HIST 2043 - United States Since 1945

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: This second-year course is an in-depth study of the social, political, and economic history of the United States since the end of World War II. Focusing on the immediate origins of the world they live in, students will investigate a range of topics including American involvement in international affairs, attitudes towards national institutions, civil rights and multiculturalism, and the development of a modern consumer society.
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science, 9 Ethical/Civic Responsibility

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1020   with a grade of C or higher OR ENGL 1021  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. Prelude: Depression and World War II
2. Cold War at Home
3. American Society (1945-1965)
4. The Origins of the Cold War
5. American politics (1945-1965)
6. American Society (1945-1965)
7. The Civil Rights Movement
8. The Great Society and the Vietnam War
9. The turmoil of the late 1960s
10. Nixon, Vietnam, and Watergate
11. The Rights Movements
12. The Conservative Revolution
13. Multicultural America
14. Terror in America

1. explain, in a clear and comprehensive manner, the story of the American people since 1945, accounting for diverse individuals, groups, and events.
2. analyze primary and secondary sources using historical methods of evidence.
3. synthesize historical material from diverse sources and points of view.
4. demonstrate advanced progress in their reading, writing, discussing and/or other critical thinking skills.
5. evaluate the relevance of recent American history to their own lives.

05. 02. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
Competency 2 (7-10)
09. 03. Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.

09. 04. Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.

09. 05. Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

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