HIS 251 - U.S. History 1945 to Present
Course Department: Social Science
Last Date of Approval: Fall 2020
3 Credits
Total Lecture Hours: 45
Total Lab Hours: 0
Total Clinical Hours: 0
Total Work-Based Experience Hours: 0
Course Description:
This course explores key themes and topics in the recent American history, from the end of World War Two to the present, including the Cold War; major governmental initiatives; domestic politics; social movements; political economy; and culture. Throughout this course, students must read primary and secondary sources through a critical lens and use critical thinking skills to solve problems. Additionally, this course reinforces students written communication skills through essays and verbal communication skills through class discussions and presentations. Importantly, students are asked to think critically, consider the viewpoints of others, and effectively express themselves, all of which will benefit them in the classroom, in life, and in the workforce.
Prerequisites/Corequisites: None
Mode(s) of Instruction: traditional/face-to-face
Credit for Prior Learning: There are no Credit for Prior Learning opportunities for this course.
Course Fees: None
Common Course Assessment(s): Students will complete a minimum two-page research essay.
Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
1. Evaluate the domestic and global factors impacting American society during the post-World War II era.
2. Analyze the impact of American popular culture, consumer culture, subcultures, and countercultures, and new technologies on American society.
3. Examine the role of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marriage and family relations, mass media, consumer culture) on shaping the historical development of the United States since the end of World War Two.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the causes and consequences of major governmental initiatives since the end of World War Two
5. Analyze the main political issues of American domestic politics in the post-World War Two era.
Course Objectives:
Part I
1. Evaluate America’s position relative to the World at the end of World War II.
2. Discuss the issues surrounding the use of atomic weapons to end World War II.
3. Assess the roots of the Cold War.
4. Analyze American foreign policy of containment and the events that shaped it.
5. Examine causes and results of the Korean War.
6. Explain the domestic policies of Truman and Eisenhower.
Part II
1. Explore the changes in American society in the 1950’s via popular culture.
2. Appraise the changing relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union from 1953-1963.
3. Discuss the significance of the Election of 1960 on America.
4. Explore the successes and failures of the Kennedy Administration.
5. Examine the domestic policies of Lyndon Johnson.
6. Assess the civil rights movement of the 1960’s.
Part III
1. Evaluate the role of America in Vietnam 1964-1975.
2. Discuss the changing social movements and the counterculture in the 1960’s.
3. Examine the importance of the year 1968 on American history.
4. Analyze the Election of 1968 and the impact it had on America in Vietnam.
5. Appraise President Nixon’s domestic policy including Watergate.
6. Critique Nixon’s foreign policy in dealing with the USSR and China.
Part IV
1. Examine the presidency of Gerald Ford.
2. Discuss successes and failures of the Carter Administration.
3. Assess the 1980’s under Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush.
4. Explain the role of American foreign policy in the 1980’s.
5. Trace the issues of the Election of 1992 and the subsequent Clinton Administration.
6. Assess the impact of the Election of 2000 and 9/11 attack.
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