UNDERGRADUATE MODULE OFFERINGS 2012-13
School of History and Anthropology
Module code HIS 2045
Module title The USA in the Twentieth Century
MODULE CONVENOR: Professor Catherine Clinton
TEACHING STAFF: Professor Clinton
ESTIMATED COURSE SIZE: 28-42
COURSE CONTENTS (max 500 characters)
The USA in the Twentieth Century will examine major events within the past one
hundred years shaping what scholars in recent years have come to call "the American
Century."
The way in which American individuals have come to represent an ideological as well
as practical representation of US culture, trends in domestic reform and economic and
political expansionism will be explored. The iconography of American culture,
identity politics as well as gender politics will be examined in depth.
Biography as well as ideology will frame the historical analysis for this module, and
focus on appreciation of mobility, jazz, cultural imperialism and assimilation as well
as other US values and exports within contemporary society.
Emphasis on Presidential politics in 2012 offering.
REQUIREMENTS:
Weekly lecture attendance
Weekly tutorial
Bi-weekly contribution (250 words) to course discussion board (online) (weeks 3-12)
Two meetings to discuss individual presentations & research essays. (Weeks 2/3 &
Week 10)
Compulsory elements (MAX. 500 CHARACTERS)
Students will attend and contribute to tutorial discussion, as well as to a module
discussion board. Students will learn to refine their writing and research skills by
meeting with the instructor and pursuing an individual research essay. Students will
refine their interests into a definable topic for oral presentation, and in coordination
with the convenor, prepare an oral report and a research essay on a topic of their
choice.
GOALS & SKILLS: (300 WORDS)
Students will learn online research and communication skills.
Students will improve presentation skills through an oral presentation.
Students will learn writing and research skills alongside skills at articulating and
presenting ideas for others.
TEACHING CONTACT HOURS:
Two hour lectures.
One hour tutorial.
MODULE ASSESSMENT
Assessment Profile:
Element type
Element weight(%)
Students will attend and contribute to tutorial discussion: 20%
Students will write five contributions to online discussion board for assessment: 20%
Students will prepare an oral presentation: 20%
Students will prepare a research essay: 40%
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (OPTIONAL)
By looking at key elections and key icons in twentieth century American history,
students will be provided with a framework for appreciating the growth of American
values and ideals within the modern world, the enhancement and expansion of
American culture abroad (through media as well as diplomatic and military means),
and the complexity of “the American century” and US historians have dubbed this
era.