American Society and Culture Since 1877

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. CONTENT. Examination of the evolution of social and political thought and its influence on American institutions and culture since 1877. Themes include, but are not limited to, access to and content of higher education; sports as sites of participation and fandom; music as an industry and cultural product; religion and its relationship to American politics; advertising as both an economic engine and a reflection of cultural priorities. Course content is selected to align with the course description and the current state of scholarship in the field. The presentation of course content fosters critical thinking in the context of scholarly consensus and debate, rather than instructors’ views, values or beliefs. Instructors may assign different readings and/or topics that fit within the course description and meet the learning objectives. BENEFITS. History teaches evaluation and synthesis of evidence, development of persuasive arguments in written and oral form, expansion of understandings of historical contexts that have contributed to human complexity past and present, including but not limited to the formation of group and individual identities, social and political dynamics, and debates about values and rights. Applying this knowledge produces more informed citizens, who are proficient in the abilities required by today’s workforce. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.