131-416 Current Themes in American History

This is an advanced seminar.

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in history, gender studies or American studies.

This subject examines issues of race, class and gender in the United States and Latin America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Students will consider race and gender at different places and times, separately and in association with each other. What has led historians to focus on these issues, and what problems arise when we do so? Interactions of men and women, and issues involving white Americans, African Americans, Native Americans and other minority groups will be analysed in social, political and cultural arenas. We explore the insights that arise from an analysis based on gender and race in traditional areas of United States history such as slavery, imperialism and war, the woman's movement, assimilation and the history of the frontier. These developments will be contrasted with Latin American societies. In addition, students will examine new areas of history suggested by this focus: the study of 'whiteness', interracial relationships, identity politics, and changing ideas of masculinity and femininity.

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.

A research essay of 3500 words 60% (due mid-semester) and a review essay of 1500 words 40% (due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.