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American History from JFK to Obama (HIST20071)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Email: bkeys@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Covering the most significant issues and debates in American history since 1945, but with emphasis on the period since 1960, this subject aims to develop a deeper understanding of American political and social controversies that remain relevant today. It charts key developments: from McCarthyism to the Patriot Act; from the civil rights movement to a "post-racial" society; from liberalism’s apogee to the rise of conservatism. It examines the legacies and controversies surrounding the presidencies of JFK, Nixon, LBJ, Clinton, Reagan, George W. Bush, and Obama. With an emphasis on domestic rather than foreign affairs, the subject surveys the Sixties and the New Left, the civil rights movement, social activism in the 1970s, the role of religion in American public life and the New Right, and other key topics. The core aim is to provide students with a grounding in the history that shapes and animates contemporary debates. Readings each week are arranged around debates (such as national security versus civil liberties; states’ rights versus civil rights; assessing JFK’s presidency), and are designed to introduce students to analysis of primary sources as well as to show both sides of major historical controversies.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who complete this subject should be able to:
- gain a general knowledge of the principal figures and significant events and developments in the history of the United States since 1945;
- gain familiarity with the major historiographical debates concerning U.S. history and with major interpretive perspectives and approaches to the subject;
- develop skills in locating and analysing primary and secondary sources in constructing and evaluating historical arguments;
- develop research skills using printed and electronic sources, both primary and secondary;
- develop skills in clear and persuasive written expression and argumentation; and
- develop skills of critical thinking and oral expression and argumentation through group discussion and small group work.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- Three quizzes across the semester (15%)
- A 1500 word analytical essay due mid-semester (30%)
- A 2500 word research essay due in the examination period (45%)
- Tutorial participation (10%)
Hurdle requirement:
- Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject.
- All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
- Students must complete a plagiarism/citation quiz before the first essay is due.
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Barbara Keys Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 29 hours - 12 x 1.5-hour lectures and 11 x 1 hour tutorials Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Email: bkeys@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Subject readings will be available on-line.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts - History Major History Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts - History - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 27 April 2024