HONORS HISTORY 18 Spring 2002

History of the United States -- Since 1865

Instructor: Rudy Pearson

Office: Davies Hall #358

Phone: 484-8400

Office Hours: MWF 11:00 – 12:00

TTH 9:30 – 11:00 (plus before and after class)

Survey Text: Out of Many: A History of the American People Vol. II (brief edition)

Faragher, et.al.

Books: 1) Cold New World William Finnegan

2) The Middling Sorts Bledstein/Johnston, eds.

3) America Views the Holocaust Robert Abzug

4) Lyndon B. Johnson and American Liberalism Bruce J. Schulman

Each student will select a biography or historical book or reading of his/her own choosing on 20^th Century America and lead a class discussion

Information from Out of Many, chapters 17 – 23 and assigned book readings will be covered on the midterm. Exam date is March 12. Chapters 24 – 31 and the remaining readings will be covered on the final exam – date TBA. Specific reading assignments will be given during class meetings.

In an effort to capture as much of the historical era as possible, this course will cast a wide net, covering – albeit briefly – topics such as popular culture, religion, race / class, politics, gender roles, protest movements, and American foreign policy. Class time will incorporate video clips, lecture, and discussion to help the student become more knowledgeable of forces and motivations which have influenced American history since the Civil War. The class endorses the American tradition of freedom of expression, and it is hoped that the class will provide tools to help the student navigate in a free marketplace of ideas. Part of teaching history is to encourage habits of lifelong learning and to develop analytical skills with which the student can learn from future experiences. Outside of the classroom, the student will read assigned materials, conduct research, and write papers. These exercises will enhance the objectives as stated above.

Required reading consists of a primary survey text, Out of Many, which will be used throughout the entire course. Three other paperback books are required reading and will be discussed in class during the weeks listed after each. A 3-page "book report" will be turned in at the beginning of each discussion week.

There are two major written assignments – the first has been explained above – the second is a 10-15 page paper that will focus on family history. Hopefully this will be your family, but you may choose. The paper should revolve around photographs of your family. Perhaps one showing generations in your family, or some historical family picture. The assignment has two basic parts – the first is to find and select your photographs. Bring these to class by the end of February and share your initial discovery with the class. The second part is to research, interview and discover as much about the picture, historical items in the picture, and the people in the picture as possible. As a result, it is expected that you will recover some aspects of American history. This final paper is due May 3. Further instructions will come during the class.

Many of the issues addressed in this course are not necessarily presented in the reading. Consequently, explanations developed in class will be part of the examinations and should be incorporated into written assignments. Regular attendance is therefore necessary and will be taken at every class meeting.

Participation such as asking questions and sharing comments is encouraged. Arguing without rancor is acceptable – disruptive and/or constant negative behavior is discouraged. Every member of the class is encouraged to think, to accept constructive criticism, and to be open to new ideas and/or interpretations of history.

There will be one midterm exam and a final exam, each covering roughly ½ of the semester. Exams will be subjective and objective testing – a study guide will be provided before each exam. Subjective, or essay answers, will comprise the majority points for each exam. Make-ups are strongly discouraged.

In addition to the two exams, each student is asked to periodically share information about his/her research topic and to keep the class updated on the progress of the paper. Students may offer their opinion and, if everyone agrees, share their evaluation along with the instructor.

Final grade for the course is not based on a curve. In other words, students are not in competition with each other for a limited number of top grades. It is possible for each student to receive a top grade for their efforts.

Two Exams 200 points

Research paper 150 points

Book Reports 100 points

Leading class discussion 50 points

Quizzes / in-class work 60 points

Extra Credit / Attendance 40 points

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TOTAL 550 points

540 – 600 points = A

480 – 539 = B

420 – 479 = C

The instructor – where justified – may adjust a student's point total based on individual contribution to the class.