This class explores the development of the United States since 1945. We will consider significant aspects of the politics, society, and culture of the post-war period: the Civil Rights movement, Chicano movement, and other movements for racial justice; changes in the role of women; the Cold War, including the Vietnam war and the arms race; the rise of a New Right, including the success of Ronald Reagan; and the War on Terror.
In addition, each student will identify an appropriate subject of their own interest, then research and write about the subject using historical sources. This is a writing-intensive class: a significant amount of instruction will be devoted to the process of researching, writing, and revising in history. Due to this class, students should be able to: (1) Discuss major events, people, and controversies in the US since 1945; (2) Read and interpret primary and secondary sources; and (3) Write organized essays that synthesize historical sources.