"I refuse to believe it's time to stop believing in the possibilities of
our remarkable country.
I refuse to accept the downsizing of the American Dream.
I refuse to bet against American entrepreneurial spirit and American ingenuity."
- John Kerry

"What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? . . . Or does it explode?"
- Langston Hughes

Welcome to the official website for the Fall 2008 version of "Modern America, 1945-Present." You should regularly check this website for updates and use it to answer any questions you may have about the course.

For quick reference's sake, I've listed below what's coming down the pipe in the next few weeks.

Updated: 7/24/08

SECTION I - Conceptualizing Post-war American History (August 18-20)

M: Introduction: Advertising the Course

W: Workshop
- Assignment #1: Read the syllabus and the University's Academic Honesty Policy.
- Assignment #2: Read, sign, detach, and turn in the Course Contract from pg. 6 of the syllabus.
- Assignment #3: Address the following: Do you think post-World War II American history has been about the abundance of the "American Dream" or its limitation? Why? Type out your answers and bring them to class today.

SECTION II - World War II and the Making of a Cold War World (Aug. 22-Sept. 1)

F: Lecture
- Assignment #1: Read the syllabus and the University's Academic Honesty Policy.
- Assignment #2: Read, sign, detach, and turn in the Course Contract from pg. 6 of the syllabus.
- Assignment #3: Read Chafe, The Unfinished Journey, ch. 1

M: Lecture

W: Lecture
- Assignment #1: Read Chafe, The Unfinished Journey, ch. 2, 3
- Assignment #2: Sign-up for Final Assignment Topics

F: Workshop
- Assignment #1: Read Donaldson, Modern America, ch. 1, 2
- Assignment #2: Do Source Analysis #1

M: NO CLASS - LABOR DAY