Heartland Community College
Master Course Syllabus
Division: Social and Business Sciences
Course Prefix and number: HIST 136
Course Title: History of the U. S. Since 1865
DATE PREPARED: July 15, 1992
DATE REVISED: October 22, 2012
PCS/CIP/ID NO: 11-540102
IAI NO. (if available): S2 901
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: January 2013
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS: 3
LECTURE HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
CATALOG DESCRIPTION (includes specific prerequisites):
This course covers the major political, social, economic and diplomatic trends that have shaped
the United States from the end of the Civil War to the present.
TEXTBOOK:
Required:
Murrin, John. et. al. Liberty, Equality, Power, Vol. 2. 6th ed. Cengage Advantage, 2012. Print.
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND TRANSFER:
HIST 136 fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Social and Behavioral Sciences
required for the A.A. or A.S. degree. This course should transfer as part of the General
Education Core Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other
Illinois colleges and universities participating in the IAI. However, students should
consult with an academic advisor for transfer information regarding particular
institutions. Refer to the IAI web page at www.itransfer.org for more information.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes):
Course Outcomes
General
Education
Outcomes
Range of Assessment
Methods
Distinguish between primary and secondary sources as PS1
the foundation of modern historical scholarship from
1865 to the present.
exams, quizzes,
research paper, group
projects
Interpret primary sources critically by analyzing their
historical contexts.
CT3
exams, quizzes,
research paper, group
projects.
Formulate historical interpretations, both in discussion CO4
and in writing, and defend them critically with
reference to primary and secondary sources.
exams, quizzes,
research paper, group
projects, oral reports
Incorporate into historical interpretations, both in
CT3
discussion and in writing, an understanding of historical
causation reflecting a) knowledge of important figures
and events and their chronological relationship to each
other and b) an awareness of the contingent
relationships.
Demonstrate orally and in writing an understanding and DI3
appreciation of diverse cultures and shared humanity.
Exams, quizzes,
research paper, group
projects, oral reports
exams, quizzes,
research paper, group
projects, oral reports
CONTENT OUTLINE:
Reconstruction
Closing of the Frontier and Western Expansion
Industrialization and Its Impact
Gilded Age Politics, 1876-1896
Overseas Empire and Expansionism
Progressive Era, 1900-1917
World War I
Jazz Age: The 1920’s
The Great Depression and New Deal
Isolationism to Involvement: World War II
Cold War and McCarthyism
Eisenhower Era, Civil Rights and the 1950’s
The 1960’s: Kennedy, Johnson and Vietnam
Nixon through Carter
Reagan through Bush: Recent Trends
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
2 – 4 examinations
Quizzes as deemed appropriate by the instructor
1 research paper of 5 – 10 pages
Additional assignments as deemed appropriate by the instructor
GRADING SCALE
90-100=A
80-89=B
70-79=C
60-69=D
Below 60 =F
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
This course requires approximately 30-40 pages of reading per week or 500 per semester.
Reading assignments will include both primary and secondary source materials. A
minimum of 15 pages of college level writing is required in this course. Writing
assignments include papers of various lengths, essay exams and various projects as
deemed appropriate by the instructor.