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Academic Year 2005/2006


The Rise of Conservatism in the United States since 1950
HIST 342 SP

"So inevitable, yet so unexpected." So Alexis deTocquevile declared, referring to the French Revolution of 1789. The same is true of the conservative movement that has developed in the United States over the last half-century, a powerful movement with worldwide significance that caught the shrewdest intellectuals of the mid-20th century by surprise. What is the nature of modern American conservatism? How and why did it emerge? How do latter 20th century American conservatives compare to modern American liberals and to conservatives in Europe? How has it evolved over time? What are its social bases? What is its historical significance? These are among the questions considered in this seminar. Many primary sources included.

MAJOR READINGS

John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge, THE RIGHT NATION: CONSERVATIVE POWER IN AMERICA (2004)
George N. Nash, THE CONVERVATIVE INTELLECTUAL MOVEMENT IN AMERICA SINCE 1945 (1976)
Lisa McGirr, SUBURBAN WARRIORS: THE ORIGINS OF THE NEW AMERICAN RIGHT (2001)
Leo Ribuffo, THE OLD CHRISTIAN RIGHT: THE PROTESTANT FAR RIGHT FROM THE GREAT DEPRESSION TO THE COLD WAR (1983).
William E. Simon, A TIME FOR TRUTH (1978)
William E. Penberton, EXIT WITH HONOR: THE LIFE AND PRESIDENCY OF RONALD REAG AN (1977)
Jerry Falwell, LISTEN, AMERICA! (1980)

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Frequent response papers and one essay based on primary research (approx. 20 pp.)

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Schatz,Ronald W.   
Times: ....R.. 01:10PM-04:00PM;     Location: PAC136;
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 15)

Special Attributes:
Curricular Renewal:    Speaking, Writing
Permission:    Permission of Instructor Required
POI forms will be distributed by the instructor during the browsing period of pre-registration and must be submitted to the Registrar's office prior to the on-line registration appointment
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006


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