HIST 108: History of the United States since 1877

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2023
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: D1. History and Political Science
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

A survey of political, economic, diplomatic, and social development of the U. S. from 1876 to the present. This course meets the state requirement for American history and is designed for college transfer students. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Reason, analyze, compare, and contrast different time periods within modern American history
  • Compare and contrast the experiences and contributions of major ethnic and social groups in modern American history
  • Describe the influences of political, economic, technological, cultural, and social factors to interpret events in modern American history
  • Demonstrate a familiarity with historiographical analysis
  • Evaluate and assess trends, cycles, and other events which seem to repeat themselves and demonstrate and understanding of their reasons and effects
  • Explain the challenges faced by Americans during times of war and their efforts to create a peaceful, prosperous, and equal society

Major Course Content

  1. The Origins of the Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1896)
  2. Rapid Industrialization (1865-1900)
  3. US Imperialism and the Spanish-American War (1898-1902)
  4. The Progressive Era (1900-1920)
  5. The War to End All Wars (World War I) (1914-1918)
  6. The 1920s and the Great Depression (1920-1939)
  7. World War II (1939-1945)
  8. The Cold War (1945-1990)
  9. The Modern Civil Rights Era (1945-1970)
  10. The American War in Vietnam (1964-1975)
  11. The Conservative Revolution (1980-2020)
  12. The American Empire in Decline (2001-2022)
  13. The Era of Reconversion (2016-2022)

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Comparison-Contrast Biography Paper (5-6 pages with bibliography)

Examples of Outside Assignments

Film reviews: Select a film that deals with the historical period/issues covered by this course. Some films can be obtained at the Citrus College library. Otherwise you are on your own to find them. You must follow this format to get credit. The film review is to be written in four parts. The reviews should be 2-3 pages in length and typewritten. I will not accept handwritten assignments. Your Name__________ Class and Section___________ Date____________ Title of the Film_____________ 1. INTRODUCTION: In the introductory section describe the plot of the film and the time that the film depicts. What specific historical events were depicted in the film? What specific historical characters were presented in the film? 2. CONTEXT: When was the film made? What influence, if any, did this have on the viewpoint of the film? What was the message of the director (in other words, what does the director want you to believe?). 3. USE OF HISTORY: How historically accurate was the film? Can one learn something significant about history from watching this film? Why or why not? Do you feel like you know more about the life in the United States having watched this film? 4. PERSONAL ASSESSMENT: Would you recommend this film to fellow students and any final comments you want to make concerning the film.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 3: Arts and Humanities

3B. Humanities

IGETC Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences

4F. History