History 1302 (Honors)
United States History After 1877
CRN# 68478
Spring, 2011
Professor Howard Bodner
Office Phone: 713-718-6232
Office Hours: 2:30-5pm, Tuesday & Thursday (and by appointment) in EDC 200
E-Mail: howard.bodner@hccs.edu
*”History is an argument without end.” – Arthur Schlesinger Jr.
Required Readings:
American Passages: A History of the United States, vol. II, Compact, 4th Edition by
Ayers et al. ISBN-13:978-0-547-16628-5
Racial Equality in America by John Hope Franklin. ISBN 0-8262-0912-2
America’s Obsession: Sports and Society Since 1945 by Richard O. Davies.
ISBN 0-03-073332-4
The Godless Constitution: The Case Against Religious Correctness by Isaac Kramnick &
R. Laurence Moore. ISBN 0-393-31524-X
The Color Line: Legacy for the Twenty-First Century by John Hope Franklin.
ISBN 0-8262-0964-5
Course Description:
To ponder the last hundred thirty three years of American history is to reckon with a
nation undergoing rapid, and often bewildering change. During that time America
transformed itself from a nation of farms into a nation of cities and suburbs, from a
vigorous but isolated country into a great world power, from a society built on racial and
gender inequities into one striving for greater social equality. In 1900 many Americans
still rode in horse-drawn buggies and had never seen a building taller than four stories.
They could not have imagined an explosive more powerful than dynamite or a vehicle
that could fly. They knew enough about indoor toilets and telephones to hope that their
own homes might one day be so-outfitted, but only the most visionary among them could
have conceived of a time when Americans would be able to watch their president or a
favorite actor on a “TV” in their home. And the idea of storing vast quantities of
information---such as an entire U.S. census---on tiny silicon chips and of being able to
retrieve any part of it instantaneously would have struck everyone as preposterous.
Modern American history is the story of the remarkable changes that affected the lives of
both prominent and ordinary Americans. This story is full of triumphs: of scientific,
technological, and managerial breakthroughs that cured disease, placed innumerable
consumer goods within reach of the average wage-earner, and created levels of
abundance and economic comfort never before experienced by any society; of military
victories against foes who threatened American and world civilization; and of reform
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movements that succeeded---often against great odds---in extending the promise of
liberty and equality to all citizens.
The story of transformation is marked, too, by failure, tragedy, and unintended
consequences. Economic depressions have followed periods of economic boom,
generating widespread suffering. Exercising its growing power in the world, America has
sometimes failed to design foreign policies that served its interests or those of the world.
Eliminating racial prejudice and poverty in America has proven to be a tough task.
Generating economic abundance has damaged the physical environment while unlocking
the power of the atom has created weapons of unimaginably destructive power.
Comprehending these developments is crucial to an understanding of where America has
been and what future transformations may await it.
Grading Scale:
A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), F (below 60).
All tests and assignments are marked with a numerical grade.
Scholastic Dishonesty:
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling
course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by
College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.
“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and
collusion.
“Cheating” on a test includes:
 Copying from another student’s test paper;
 Using materials during a test that are not authorized by the person giving the test;
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authority;
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part
the contents of an unadministered test;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
“Plagiarism” means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged
incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
“Collusion” means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing
written work offered for credit.
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The objective of social and behavioral science in the core curriculum is to increase
students’ knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and
explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and
ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles
they play in addressing the issues facing humanity.
Exemplary Educational Objectives
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To employ the appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral
scientists use to investigate the human condition.
To examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods,
social structures, and cultures.
To use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
To develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary
social issues.
To analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global
forces on the subject of study.
To comprehend the origins and evolution of U.S. and Texas political systems, with a
focus on the growth of political institutions, the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas,
federalism, civil liberties, and civil and human rights.
To understand the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world.
To differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and
differing points of view.
To recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence
and social research.
To analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to public policy
problems.
To recognize and assume one’s responsibility as a citizen in a democratic society by
learning to think for oneself, by engaging in public discourse, and by obtaining
information through the news media and other appropriate information sources about
politics and public policy.
To identify and understand differences and commonalities with diverse cultures.
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Unit Exams = 40%
You will take two Unit Exams. The midterm exam will cover class material and
readings assigned/due between Jan. 18 and Mar. 8. The final exam will cover class
material and readings assigned/due between Mar. 10 and May 5.
Each exam will consist of a combination of identification and essay questions. Each exam
will cover material taken from class lecture/discussion and readings (including those
assigned but not specifically discussed in class).
The midterm exam will be taken during class on March 8.
The final exam will be taken during the final exams week on May 10.
*There will be no makeup exams except under extraordinary circumstances and solely
at the discretion of the Instructor.
** Note – Any act of “scholastic dishonesty” will result in a grade of zero on the
particular exam/assignment.
Paper Assignment based on “Racial Equality in America” = 15%
In “Racial Equality in America,” John Hope Franklin played the role of the historian in
describing and analyzing racial inequality in its historical setting. While he made no
attempt “…to chart the course for the achievement of equality in the future…” is it
possible that (as Franklin wrote) “…one may draw some lessons from past experiences
and make some inferences regarding the most successful approaches—and the least
successful—in the effort to attain racial equality…”?
In a paper of at least 1000 words, present what (in your opinion) are the most significant
assertions made by John Hope Franklin on the problem of racial equality in America and
then do what Franklin himself did not attempt; chart a course for the achievement of
equality in the future.
This paper is due on February 10.
Paper Assignment based on “America’s Obsession: Sports and Society Since 1945”
= 15%
Richard O. Davies asserts in “America’s Obsession: Sports and Society Since 1945” that
“…A careful examination of the role of sports in American society provides a useful and
valid way to explore broader themes of American life and history…” Do you agree with
the author’s basic premise? Are Americans obsessed with sports?
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In a paper of at least 1000 words, summarize and critique the information presented in
one of the chapters of the book. The chapter which you will write on will be randomly
assigned via an in-class drawing.
This paper is due on March 22
Paper Assignment based on “The Color Line: Legacy for the Twenty-First
Century” = 15%
W.E.B. Du Bois asserted in “The Souls of Black Folk” published in 1903 that the
problem of the twentieth century “…is the problem of the color line—the relation of the
darker to the lighter races of men in Asia and Africa, in America and the islands of the
sea…”
In “The Color Line: Legacy for the Twenty-First Century” published in 1993, John Hope
Franklin asserts that the problem of the Twenty-first century will be the problem of the
color line. Franklin does not deny or ignore that changes have occurred but asserts “…the
obvious fact that the changes have not been sufficient to eliminate the color line as a
problem, arguably the most tragic and persistent social problem in the nation’s history…”
In a paper of at least 1000 words, write a summary and critique of Dr. Franklin’s lectures
entitled:
I. A New Beginning-A False Start?
II. A Color-Blind Society-Finding the Way?
III. A New Century-A New Nation?
This paper is due on April 14
Book Critique on “The Godless Constitution: The Case Against Religious
Correctness” = 15%
The critique should be a minimum of 1000 words and should include the following
elements:
1. Your paper should begin with a paragraph of information about the author of the
book in which you present the author’s credentials or expertise. For example:
What academic degrees has the author earned? Where did the author earn these
degrees? What other books or articles has the author published? What honors or
awards has the author received?
2. Next is the summary section of the paper in which you provide the main thesis
statements or assertions that the author presents in the book. What appears to be
the most important information in the book? What does the author seem to most
want the reader to learn from the book?
3. Next is the critical analysis section of the paper in which you freely and candidly
express your opinions about the book. For example: Is the book written in a way
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that engages the reader? Is the author persuasive? Does the author seem to be
authoritative? Does the information presented in the book agree with or conflict
with what you’ve learned about the subject from other sources? Would you
recommend this book to other students?
The critique is due on May 3.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
The State of Texas has begun to impose penalties on students who drop courses
excessively. For example, if you repeat the same course more than twice, you have to
pay extra tuition. Beginning in Fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting
first time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout
their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an
Early Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and counselors that you
might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is
your responsibility to visit with a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC
interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid,
job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, this MUST be done PRIOR to the
withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. Faculty will no longer have
the ability to withdraw students after the withdrawal deadline. **Final withdrawal
deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online
registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration
Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines. If you do not
withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you earn in the class as your
final grade. Zeroes averaged in for required assignments/tests not submitted will lower
your semester average significantly, most likely resulting in a failing grade (“F”).
Class Attendance:
Students are expected to attend class regularly and on time. Students are responsible for
material covered during their absences. Class attendance will be checked daily by the
Instructor.
Note: Withdrawal Policy
All students who wish to withdraw from this course must fill out a course withdrawal
form available at the Registrar’s Office. The last day to withdraw from a course for the
Spring, 2011 semester is April 21 by 4:30pm.
Students who do not officially withdraw from the course will receive a final grade for the
course. However, the Instructor reserves the right to drop students from this course for
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excessive absences. Any absence in excess of 6 hours (or 4 classes) may result in a
student being administratively withdrawn.
Ceasing to attend the class does not constitute a withdrawal.
Students will not be considered withdrawn from the course until they submit the official
withdrawal form or have been administratively withdrawn.
Faculty will no longer have the ability to withdraw students after the withdrawal
deadline.
Reasonable Accommodations:
“Any student with a documented disability (e.g., physical, learning, psychiatric, vision,
hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the
Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester.
Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability
Support Services Office.”
Course Schedule:
Unit One: Forging an Industrial Society
January 18 – March 8
Readings:
American Passages—Chapters 17-23
Racial Equality in America
America’s Obsession
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Feb.
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Mar.
Mar.
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18 – Introduction/Orientation
20 – settling the west
25 - emergence of the New South and civil rights
27 - the rise of big business
1 – corruption of politics and “Honest Graft”
3 – America’s response to industrialism
8 – the new immigrants
10 – overseas expansion
Paper on “Racial Equality in America” is due
15 – America acquires an empire
17 -- Progressive reform
22 -- America and the Great War
24 -- Over Here—the domestic impact of war
1 – Wilson and the League of Nations
3 – America in the 1920s
8 – Midterm Exam
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Unit Two: Creating Modern America
March 10 – May 5
Readings:
American Passages – Chapters 24-32
The Color Line: Legacy for the Twenty-First Century
The Godless Constitution
Mar. 10 – the boom turns to bust—Hoover and the Great Depression
Mar. 14-20 Spring Break Holiday
Mar. 22 – FDR and the New Deal
Paper on “America’s Obsession” is due
Mar. 24 – America’s return to isolationism
Mar. 29 – the road to Pearl Harbor
Mar. 31 – America and World War II
Apr. 5 – postwar America and the origins of the Cold War
Apr. 7 – “Happy Days”—America in the 1950s
Apr. 12 – progress in civil rights after WWII
Apr. 14 – America and Vietnam (Part One)
Paper on “The Color Line” is due
Apr. 19 – America and Vietnam (Part Two)
Apr. 21 – the turbulent 1960s (Part One)
Apr. 26 – the turbulent 1960s (Part Two)
Apr. 28 – Watergate and the crisis of confidence in the 1970s
May 3 – the Reagan-Bush years 1981-1992
Book Critique on “The Godless Constitution” is due
May 5 – from prosperity to terrorism
May 10 – Final Exam at 1pm
Note: The Instructor reserves the right to change various parameters of this syllabus at his
discretion.
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