Julius Schedule | Word on a Wire

History 311: Fifties and Film, Fall 2010

Stevenson University, Stevenson, MD 21153
Marilyn Julius, Instructor
mjulius@stevenson.edu
Office: LRC #114
Website: http://www.historymj.com/50s

Objectives |Materials | Assignments | Please
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Welcome back to the 1950s, a time of both optimism and anxiety -- of economic affluence and the Cold War. This course will cover major political, economic, social and cultural themes and events of post-war America coupled with an investigation of films made during the period and how they both reflected and helped shape public perception of the times. Topics will include economic affluence, suburbanization, and technology; teen culture and the role of women; the Cold War, the red scare, and McCarthyism; Black consciousness and the beginning of the modern Civil Rights Movement.

Course Objectives:  What You Will Learn
Upon completing this course, you will be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge of persons, events, ideas, and themes in the U.S. during the 1950s. 
  
• Analyze the origins of the Cold War, the development and application of the policy of containment, and the effects of the Cold War on American politics, society, and culture.
  
• Articulate an understanding of the concepts of historical causation, conflict, and change over time.
  
• Use popular culture to understand competing perspectives on American history and society
  
• Evaluate the degree to which film can be considered valid historical evidence

Required Materials

• Grand Expectations, james T. Patterson
• The 1950s (American Popular Culture through History), William H Young
• Various primary sources (online)
• Access to required films:   On reserve at SU Library or obtain from Netflix or another source.

Assignments
Please see the Assignment page for more information on assignments

Please . . .

Be prepared. Some days you may be asked to write about the reading at the beginning of class orto read your reading response aloud.  Some days you may have a quiz. You should always be prepared to discuss readings and topics aloud.

Be prompt.  Turn in all work on time.  Grades on late assignments will disappoint you (papers are devalued one letter grade per class period except in the case of documented absences for illness requiring a doctor's visit, a court appearance, a death in the family).  But wait!  You do have one safety valve.  One assignment may be turned in one class period late.  Tests may be made up only with a documented excuse: from a physician, hospital, court, or other verifiable documentation

Be honest with yourself and with me about your attendance, class preparation, and assignments.  Document your papers correctly (plagiarism will result in failure of the course). Also, be candid.  Honest feedback will help me fit the course to your needs and desires. ­­

Be open-minded.  Expect a lot.  Get involved.  Be curious.  Have fun, too!

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Stevenson University , Marilyn K. Julius
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