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U.S. HISTORY FROM 1865 TO THE PRESENT (HIS-241224)

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Course Description:


In 1865, the United States was in tatters. Civil War had divided the nation into two, and even after the war ended, deep rifts remained between whites and blacks, immigrants and “natives,” and the descendants of European settlers and indigenous Americans. The meaning of a simple word - freedom - lies at the core of these rifts and that word will guide our study. The course begins with a look at how the meaning of freedom changed in the Reconstruction era before moving into an exploration of America’s westward and overseas expansion in the late 19th century, the economic booms and busts of the period between the two world wars, the social upheavals of the civil rights movements of the 1960s, and the conservative turn of the post-Reagan era. Students will read and discuss primary texts from each of these eras, listen to recorded speeches, and view documentary footage. Learning activities will include individually completed writing assignments, a visual presentation, a policy oriented project, and a final research project on the historical roots and significance of a major contemporary event.

This course fully meets the General Education requirement in American History. No prerequisites are required.

Important Note: this course has been renamed several times. Students who have successfully completed 241224, with a different title, should not enroll in this course.


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.

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Liberal Study
Lower Level
Credits: 4
Meets General Education Requirement In: American History-Full

Term(s) Offered (Subject to Change) : Spring 1. Spring 2. Summer. Fall 1.

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