HIST3135

Gilded
Age

& 

Progressive
Era

In the Gilded age and Progressive era, the United States emerged as a modern, industrial nation with an increasingly important role in world affairs. In this course we will explore and develop understanding of the social, economic,  technological, and  political changes associated with this process and will relate this information to the modern world. Students also will work to improve research and writing abilities.

Textbooks:

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Major Problems in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, 2nd edition 

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Paperback: 512 pages

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Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company; 2nd edition (August 1, 2000)

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ISBN: 0618042555 

 

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The Human Tradition in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era 

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Paperback: 231 pages 

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Publisher: SR Books (December 28, 1999) 

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ISBN: 0842027351 

 

Optional, for quick reference

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Laushey, Primer for American History 

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paper, spiral binding

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Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing

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ISBN: 0155020811 

     This book will be useful for non-history majors or for those who are a little rusty on the content of the survey courses. Take a look at it and decide if you need it or not.  It covers all of U. S.  History.  alternatively, you might want to pick up a second-hand U.S. history text for quick reference.  Choose one that covers the second half of a typical survey.

 

In general, discussion in class (informed by readings prepared in advance) will be our way to explore this watershed of modern America.  I'll have a lot to say, of course, but you should participate as much as you are able. We will read both scholarly analysis and published primary source documents.  Most readings are posted in the "Reading Schedule" but occasional short readings may be added, if they seem useful.  There will be a book review and a research project that will culminate in a paper. 

Handouts specific to this course are linked below:   

READINGS       Assignments     Persons

Syllabus: (Part 1)
 is also part of the official syllabus for this course.

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Assignment

Percentage value

Comment

Research

30

 Project will be broken down into three steps, with separate grades for each. See "Assignments" [max. 10 pages] [VISTA]

Read the plagiarism warning!

Presentation

10

 5-10 minute report on one of the "persons of interest" list

Book review

10

 Read your choice of a book written during the period or one that is  a serious historical treatment of the period written by a modern scholar.  All choices must be approved by me. [max. 3 pages.] [VISTA]

Reading Notes

 10 See "Readings" & "Assignments"

Exams

20

 Mid-term and final.

[VISTA]

20

Bonus points

 

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 If the occasion arises, bonus points may be awarded for attendance at university or other events.  The points will be added to your final exam score.

If you are interested in honors credit for this course, and are eligible to apply for it,  check with me as soon as possible. 

For more information on the program, see Honors web page.

 

Other items on this site will also be helpful, so check out the Special Topics pages when you have time.