Professor: Randi Storch Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:30 – 12:30 &
Office: 210D Old Main  2:30  – 3:30; Wednesdays 2:00 – 3:00 & by
Phone: 753-2054 appointment
E-Mail: storchr@cortland.edu
Web Page: web.cortland.edu/storchr

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
History 307 is an advanced-level course in the history of Modern America from 1920 to the present. During this period of time, economic depressions, foreign wars (both hot and cold), and domestic reform movements encouraged the rise and fall of liberalism within America’s state and society. In this course we will analyze this development by looking at the relationship between America’s domestic and foreign policies and the activity of the labor movement, business and political leaders, women, and African-Americans.

It is strongly advised that students without a prerequisite of History 201 reconsider their decision to remain in this course. A basic understanding of this period’s chronology will be assumed.

THE ONLY WAY TO PREPARE FOR CLASS IS TO COMPLETE THE READING ASSIGNMENTS BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL IN THE CLASSROOM. While I will give lectures and lead discussions, I expect your active participation in class.  You will not be able to contribute unless you keep up with the readings.

Course Objectives:
Through reading, writing, and course discussions, students will:
1. Understand and evaluate major economic, social, cultural and political developments of modern US history.
2. Consider the changing role and responsibility of the state.
3. Explore the historical roots of social change.
4. Analyze the effects of war and foreign policy on American society.
5. Compare and contrast periods of reform.
6. Evaluate the effects of historical developments on various groups and the effects of these various groups on historical developments.
7. Analyze primary and secondary sources and relate their main themes to historical trends.

REQUIREMENTS:
1.  Purchase and read the assigned sections of the following texts:
 
F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
 Ellen Schrecker, The Age of McCarthyism: A Brief History with Documents
 Colin Gordon, Major Problems in American History 1920-1945
 Robert Griffith and Paula Baker, Major Problems in American History Since 1945, second edition.
 Maurice Isserman & Michael Kazin, American Divided: The Civil War of the 1960s
 Ann Moody, Coming of Age in Mississippi
Thomas Frank, What’s the Matter with Kansas?: How Conservatives Won the Heart of America

2.  One in-class midterm: 25% total.

3.  A final examination: 25%.

4.  Response Papers: 20%.  On six days throughout the semester, you will have the opportunity to write a short paper (three-four pages, typed) in reaction to a set of assigned primary documents, secondary readings and/or questions that I will pose, which will allow us to probe some of the larger issues that we will raise in class. Of the six, you are required to complete four of these assignments (including numbers 3 and 6) and turn them in on the day it is listed in this syllabus.  Your preparation should include active reading—underlining key passages, writing in the margins, taking notes—and critical thinking. Based on your interpretation of the readings, you will form your own opinions on historical questions. (Since the documents will address issues on your exams, the response papers will also serve as valuable study guides.)

5.  Class participation: 10%. This will be measured by your daily participation in class, occasional reading quizzes, and attendance.

6. Internet Analysis: 20% Each of you will pick a topic from the course to research on the internet. After finding primary sources on two different web pages addressing your topic, you will evaluate them in class and in written format in order to determine their reliability, strengths and pitfalls, and to determine potential research projects they might help support.

7. Two times during the semester I will show a film outside of class. You are required to attend one of the films and answer the relevant question on either your midterm or final exam. I will show The Grapes of Wrath, beginning at 4:20 PM on Thursday, February 17th  in room  120 OM and The Front, beginning at 7:00 on Thursday, March 31st in G-12 OM.
There will be no make-ups, extensions, or late papers without a medical excuse.

A FEW WORDS ON ATTENDANCE:
Although the college allows you three unexcused absences, you are still responsible for all of the information in the readings, lectures, and discussions. I therefore would advise you to attend class regularly. Your grade will be penalized for each additional unexcused absence. Excused absences will require a letter from the appropriate College office.

LECTURE AND DISCUSSION TOPICS AND WEEKLY READING ASSIGNMENTS:
N.B.: The schedule below includes reading assignments to be completed for each class session. The “Lecture/Discussion” heading alerts you to the focus of that day’s discussion.  You are expected to have carefully thought about that day’s readings in advance. Bring the assigned readings to class and be prepared to discuss them.

DATE  LECTURE/DISCUSSION TOPIC       READING
1/20  Introduction, Interpretations of History      Start Fitzgerald

1/25  WWI’s Legacy and the End of the Progressive Era    Fitzgerald

1/27  1920s: Race and Ethnicity       Gordon, 151-165
  Response Paper #1 Due

2/1  1920s: Labor and Welfare Capitalism      Gordon, 56-87  Response Paper #2 Due

2/3  1920s: Economy and the Culture of Consumption    Gordon, 89-98 and Discuss Great Gatsby 

2/8  Evaluating 1920s America        Review 1920s readings
  Response Paper #3 Due
  Internet Presentations   
 
2/10  Hoover, Associationalism, and Hard Times  Gordon, 183-88, 273-301, 243-7

2/15  Political Responses to the Great Depression and The Rise of FDR    Gordon, 188-190; 200-209; 247-9; 253-63

2/17  The New Deal and Farm Policy    Review Gordon 243-8; 253-63;  Read 249-52; 263-271 
Response Paper #4

***Grapes of Wrath 4:20 P.M., 120 Old Main**

2/22  No Class
 
2/24   A New Deal for Workers    Gordon, 338-368
  Response Paper #5
 
3/1  Contesting the New Deal and Its Legacy      Gordon, 370-381
  Response Paper #6

3/3  Review for Midterm
  Internet Presentations

3/15  Midterm Exam

3/17  The Road To WW2     Begin Moody

3/22  World War II and the Politics of Sacrifice  Gordon, 436-443

3/24  The Decision to Drop the Bomb and The Origins of the Cold War    Griffith, ch. 2

3/29  McCarthyism without McCarthy   Schrecker ed., 1-95

3/31  McCarthyism: A Look at the Sources    Schrecker ed., 95-243

** The Front Tonight, 7:00 PM G-12 Old Main**
 
4/5  Living in the Age of Ike     Griffith, 137-156; AD, ch.1

4/7  The Origins of the Civil Rights Movement  AD, ch.2

4/12  Discuss Coming of Age in Mississippi   Griffith, 272-278; Begin Frank
  Internet Presentations  

4/14  Kennedy, Johnson, Liberalism and Cold War  Griffith 160-212; 236-40 (midessay); AD, chs, 3, 6, 10

4/19  Vietnam at war and home    Griffith, 300-320; AD,ch. 4, 5, 7

4/21  Youth Culture and Politics    Griffith, 324-343; AD, ch. 8, 9, and 11-13

4/26  Nixon, The Women's Movement, and the 1970s       Griffith, 368-388; 415-447; AD, ch.14

4/28  The Reagan Revolution?    Griffith, 499-529
  Internet Presentations     
 
5/3  The Legacy of 1960s America: A Debate  AD, conclusion
  Internet Presentations
  Discuss What’s the Matter with Kansas?

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