Spring
2005
Syllabus for History 1378
Multicultural America an interactive, collaborative U.S. History and English cluster of courses in which students will become historians who conduct research and present their findings through multimedia technologies. You will build web pages, create Power Point presentations, and look at works of arts – paintings, sculpture, photography and architecture – that reflect, support and challenge the historical themes of American history from the late 19th century into the early 21st century. A major objective is to provide you with the skills and literacies needed to succeed inside and outside of the university, including research, analytical, presentation, and writing skills.
Students may also take a special interdisciplinary studies course that fulfills the humanities requirement of the core curriculum. This course will introduce you to the history of American art, film, and popular music.
| Instructor: |
| Professor
Steven Mintz 548 Agnes Arnold Hall Voice: 713-743-3109 E-Mail: SMintz@uh.edu |
Course Description | Calendar | Required Reading | Examinations | Extra-Credit | Caution | Class Policies
The last quarter of the nineteenth century marked the birth of modern America. It witnessed stunning technological innovations, such as the development of the internal combustion engine, the telephone, and high explosives. It saw the migration of hundreds of thousands of European peasants and villagers across the ocean to mushrooming cities. It saw the emergence of the corporation as a dominant institution in the American economy. It witnessed the emergence of the United States as a world power.
This course analyzes the history of modern America, from its rise as an industrial and military power in the late nineteenth century to the presidency of George W. Bush. It charts the revolutions in business, morals, politics, race and gender relations, and everyday living that have transformed American life over the past century.
For the first examination: Martin et al., America and its Peoples, Chapters 17-23
For the second examination: Martin et al., America and its Peoples, Chapters 24-32
First examination: March 5
Second examination: April 30
Extra-credit opportunities will be announced in class during the semester.
Caution: Objectionable Materials Warning
Some of the film clips that we will watch during the semester contain scenes of explicit violence, sexual brutality, ethnic and gender stereotyping, nudity, obscenity, adult themes, profanity, and offensive language that might be found objectionable by some. There may be also be ideas or practices endorsed by specific motion pictures that some might consider immoral or amoral. All of these films, however, were already in wide circulation in the culture at large and are, in the instructor’s opinion, essential to understanding American cultural history. If these clips will make you uncomfortable, please do not enroll in the course.
