This course is a general survey of multiculturalism in modern America.  Its primary
goal is to provide the students with an historical framework for interpreting the
current state of American societies and their relations with the World.  The second
goal is to help students develop their analytical skills and to express their
analyses in verbal and written forms.  

This course requires students:
1. to read carefully the assigned texts by the dates provided in the syllabus.
2. to come to class prepared to discuss the readings.
3. to analyze assigned texts in class discussions and in formal essays, based upon
   an interpretive assessment of evidence presented in readings and lectures.
4. to demonstrate mastery of current course readings in short written exams.
5. to identify and analyze the major themes and debates in African history in a final
   essay exam.

Among the topics to covered in the course will be the Civil War,
westward expansion, immigration, the civil rights movement, and the
creation of a "multicultural" American identity.  Additionally, we
will focus on the experiences of numerous ethnic groups, paying
particular attention to their contributions to the American experience.
Additional topics include:  white ethnic America; Japanese-American
internment during World War II; the Mexican-American experience;
the changing definition of affirmative action; and multiculturalism
in a conservative and a liberal climate.