230292 US American History (S) (WiSe 2015/2016)

"The word history comes from the Greek word historía which means 'to learn or know by inquiry.' In [what] follow[s], we encourage you to probe, dispute, dig deeper — inquire. History is not static. It's fluid. It changes and grows and becomes richer and more complex when any individual interacts with it." --The Independence Hall Association

This course deals with pivotal moments in the development of the United States of America from the pre-colonial era to the 21st century. Given the enormous amount of material on the subject matter, students will focus on historical snapshots and the ideological debates surrounding them in an attempt to unravel the tapestry of contemporary US power structures, prevailing attitudes as well as current cultural and socio-economic circumstances. During the semester students will attempt to follow the strands back to the people and events that have played a role in shaping the USA; i.e. beginning in media res, we will try to locate the historical narratives that tell the tales of a nation once dubbed "an experiment" by digging deeper and inquiring.

Requirements for participation, required level

It would be helpful to have already taken Social and Cultural Studies: USA in PM 3 before you take this course.

Bibliography

Multiple copies of THESE UNITED STATES: THE QUESTIONS OF OUR PAST by Irwin Unger are available in the library. This textbook will serve as a reference to provide background continuity to the narrative of historical development and to fill in the gaps that cannot be covered in class. Other materials will be distributed to participants. Classroom discussion will NOT merely summarize material in the textbook but will supplement it and provide further context and insights. This means that reading without classroom attendance or vice versa is not by itself sufficient to convey the core content of the course.