Chad J Moody
Emergence of modern America, after the Civil War; interrelationships of economic, social, political, and intellectual developments.
This class eschews a thematic or deterministic approach to the study of U.S. history in favor of a more dynamic and variegated method that examines important historical outcomes from a variety of angles. This class will empahsize the role that ideas and civic debates have played in shaping the United States since the end of the Civil War, but will also examine key social, cultural and economic trends. Along the way, students will have the opportunity to explore the experiences and contributions of some fascinating figures--such as Randolph Bourne, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jackie Robinson and Phyllis Schlafly--who are not commonly placed at the center of the study of American history.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Required Texts: Remembering Jim Crow: African Americans Tell About Life in the Segrgated South; Debating the Civil Rights Movement, 1945-1968; The Conscience of a Conservative; Dispatches; and a Course Reading Packet
Due to the work with primary sources, some previous exposure to college-level history is recommended.
Class assignments and grading
Students will compose two medium-length essays (4-7 pages) and will be expected to contribute to weekly discussions.
Final grades for HSTAA 303 will be determined as follows: Two essays 40% (20% each) Midterm exam 20% Final exam 20% Participation in discussion 20%