Course Design Guide HIS/135 Version 4

The American Experience Since 1945

College of Humanities HIS/135 Version 4 The American Experience Since 1945

Copyright 2012, 2009, 2007, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.

Course Description This course is an overview of the principal social, political, economic, and global events which have shaped the American experience since World War II. Understanding modern American history is a necessity in today's ever-changing world. This course aims to supply the tools for understanding current political, social, cultural, and economic problems in the U.S. by applying a historical perspective to analyze contemporary issues. Policies Faculty and students will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum.

University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Brinkley, A. (2012). American history: Connecting with the past (14th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. All electronic materials are available on the student website.

Week One: The Cold War: 19451960

Details
Objectives 1.1 Explain American Cold War policies and practices in the late 1940s and 1950s. 1.2 Identify the relationship between the military events and outcomes of the Korean War. Read Ch. 27 of American History. Read Containment in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Read The Truman Doctrine: Containing Communism and Modernity in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch How Did America Become Gripped by a Red Scare? located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Due

Points

Reading Reading Reading

Video Red Scare

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Video The Forgotten War Discussion Questions and Participation Nongraded Activities and Preparation Planning Ahead (Preparation) Individual Cold War and Communism

Watch The Forgotten War: Korean War Veterans Remember located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Respond to weekly discussion questions.

40

Review the options for the Interview assignment, due in Week Seven. If you will choose the Reagan Remembered Interview option, start preparing by locating the interviewee and creating a list of questions to use.

The Library of Congress lists Duck and Cover as one of the most significant films of all time. Produced by Archer Films, the 9-minute movie was designed to teach children what to do in case of a nuclear attack. View the film at www.archive.org/details/DuckandC1951. Write a 300- to 350-word paper in which you consider what it would have been like to live under the threat of nuclear war. Compare and contrast it to living under the threat of terrorism. Format your paper according to APA guidelines.

Friday July 26

Individual Korean War

Choose one of the following options: Option One: Key Decisions Define each of the following key decisions in the Korean War in two or three sentences: OR Option Two: Outcomes Identify two of the most immediate effects of the Korean War and two of the long-term effects of the Korean War. On the basis of the outcomes of the war, argue in 400-450 words whether or not Trumans response to the North Korean invasion in June 1950 was justified. The departure of American and Soviet troops from Korea in 1949 North Korea attacks: June 24, 1950 Trumans response to the Korean invasion: June 25-30, 1950 The decision to invade North Korea China joining the Korean War Trumans refusal to allow direct conflict with China MacArthurs going public in arguing for war with China Negotiation over POWs and stalemate Threatens nuclear bombs

Sun. July 28

40

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Week Two: Postwar Society and Culture: 19451960

Details
Objectives 2.1 Evaluate popular culture during the Eisenhower years. 2.2 Evaluate consumerism during the Eisenhower years. Read Ch. 28 of American History. Read 1940s War, Cold War and Consumerism in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Read Her Kind: Anne Sexton, the Cold War and the Idea of the Housewife in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Mass Consumption, Market Crash, and Post WWII Consumerism located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch The Beat Generation, Art House Films, and Brigitte Bardot located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Due

Points

Reading Reading

Reading

Video Mass Consumption Video The Beat Generation Discussion Questions and Participation Individual The Fabulous Fifties Matrix

Respond to weekly discussion questions.

40

Complete the University of Phoenix Material: The Fabulous Fifties Matrix.

Sun. Aug. 4.

30

Week Three: JFK and LBJ: 19601968

Details
Objectives 3.1 Describe the objectives and effects of Kennedys domestic and international policies. 3.2 Analyze the successes and failures of Johnsons Great Society program. Read Expanding the Liberal State and Flexible Response and the Cold War in Ch. 29 of American History. Read At the Berlin Wall in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Respond to weekly discussion questions. 40

Due

Points

Reading

Reading Discussion Questions and Participation Video Inaugural Address

Watch The Kennedy Inauguration located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

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Video Marching to Freedom Land Individual Kennedy and Johnson Presidencies

Watch Marching to Freedom Land: Freedom, a History of the U.S. located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Resources: American History, Primary Source Investigator; Center for Writing Excellence (CWE) Microsoft PowerPoint tutorial Create a Microsoft PowerPoint or another multimedia tool presentation of at least 8 slides on the presidencies of Kennedy and Johnson. Include the following: A title slide An introduction slide At least 2 slides on Kennedys domestic and international policies At least 2 slides on Johnsons domestic and international policies A conclusion slide A reference slide

Sun Aug. 11.

50

Include detailed speakers notes. Incorporate maps, images, and video from the Primary Source Investigator. Create a visual template to use on each slide throughout the presentation. Use color. Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines.

Week Four: Upheaval and Change: 19601968

Details
Objectives 4.1 Identify events and individuals in the Civil Rights movement and the contributions of those involved. 4.2 Identify the relationship between the military events and outcomes of the Vietnam War. Review The Rise of the Civil Rights Movement in Ch. 28 of American History. Read The Battle for Racial Equality and The Agony of Vietnam through Looking Back in Ch. 29 of American History. Read Civil rights The International Dimension in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Read What We Learned From the Tet Offensive in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Read Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus boycott in this weeks

Due

Points

Reading

Reading

Reading

Reading

Reading

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Electronic Reserve Readings. Video Martin Luther King, Jr. Video Freedom Riders Video Malcolm X Video Kent State Killings Discussion Questions and Participation Individual 1960s Diary Entries Watch Martin Luther King, Jr. on Non-Violence and Christian Love located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Freedom Riders located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Malcolm X Calls for Black Nationalism located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch May 4, l970: Kent State Killings located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Respond to weekly discussion questions.

40

Complete both of the following journal entries: Create one diary entry of 350- to 700-words from the perspective of one of the following 1960s personas: Student at the University of Mississippi when James Meredith tried to enroll Witness to the assassination of Malcolm X Protestor at the Lincoln Memorial who hears King give his I Have a Dream speech A freedom rider on a bus headed to New Orleans in 1961 Store owner and witness to the Watts riots in LA African American participant in one of the Selma marches in 1965 An African American supporter and political organizer for Robert Kennedy in 1968

Sun. Aug. 18.

50

Create a second diary entry of 350-to 700-words from the perspective of one of the following 1960s personas: An nurse serving in Vietnam A draft dodger who goes to Canada during Vietnam A witness to the Kent State protests and subsequent shootings (1970) An American soldier fighting during the Tet Offensive An American bomber who bombed Cambodia or Laos An Vietnamese citizen supportive of the Americans during the Fall of Saigon American soldier leaving Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon

Consider the social, economic, and political forces at work. For example, if you choose to be a witness to the assassination of Malcolm X, you would also mention his contributions to the Civil

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Rights movement, a description of the organization behind the shooting, and the effect his death had on America in the 1960s. Ensure that your journal entries align with facts and that all facts are supported by proper citations. Format your journal entries according to APA guidelines.

Week Five: Social and Environmental Movements: 19681980

Details
Objectives 5.1 Outline major social movements and trends of the late 1960s and 1970s. 5.2 Identify the origins of the environmental movement. Read The Counterculture through Environmentalism in a Turbulent Society in Ch. 30 of American History. Read Rethinking Women's Politics in the 1970s: The League of Women Voters and the National Organization for Women Confront Poverty in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Read The Rhetoric of American Indian Activism in the 1960s and 1970s in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Read 1970 Planet Earth Takes Center Stage in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Read Cesar Chavez and la Causa in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Respond to weekly discussion questions. 40

Due

Points

Reading

Reading

Reading

Reading

Reading

Discussion Questions and Participation Video Haight-Ashbury District Video Environmental Movement Video The Chicano Wave Video Summer of Love Video

Watch Culture Clashes in Haight-Ashbury District located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Environmental Movement located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Socially Relevant Music and Las Nubes from Latin Music USA: The Chicano Wave located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Summer of Love located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Is Feminism Dead? located in this weeks Electronic

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Is Feminism Dead? Individual Environmental Movement Matrix Individual Social Movements

Reserve Readings.

Complete the University of Phoenix Document: Environmental Movement Matrix.

Sat. Aug. 24

30

Choose one of the following topics: Native Americans Women Latin Americans Youth counter-culture Sexual liberation

Sun. Aug. 25.

40

Read at least 3 different newspaper articles between 1967 and 1980 that cover important changes affecting your topic. Use the ProQuest Historical Newspaper archive, which includes the following major newspapers, among others: New York Times Washington Post Wall Street Journal Los Angeles Times Christian Science Monitor

Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you describe the status of one of the chosen groups or ideas and how that group or idea was affected by the changes brought about during the 1960s. Include information gleaned from the newspaper articles and from other material. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Week Six: Crisis of Confidence: 19681980

Details
Objectives 6.1 Compare Nixons dtente policies to previous Cold War strategies. 6.2 Describe the Watergate scandal and the fall of Nixon. 6.3 Describe the post-Watergate presidencies of Ford and Carter. Read Nixon, Kissinger, and the War through Looking Back in Ch. 30 of American History. Read Politics and Diplomacy after Watergate in Ch. 31 of American History. Read the articles from this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Due

Points

Reading

Reading

Reading

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Video Watergate Discussion Questions and Participation Individual Nixon and Watergate

Watch Watergate: White House Plumbers located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Respond to weekly discussion questions. 40

Resources: American History, Primary Source Investigator; Center for Writing Excellence (CWE) PowerPoint tutorial Create a Microsoft PowerPoint or another multimedia tool presentation of at least 9 slides on the presidencies of Nixon and Carter. Include the following: A title slide An introduction slide At least 1 slide on Comparison of Nixons dtente policies to previous Cold War strategies At least 2 slides on Watergate A slide on Fords presidency in relation to Watergate A slide on Carters presidency in relation to Watergate A conclusion slide A reference slide

Sun. Sept. 1

50

Include detailed speakers notes. Incorporate maps, images, and video from the Primary Source Investigator. Create a visual template to use on each slide throughout the presentation. Use color. Format your presentation according to APA guidelines.

Week Seven: The Reagan Revolution: 19801992

Details
Objectives 7.1 Describe the major components of the New Right. 7.2 Analyze the interaction between Reagans economic policies and the economy. 7.3 Summarize the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the end of the Cold War. Read The Rise of the New American Right through Looking Back in Ch. 31 of American History. Read Ronald Reagan and the Splintering of the Christian Right in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Due

Points

Reading

Reading

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Reading

Read The Specter of Environmentalism: Wilderness, Environmental Politics, and the Evolution of the New Right in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Respond to weekly discussion questions. 40

Discussion Questions and Participation Videos Totalitarianism Videos Communism

Watch Birth of Totalitarianism and Collapse of Communism located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Prelinger Archives: Communism (1952) located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Ronald Reagan Presidency and Television located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Videos Bush and the Persian Gulf War Individual Interview

Watch The Collapse of Communism, The Persian Gulf War, Domestic Defeat, and Making Their Mark in History from The World Stage located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Read the instructions in the University of Phoenix Material: Interview, and select one option to complete the assignment. You can choose from the following options: Option 1: Reagan Remembered Interview Option 2: Political Commentator Interview

Sun. Sept. 8.

50

Week Eight: Resurgence of Partisanship: 1990-2000

Details
Objectives 8.1 Describe the objectives and effects of Clintons domestic and international policies. 8.2 Analyze how advances in communication have transformed America socially, politically, and economically. Read A Resurgence of Partisanship in Ch. 31 of American History. Read the articles from this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings Watch Polarization, The Comeback Kid, Divided Government, The Character Issue, Clinton Moves to the Center, and Clintons Second Chance from The Balance of Power located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Growing Up Online located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Due

Points

Reading Reading Videos Clinton

Videos Growing Up Online Discussion

Respond to weekly discussion questions.

40

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Questions and Participation Individual End of the Twentieth Century Resources: Ch. 30 & 31 of American History, ProQuest Historical Newspapers Complete the University of Phoenix Material: End of the Twentieth Century Matrix. Sun. Sept. 15. 50

Week Nine: Moving Forward: 1990Present

Details
Objectives 9.1 Describe the changing role of the United States in the emerging global community. 9.2 Describe the changes in American priorities since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. 9.3 Describe American involvement in the Middle East. Read The Perils of Globalization through Looking Back in Ch. 32 of American History. Read What 9/11 Wrought in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch Global Conflict located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings. Watch The Persian Gulf War located in this weeks Electronic Reserve Readings.

Due

Points

Reading

Reading

Videos Global Conflict Videos The Persian Gulf War Discussion Questions and Participation Individual Terrorism

Respond to weekly discussion questions.

40

In the years following the September 11 attacks, 33 terrorist incidents have occurred on U.S. soil. The U.K. has experienced 190, and Israel has reported numbers in the thousands (National Counterterrorism Center, 2011). Resource: National Counterterrorism Center. (2011). 2010 report on terrorism. Retrieved from http://www.nctc.gov/docs/2011_NCTC_Annual_Report_Final.pdf Review the incidents from this list of significant terrorist activities here and abroad. 2002: Failed attempt to shoot down an Israeli jetliner in Kenya 2002: Attack of French tanker off coast of Yemen

Sun. Sept. 22.

200

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2002: Shooting at Los Angeles International Airport by Hesham Mohamen Ali Heayat results in the deaths of two people 2002: Bombing of nightclub in Bali, Indonesia 2003: Car bombing of JW Marriot hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia 2004: Commuter train bombings in Madrid, Spain 2004: Attack of Western oil companies and housing compounds in Al Khobar, Saudia Arabia, results in death of 22 people 2004: Armed assailants breached U.S. consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, resulting in 5 deaths 2005: Bombings of London underground trains and bus 2005: American citizen Michael Reynolds in Pocatello, Idaho, offers to assist al-Qaida in acts of terrorism by planning attacks and describing bomb making techniques 2007: IED explosions at restaurant in Cotabato, Philippines, results in three people critically injured 2009: Shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, by Sunni extremist results in 56 wounded or killed 2002-present: Thousands of car bombings, suicide bombings, and attacks on civilians in Iraq

Write a 750-to 1,050-word paper in which you answer the following questions. Use specific events, including at least two from the list above, to support your ideas. Why is there heavier terrorism activity in certain areas of the world? What do the sites of terrorist activities have in common? Does the United States have a moral obligation, a practical reason, or both, for becoming involved in stopping terrorist activities in other countries? Defend your position.

Support your responses with factual references. Format your paper according to APA guidelines.

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Discussion Questions Week One Discussion Questions Were the governments actions during the second Red Scare justified? Why or why not? Do you think that the Korean War was merely a civil war in which the United States supported one side, or should it be considered an international war in which the United States used the United Nations to further its anticommunist policies? Why?

Week Two Discussion Questions The stereotypical image of the American woman perpetuated by 1950s media was that of a homemaker who wore a dress every day and always made dinner for her children and husband. Which factor do you think was more instrumental in reinforcing this stereotype: consumerism or the educational system? Why do you think so? During the 1950s, the economically mobile parts of society moved from city centers (urban areas) to areas nearby but outside of cities (suburban areas). Given the advantages and disadvantages of living in the suburbs, do you think this shift was a good idea at the time? Why, or why not?

Week Three Discussion Questions What do you see as Kennedys greatest international achievement and his worst international failure? Did Kennedys actions deepen the Cold War or lessen it? Give examples. The Cuban Missile Crisis was the most dangerous episode of the Cold War. Describe the event. How would you assess the decision-making process of Kennedy and his advisors, including Robert Kennedy, during the crisis? What were some of the long-term consequences of this event?

Week Four Discussion Questions During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the methods of the pacifistssuch as Martin Luther Kingclashed with the more radical elements. Do you think one was more influential that another, or did it take both to bring about change? If you think one was more influential, why? If not, why do you think both were necessary?

Popular support for the Vietnam War soured about the time of the North Vietnamese Tet Offensive in spite of the fact that it was technically a US victory. Why did Americans support for the war change? How did this change in popular support manifest itself?

Week Five Discussion Questions

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How did minority groups other than African Americans challenge inequality in America? Consider Latinos and Native Americans. How successful were their efforts? According to American History, Gradually, environmentalism became more than simply a series of demonstrations and protests. It became part of the consciousness of the vast majority of Americans absorbed into popular culture, built into primary and secondary education, and endorsed by almost all politicians (Brinkley, 2012, p. 849) Do you agree with this statement? If so, why is the environmental movement still considered controversial? If you dont agree, why not? What do you see as the future of the movement?

Week Six Discussion Questions How did Nixon manage to achieve diplomatic breakthroughs with China and Russia where other presidents had failed? What conditions made success likely? Does Nixons success counterbalance the events of Watergate? How is Nixon regarded today?

Why do you think neither Jimmy Carter nor Gerald Ford was able to win a second term in office? Do you think it the same reason for both? Explain.

Week Seven Discussion Questions Ronald Reagan left the United States with a large national debt and a crippling deficit. The debt totaled $2.6 trillion by 1988. Was the effect of Reagans economic policies on the 1980s positive or negative? By the late 1980s, the Cold War was over. Who deserves more credit for the decline of the Soviet Union and end of the Cold War, Gorbachev or Reagan?

Week Eight Discussion Questions What would you consider Clintons most important achievement during his presidency? What was his biggest failure? At the end of his presidency, his popularity was higher than it was when he took office. How do you think future generations will view Clintons presidency? While president, Clinton chose to involve America in Bosnia and Somalia, yet kept us from being involved in Rwanda. Do you agree or disagree with his choices? Is American intervention warranted when genocide is probable?

Week Nine Discussion Questions

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The United States general position in the Middle East has been to support Israel, promote general regional stability, and ensure continued access to oil. Recent movements in several of these countries have tried to topple some autocratic governmentsand some of these movements have succeeded. Should the United States continue to support such autocratic governments in order to maintain stability, or should it support the instigators of the movements, who may or may not be receptive to American ideals? Why? The textbook states that after the Cold War, America had a choice between reducing its military strength or re-directing it in favor of defending regional and economic interests (Brinkley, 2012). President George Bush opted for the latter, which led to an invasion of Panama. Did this re-focusing of policy also lead to the Persian Gulf War? What other factors contributed to Bushs decision to take the United States into Kuwait?

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