An in-depth look at contemporary events in American history. Topics covered include the Kennedy assassination, Bill Clinton's impeachment, the sexual revolution, the environmental movement, and the rise of rock and roll. A special emphasis will be placed on the events of the 1960s. Prerequisite HI118.   3 credit hours.

At the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• explain the political changes in America in the post-war period, and analyze their interaction with the cultural movements of the time
• examine the expanding role of television in shaping American consciousness in the post-war period
• evaluate the changing views of society in the period, and explain the origins, goals, and strategies of the Civil Rights movement, the feminist movement, the counterculture, the peace movement, and the conservative movement.
• analyze the content and effects of a primary source writing from this period (the Feminine Mystique or Silent Spring)

The true test of an education is the ability to communicate knowledge. Therefore, a great amount of emphasis in this course will be placed on analysis and writing about history sources.  Your ideas, no matter how brilliant, are useless if you cannot communicate them to someone else.

In addition to learning the basic dates and facts of American history, students are also expected to demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking skills involving the evaluation of evidence and the application of theory to empirical evidence. Proficiency in these areas will be measured by discussion and written assignments. The assignments and material are also selected to show the ethical choices inherent in historical decision-making and the ramifications of those same choices.