Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
HY14020
Module Title
The Making of Modern America 1850-2000
Academic Year
2013/2014
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 2 x 50 minute lectures per week
Seminars / Tutorials 5 x 50 minute seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 1 x 2,500 word essay  30%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   2 hour, 2 question exam  70%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   70%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
a) Demonstrate familiarity with a body of knowledge in the field of United States history
b) Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of approaches to the study of US history
c) Reflect critically on selected historical texts
d) Gather and sift appropriate items of historical evidence
e) Develop and sustain historical arguments - in both oral (not assessed) and written work
f) Work both independently and collaboratively whilst being able to participate in group discussions (not assessed).

Brief description

The focus of this module is on the interplay between unity and diversity in U.S. history. It begins with a consideration of the sectional conflict between North and South and its partial resolution in the Civil War. The next section sets the divisive impact of industrialisation against the integrative effects of a developing consumer culture and the mass media. It also looks at the relationship between assimilation and ethnic diversity in a society repeatedly transformed by the impact of mass immigration. The third section focuses upon the first half of the 20th century, when economic crisis and growing international involvement led to an increase in federal government power. Finally, the module considers issues of race, cultural identity and political division in post-World War Two United States and the implications for U.S. society of the nation’s role as a world power.

Reading List

Recommended Text
Degler, Carl N (1984) Out of Our Past: The Forces that Made Modern America 3rd New York ; London : Harper & Row Primo search Hugh Brogan (1986) The Penguin History of the United States of America Harmondsworth : Penguin Primo search Jones, Maldwyn A (1995) The Limits of Liberty: American History, 1607-1992 2nd Oxford : Oxford University Press Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4