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The
Making of Modern America is an introduction to the key themes
and events in twentieth century American history and suggests a framework
within which this history can be understood. The
lectures will focus on the competing visions of America that
have shaped
culture, society and politics since the 1920s. There will be one
lecture each week which will introduce each topic and provide an overview
of the
principal
areas
of debate. In each term there will also be seven seminars which will
explore the topic of that week's lecture, usually through discussion
of primary sources. The syllabus provides
a list of key readings for each week together with links to primary
sources.
By the end of the course you should have:
~gained a good general knowledge and understanding of key themes in
the history of the United States since 1920
~critically engaged with a varied scholarly literature
~developed a range of critical skills relevant to the successful completion
of a history degree such as the ability to sift and synthesize large
quantities of evidence; the skill of constructing an argument
in written and oral form and the careful analysis of primary and secondary
sources
All students except one-term affiliates are assessed
on the basis of two essays (which
count
for
25% of your final mark) and one three hour exam (worth 75%).
Together the
two coursework essays should total about 5,000 words (including footnotes but
excluding bibliography). You must achieve a pass in both your coursework and
your examination
in order to pass the course.
DEADLINES
Students
who attend the whole year must hand in their first essay by 5 pm on Monday
10th December and the second essay must be handed in by Monday
17 March. These are
departmental deadlines. Late essays will be penalised.
Please also make sure you are aware of departmental
guidelines on plagiarism. Note that deadlines for one-term
affiliates are
different.
More
Information
Teaching
Rooms and Class Times, 2007-2008
Penalties
for late submission and plagiarism
Essay Questions
For one-term affiliates
Advice on revision [this is a word document]
For students doing the 1A essay
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