century.‖ The course will focus on the more significant social and political movements in American society since 1945; special attention will be given to the Cold War, Civil Rights, cultural evolutions of the 1960’s and 1970’s, the Women’s movement and the resurgence of conservatism. In addition to using traditional political and economic viewpoints for historical interpretation, students will also assess the impact of social and cultural forces on our collective past. This comprehensive perspective will enable students to come to an understanding as to how and why history is constructed and to answer fundamental questions about history and the historical process: Who writes it? Who reads it? What are its purposes? To this end, students will be required to analyze, critique and interpret primary source materials as they offer their own view of historical events and construct some historical documentation of their own. Given the central nature of primary texts and our reactions to them, active participation during class will form an essential element of the course. Of course, students are expected to complete all reading and written assignments.