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Academic Year 2005/2006

United States Intellectual History Since 1865
HIST 236 SP
Crosslistings:
AMST 255

This course provides an introduction to major issues in United States intellectual history from the Civil War to the present. Beginning with the shock of the nations near dissolution, we will explore the important questions of suffrage, political reform, and political inclusion that have been raised by intellectuals as the nation has struggled to realize the promise of democracy. During the semester we will also discuss the role that the world of ideas, separate from institutional politics, plays in national life. We will attempt to establish why some ideas succeed in creating or contributing to larger political and social changes, and why others fail to do so.

MAJOR READINGS

Large photocopied packet
David A. Hollinger, Charles Capper (eds.), THE AMERICAN INTELLECTUAL TRADITION, vol. 2, 3rd ed.
Nancy Cohen, THE RECONSTRUCTION OF AMERICAN LIBERALISM: 1865-1914
Lizabeth Cohen, A CONSUMERS' REPUBLIC: THE POLITICS OF MASS CONSUMPTION IN POSTWAR AMERICA
Carl Degler, IN SEARCH OF HUMAN NATURE: THE DECLINE AND REVIVAL OF DARWINISM IN AMERICAN SOCIAL THOUGHT
David Steigerwald, THE SIXTIES AND THE END OF MODERN AMERICA
Jacques Steinberg, THE GATEKEEPERS: INSIDE THE ADMISSIONS OF A PREMIER COLLEGE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly 1 page responses, 5 page midterm paper, 10 page final paper.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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