This course surveys United States history from the end of the Civil War to the present, examining the social, political, economic, and cultural forces that shaped the nation domestically and internationally. Particular attention is given to the evolving meanings of race, class, ethnicity, gender, and citizenship, and to the ways power and inequality have structured American life. While the course addresses major institutions and historical developments, it also highlights the lived experiences of individuals and groups who challenged, shaped, and transformed those institutions.

Emphasis is placed on developing historical understanding, critical thinking, and creative analysis to help students better understand U.S. society and their role as informed citizens.