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American History from JFK to Trump (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
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 covers 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.
A core part of the class consists of a role-play game, in which students play the part of historical actors at a moment of controversy in the 1960s (relating either to the civil rights movement or to the Vietnam War). Attendance at the week 3 tutorial and the seminars in weeks 4, 5, and 6 is mandatory. Students should be prepared to research and write speeches or articles from the point of view of their assigned character and to engage in oral debate and argumentation.
Intended learning outcomes
Students that successfully complete this subject should
- 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;
- develop skills of critical thinking, empathy, and oral expression and argumentation through participating in a multi-session role-play game
Generic skills
- Practice teamwork and leadership, problem-solving, and analytical skills
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
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Two quizzes, 10% each (equivalent to 100 words each)
| Throughout the semester | 20% |
Written exercises such as newspaper articles or written speeches related to role-play game, totalling 1500 words
| From Week 4 to Week 7 | 30% |
Final essay
| During the examination period | 30% |
Participation in role-play game, betweens weeks 3 and 7. | From Week 3 to Week 7 | 20% |
Hurdle requirements Hurdle requirement: Hurdle requirements Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. This must include the tutorial in week 3 Students must attend seminars in weeks 4, 5, and 6. 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. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Barbara Keys Coordinator Mia Martin Hobbs Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 22 hours In weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 9: one 60-minute lecture per week In weeks 3, 10, 11, 12: one 60-minute lecture per week plus one 60-minute tutorial In weeks 5, 6, 7: two 90-minute seminars Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 23 July 2018 to 21 October 2018 Last self-enrol date 3 August 2018 Census date 31 August 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 21 September 2018 Assessment period ends 16 November 2018 Semester 2 contact information
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 Major 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