HIST 308 Studies in American Social Change (Not offered 1998-99)

The purpose of this course is to consider how Americans have thought and acted about the process of change in society and whether or not an American "tradition" has developed over the years in response to the demands for change. We will focus on four selected case studies: Lincoln, the abolitionists, and slavery; industrialists and reformers during the Progressive era; controversy over the New Deal and the emergence of the modern welfare state, and the drive for expanded civil rights in the modern era. Classes will be primarily discussion. Evaluation will be based on participation in class discussion, a series of brief interpretative essays based on the assigned reading, and a final exam. Open to sophomores. Group A

DEW