American Society & Culture Since 1865

AM/HI 320

Doug Slaybaugh

Spring 2009

office hours: Monday & Wednesday, 4-5:15; Tuesday & Thursday, 3:30-4:45;

and by appointment in Library 310.

(phone) 654-2465

(fax) 802-654-2679

objectives: This course explores the social and cultural history of the US since the Civil War. We will pay special heed to the pursuit of the American Dream and how that notion has evolved over time, in part because of the continuing tension between the values of an older producer culture and a newer consumer culture. Our sources will include history, memoirs, biography, journalism, and fiction. Although our focus will be on American society and culture, we will not ignore their links to politics, the economy, and global affairs. In the process of learning the content of this course, you will have opportunities to refine skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

reading: Cullen, The American Dream

Washington, Up From Slavery

Daniels, Not Like Us

McMurtry, Crazy Horse

Lewis, Babbitt

Baker, Growing Up

Salmond, “My Mind Set on Freedom”

Moody, Coming of Age in Mississippi

Moats, Civil Wars

Obama, Dreams from My Father

Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History, 5^th ed. (recommended)

and reserve reading (RR)

grading: Based on 400 possible points. Letter grades will depend on earning at least a minimum percentage of the total points: A=94 %, A minus=90 %, B plus=87 %, B=84 %, B minus=80 %, C plus=77 %, C=74%, C minus=70 %, D plus=67 %, D=65 %.

1. discussion essays/questions (DE/Q): a) You will be assigned to a panel that on three occasions will answer questions on the day’s reading posed by your fellow students. To prepare, first study the reading closely and then find a relevant scholarly article/book chapter and write a two-page essay explaining the value of the scholarly source for understanding the reading assignment. Provide citations and attach a photocopy of the title page of your scholarly source. Be prepared to discuss your essays in class. b) On days when you are not participating on a panel, come to class with at least two open-ended questions on the reading assignment. (This also applies to all class meetings that include a “Q” in the syllabus description). (essay: 20 points each/60 total; questions: 1 point per class/17 total).

2. term paper: We will discuss the researching and writing of the paper from time to time during the semester. Topics will be arranged by the mutual agreement of student and instructor. Appropriate topics are any social or cultural issues for the period since 1865, including, e.g. the American Dream, race, civil rights, immigration, gender, sexuality, families, youth, journalism, movies, radio, television, music, sports, diet, fashions.

a. topic essay: a 1-2 page discussion of your general topic and ideas for pursuing it. Due by January 29. (5 points).

b. annotated bibliography: a 3-4 page discussion of the most useful sources for your topic focused on explaining why each one should prove useful. In separate sections, discuss at least five primary and five secondary sources. (Suggestion: check the bibliographies of 2-3 recent books on your topic for likely sources). Due by February 19. (50 points).

c. thesis essay: a 1-2 pp. discussion of the specific thesis you intend to argue in your paper. For clarity, begin this essay with a concise statement of the thesis. Due by March 26. (10 points).

d. final draft: a clean, machine-printed copy, 12-15 pp., with proper footnotes and a separate bibliography (see Rampolla for citation formatting), as well as all notes and photocopies used in preparation, is due no later than April 30. (Place paper, notes, etc., in a manila folder and write your name on the cover). (150 points).

3. debate: On March 10 we will stage a debate on the advisability of prohibition. Each of you will be assigned an historical figure who took a position on the subject. In the debate you will do your best to represent their views. Prepare by reading several sources. The day of the debate, turn in a photocopy of the title page of one useful primary or scholarly source (note: this source should be one not already assigned) and a 1-2 pp. essay discussing why you agree, partly agree, or disagree with your figure’s position on prohibition. (20 points).

4. film reviews: On the days we finish watching Little Big Man and The Best Years of Our Lives, turn in a published review of the particular film with a one paragraph summary of its content. (4 points; 8 total).

5. participation: This is a discussion course; your class participation is vital. (60 points).

6. attendance: Unexcused absences will absolutely lower your final grade.

7. final essay: I will hand out questions in class near the end of the semester. Successful essays will use clear, well-supported arguments and proper citations of sources. Due at my office by a date to be announced. (20 points).

8. extra credit: Write a 2 pp. essay summarizing the main argument(s) in Salmond, ch. 3-7. Due at my office by April 9. (10 points).

plagiarism policy: Any work that you turn in must be your own, with the exception of that material clearly cited as the work of others. Plagiarism is when you use the work of others without making it clear that you are doing so. This applies to directly quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing others' work without a citation. Cited paraphrases that are substantially direct quotations are not acceptable either. The student handbook lists sanctions

for violations of this policy.

schedule:

January 13

Introduction

January 15

Analyzing the Past

January 20

Culture as History

reading: RR, Warren Susman, "Toward a History of the Culture of Abundance: Some Hypotheses," “'Personality' and the Making of Twentieth-Century Culture," Culture as History, pp. xix-xxx, ch. 14

January 22

The American Dream I

reading: Cullen, introduction-ch. 2

Q

January 27

The American Dream II

reading: Cullen, ch. 3-4

DE/Q #1

January 29

The American Dream III

reading: Cullen, ch. 5-conclusion

***topic essay due***

DE/Q #2

February 3

Immigrants & Minorities I

reading: Daniels, preface-ch. 3

DE/Q #3

February 5

Immigrants & Minorities II

reading: Daniels, ch. 4-5

DE/Q #4

February 10

reading: Washington, ch. 1-9

DE/Q #5

February 12

Up from Slavery II

reading: Washington, ch. 10-17

DE/Q #6

February 17

Holiday

February 19

Little Big Man I

***annotated bibliography due***

February 24

Little Big Man II

due: film review

February 26

Crazy Horse

reading: McMurtry

DE/Q #7

March 3

Babbitt I

reading: Lewis, ch. 1-17

DE/Q #8

March 5

Babbitt II

reading: Lewis, ch. 18-33

DE/Q #9

March 10

Debating Prohibition

March 12

Growing Up I

reading: Baker, ch. 1-13

DE/Q #10

March 17, 19

Spring Break

March 24

Growing Up II

reading: Baker, ch. 14-18

DE/Q #11

March 26

The Best Years of Our Lives I

***thesis essay due***

March 31

The Best Years of Our Lives II

due: film review

April 2

Coming of Age in Mississippi I

reading: Moody, part 1; Salmond, ch. 1-2

April 7

Coming of Age in Mississippi II

reading: Moody, parts 2-3

DE/Q #12

April 9

NO CLASS

Due: essay on Salmond, ch. 3-7

April 14

Coming of Age in Mississippi III

reading: Moody, part 4

DE/Q #13

April 16

Civil Wars I

reading: Moats, prologue-ch. 5

DE/Q #14

April 21

Civil Wars II

reading: Moats, ch. 6-afterword

DE/Q #15

April 23

Dreams from My Father I: Origins

reading: Obama, preface-ch. 6

April 28

Dreams from My Father II: Chicago

reading: Obama, ch. 7-14

April 30

Dreams from My Father III: Kenya

reading: Obama, ch. 15-epilogue

***term paper due***