History 12:
U.S. History from 1865 to the Present
CSU Fresno y Fall Semester 2003
M/W 3:30-4:45 p.m. y Social Sciences 112
Professor Jill Fields
Office Hours: M/W 4:45-5:45; T 3:15-5:15 and by appointment
Email: jfields@csufresno.edu
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History 12: U.S. History from 1865 to the Present CSU Fresno y Fall Semester 2003 M/W 3:30-4:45 p.m. y Social Sciences 112 Professor Jill Fields Office Hours: M/W 4:45-5:45; T 3:15-5:15 and by appointment Email: jfields@csufresno.edu
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History 12:
U.S. History from 1865 to the Present
CSU Fresno y Fall Semester 2003
Monday/Wednesday 3:30-4:45 p.m. y Social Sciences 112
Professor Jill Fields
Office Hours: M/W 4:45-5:45; T 3:15-5:15 and by appointment
Email: jfields@csufresno.edu
This course is an introduction to the political struggles, economic changes, social movements and cultural transformations of the United States since the end of the Civil War. The "famous" events, persons, and places of this period will be considered in relation to the historical contexts created by ordinary women and men working within, and sometimes against, larger social structures and institutions. Over the semester we will explore the development of corporate capitalism, mass production and labor unions, the effects of progressive and conservative activism, and the changes in daily life brought on by urbanization, immigration, and consumer culture. We will also consider the impact of transitions in gender and race relations upon these national trends, as well as upon American involvement with foreign nations.
Course Objectives
The purpose of this course is not only to familiarize students with the significant moments and themes of American history, but also to stimulate thinking about how such knowledge illuminates current concerns. Ideally, lectures, required texts, writing assignments, and discussions will promote critical thinking, reading, and writing, and form a basis for students' ongoing interpretation of the past and its significance for the present.