Empire State College:  State University of New York Skip navigation Home | MyESC | Site Index

MODERN AMERICAN HISTORY (HIS-243214)

Online Learning Home > Online Learning Catalog > Historical Studies >

Course Description:


Modern American History covers important events in American history from Reconstruction in the American South in 1877 through the early 21st century from a political, social, and cultural standpoint. Students will example Reconstruction, western settlement and the frontier, industrialization, immigration, American imperialism, the Progressive movement, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Depression, the new Deal, World War II, the Cold War and Nuclear Age, in the 1950s, Civil Rights, the 1960s, Vietnam, the resurgence of conservatism in the 1980s, de-industrialization and the emergence of a services based economy in the latter part of the 20th century, the growth in, grassroots democratic politics as characterized by the Obama era, and the critical role of the United States as a global leader in the politically volatile climate of the early 21st century. Students will develop advanced level historical research and writing and critical thinking skills through active participation in discussion forums, the keeping of a learning journal, and the writing of two critical book reviews and a research essay.

Prerequisites: Some introductory level coursework in U.S. History is recommended but not required for this course. Critical reading skills and the ability to analyze and evaluate primary and secondary historical sources and produce written interpretations will be emphasized.

This course fully meets the General Education requirement in American History.


This online course is offered through Online Learning. You can take this as an individual course or as part of an online degree program, with term starts in March, May, September, November and January. View current term offerings and all online courses. Click here to register for online courses.

spacing 
bar---------------------------------------------------------------
Other Areas: The Arts | Business, Management & Economics | Community & Human Services | Communications, Humanities & Cultural Studies | Educational Studies | Historical Studies | Human Development | Labor Studies | Nursing | Science, Math & Technology | Social Science
spacing 
bar---------------------------------------------------------------
Liberal Study
Upper Level
Credits: 4
Meets General Education Requirement In: American History-Full

Term(s) Offered (Subject to Change) : Spring 1. Fall 1.

For Books and Materials List Go to the Online Bookstore