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HIS 103 History of the United States since 1877
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the major issues in US history since 1877 and to help students develop the critical skills needed to analyze historical sources and the historical process. History is the story of people, and emphasis will be given to the lives of individuals in order to gain perspective on contemporary times. The course is organized thematically, and we will discuss how these issues influence current events and impact contemporary problems. All forms of discrimination are considered, including ethnic, racial, and gender discrimination. Themes include the Industrial Revolution and its impact on women and daily life, the Western frontier and how settlement affected Native Americans, the Progressive Movement's affect on individual lives, the Great Depression and New Deal and how government deals with joblessness and the economy today, war and peace through Gulf War II, the struggle for equality for African Americans and minorities, and issues affecting the US in the contemporary world. There will be a good deal of class discussion, in-class writing assignments, and in-class critical analysis of historical documents. Three exams will provide students an opportunity to write essays presenting rational arguments and conclusions based on historical evidence. Websites:
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