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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS 368"
COURSE NAME: "The Other America: History of the Counterculture in the US"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Andrea Lanzone
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MTWTH 11:00 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Co-requisites: EN 110; Recommended: Junior Standing, One previous history course
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The seminar analyzes the history of Counterculture in the United States and examines the impact that Counterculture had during the Sixties and early Seventies (and the legacy and influence that certain particular experiences and ideas have had on later generations). The Other America also aims through the words of Whitman, Steinbeck, Woody Guthrie, Kerouac, Dylan, Springsteen, and many other writers, poets, activists, and musicians to observe the inequities encountered by different American minorities in the 20th Century and to disclose their strategies of survival as they have sought justice and dignity.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:







The class will discuss the assigned readings. Students’ active participation in discussions is absolutely necessary to making the course work well. The very high percentage of the final grade will be based on class participation. There will be two class meetings per week. Lectures will be followed by questions and discussion. All assigned readings should be completed before each class meeting.

Identity, Democracy & American Dream

The End: John Lennon in New York City







History of Counterculture: Indians, African-Americans and European immigrants

Steinbeck, the 1930s and Bruce Springsteen: the American migrants

American Poetry: From Whitman to Kerouac







Portrait of the Beat Generation

1950’s: Cultural Revolution

America Divided: the 1960s

Mario Savio and the Making of a Youth Culture







War on Poverty: The Other America







Civil Rights

Martin Luther King and Malcolm X







The Vietnam War

The Sixties in Sport: Muhammad Ali

Arts and Pop Culture

The Sixties in Music: Woodstock







No Direction Home - Bob Dylan







Black Panther's Party







American Indian Movement







Winners, Loosers and Consequences

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The seminar provides the student with a deep and critical understanding of United States of America’ history in terms of historical events, social systems, economic processes and ideologies. One of the aims of the course is to enhance student's skills in critical thinking and reading. To this end, students shall investigate one key event in the recent US history. Group discussions will be a central part of the course structure
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
America Dividedmaurice issermanOxford0-19-516047-9  
The Other AmericaMichael harringtonPaperback978-0-684-82-6783  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Attendance and Participation 40%
Paper  15%
Midterm  15 %
Final  30%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cour
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
More than one unexcused absence will have a negative effect on the grade, the more absences, the negative-er the effect.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

week 1 - Identity, Democracy & American Dream

week 1 -The End: John Lennon in New York City







week 1 - History of Counterculture: Indians, African-Americans and European immigrants

week 2 - Sacco and Vanzetti







week 2 -Steinbeck, the 1930s and Bruce Springsteen: the American migrants

week 2 -American Poetry: From Whitman to Kerouac







week 2 -Portrait of the Beat Generation

week 3 -1950’s: Cultural Revolution

week 3 -America Divided: the 1960s

week 3 -Mario Savio and the Making of a Youth Culture







week 3 - Midterm Exam







week 4 -War on Poverty: The Other America







week 4 -Civil Rights

week 4 -Martin Luther King and Malcolm X







week 4 -The Vietnam War

week 5 -The Sixties in Sport: Cassius Clay

week 5 -The Sixties in Music: Woodstock







week 5- Black Panther's Party and American Indian Movement







week 5 -Winners, Loosers and Consequences







week 5 Final Exam