HIST 304(F) American Labor History

This course will trace the development of the American working class, beginning with the rise of the factory system in 1815 and ending with a contemporary assessment of labor's social and economic condition. Several specific topics will be discussed. Among them are the origin and changing purposes of trade unions; an historical evaluation of immigrants, Blacks and women as major segments of the working class; the impact of the factory system and advancing technology upon both skilled and unskilled laborers; and the relationship of the law and government with American labor. Evaluation will be based on class participation, a midterm, a final exam, and a 10- to 12-page research paper. Group A

Hour:  DICKERSON