這門課將檢視美國自內戰結束至今不斷變動的政治、經濟與社會結構。藉由一些輔助的歷史紀錄以及主要文件，審視近代美國發展的一些重要議題：工業化與都市化；美國成為世界強權；權利與平等的觀念；以及不斷在改變的性別、階級與種族結構。本課程也將檢視美國人對於何謂現代美國人所提出的不同答案。此為傳播學的密集課程，將以頻繁的口頭和書面練習要求學生深入研習教材。

這門課能否成功有賴於全體學生的積極參與。課堂參與（15%）是評分的重要部份，評估的標準包含準備、參與大型和小型分組討論、主動聽講、共同研究，以及在學期當中對課程經驗的整體貢獻。當然，如果你不出席課程，你不可能對本堂課有任何貢獻。所有學生將在講師的共同協助下，負責一個特定的課程議題討論（10%），並以（*PR）的記號標示在教學大綱，課前準備包含一份簡報，內容是你從該特定課程的相關閱讀資料中，自選出的一份主要文件。

本課程的書面報告很頻繁，每個人將寫兩篇5~6頁的論文（20%），且必須與我或寫作中心的職員共同作文稿修訂。另外，每個學生要寫一篇較長的10~12頁論文（30%），題目自定。寫作練習準備（5%）將幫助學生在期末報告之前，發展出題目、參考書目以及論點。本課程沒有期中或期末測驗。

書面報告的期限是在該交報告的課堂一開始親自繳交，只有事前解釋良好的正當理由可以被允許延期繳交；因為電腦故障而遲交是絕不會被接受的理由。堅持對學術誠實的標準為必需；如果你對如何進行寫作或引用資料有任何疑問，不要吝於發問。

所有必讀的書籍都已保留在人文學科圖書館，補充閱讀則會透過講義提供。除非另外說明，應於每堂課開始之前完成閱讀作業。

This subject studies the changing structure of American politics, economics, and society from the end of the Civil War to the present. We will consider secondary historical accounts and primary documents to examine some of the key issues in the development of modern America: industrialization and urbanization; U.S. emergence as a global power; ideas about rights and equality; and the changing structures of gender, class, and race. This subject also examines the multiple answers that Americans gave to the question of what it means to be an American in the modern age. As a communications-intensive subject, students will be expected to engage intensively with the material through frequent oral and written exercises.

The success of this class depends on the active participation of all students. Classroom participation (15%) represents a substantial portion of the grade, and will be evaluated in terms of preparation, participation in large and small group discussion, active listening, collaboration, and overall contributions to the class experience during the term. Needless to say, if you do not attend a class it is impossible for you to contribute to it. All students will take charge of discussion (10%) for a particular class session - labeled on the syllabus with the notation (*PR) - in collaboration with the instructor; preparation includes a short presentation about a primary document of your choosing that relates to the readings for a particular class.

Writing assignments in this subject are frequent. Everyone will write two 5-6 pp. essays (20% each), of which one must be revised in conjunction with me and/or the staff of the Writing Center. In addition, each student will write a longer 10-12 pp. essay (30%) on a topic of your choosing. Preparatory writing exercises (5%) will help students develop a topic, a bibliography, and an argument in advance of the final paper itself. There is no midterm or final examination in this class.

Writing assignments are due on paper in person at the beginning of the class in which they are due. Extensions will be granted only for good reasons explained well in advance; computer malfunctions are never an acceptable excuse for a late submission. Adherence to standards of academic honesty is required; if you have any questions about how to go about your writing or cite your sources, don't hesitate to ask.

Copies of all books have also been placed on reserve in the Humanities Library. Additional readings are available through handouts. Readings should be completed by the beginning of the class under which they appear, unless otherwise stated.