United States History since 1865

This course surveys U.S. history from Reconstruction through the present. Emphasizing the centrality of diverse peoples, identities, and experiences in this history, the course examines social and cultural movements in addition to key political developments, introducing students to the major forces which shaped American life during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It explores issues of race, gender, and class, the immigrations, and migrations of peoples indigenous and not, industrialization/technology, war and foreign policy, and analyzes the ways in which they influenced Americans and their pluralistic society at large and considers their historical and cultural implications. Readings and discussions will emphasize American experiences, understandings, and convictions within the broader national and global context.

Learning Outcomes/Objectives

 Upon successful completion of History 112, students will be able to:

·         Demonstrate the use of the principles of historical thinking to understand human societies, specifically through the history of the United States from the end of the Civil War to the contemporary era.

·         Define and summarize major events, developments, and themes of United States history from the end of the Civil War until the contemporary era.

·         Evaluate significant themes, issues, or eras in United States history from the end of the Civil War until the contemporary era.

·         Demonstrate basic skills in the comprehension and analysis of selected sources and their relevance in the context of historical knowledge.

·         Demonstrate the ability to develop interpretive historical arguments drawing on primary and/or secondary sources.

·         Demonstrate the ability to recognize the differences between original historical source material (primary sources) and later scholarly interpretations of those sources (secondary sources).