The Fifties

Bachelor of Art in American Studies

AMR 330

Breyer State University

Professor:Tanya Mueller, MS

Syllabus

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course examines the cultural world of the 1950s in America , often referred to as the Cold War or Post-War Era. The course will analyze the family constructs, consumerism, sexuality, politics and prosperity of the era from about 1947 - 1960. We will also analyze popular culture of the 1950s. Among other anxieties of the time, we will examine the looming threat of nuclear annihilation ushered in at the end of World War II.

TIME FRAME: This is a six (6) semester hour course. You must complete all of the requirements for the course successfully by the end of the 10-week period. The first day of week one will begin the day that you register for the course, or the day that your text books arrive and you are thus ready to begin the course.

You are required to complete the assignments by the due dates indicated in the syllabus. I consider the syllabus a contract between you and I, and any changes to the due dates (granted under extenuating circumstances) must be agreed upon by both. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded six (6) semester hours of credit.

TEXTBOOKS: There are (2) texts for this course:

Book 1: By the Bomb's Early Light: American Thought and Culture at the Dawn of the Atomic Age. Paul Boyer. University of North Carolina Press (September 1, 1994): ISBN # 0807844802.

Book 2: Homeward Bound: American Families and the Cold War Era. Elaine Tyler May. Basic Books, Inc. Publishers, 1988: ISBN # 0465030556.

You can purchase the texts at a local bookstore, or online at the University bookstore:

	» Click Here to Enter
» Additional Student Resources at StudyTactics

You will be required to watch one film of your choosing, which can be rented from a rental establishment or purchased at the above sites. Since the texts are rather inexpensive, you may want to consider purchasing the film. Some may be difficult to find at chain video rental stores.

EXAMS: There are two exams for this course. A Midterm and a Final. More information on them can be found in the assignment section of the classroom.

GRADING: The grading scale for this course is as follows:

90-100%    = A
80-89%      = B
70-79%      = C
Below 70% = Fail

The grading criteria for the written assignments are as follows:

CONTENT and LEVEL: 60%

1. Content is pertinent, and reflects points requested from the readings as well as original thought.
2. Student position or view is stated clearly, with appropriate justifications and logic.
3. Comprehensiveness of discussion is adequate.
4. The paper adequately addresses the assignment in scope and content.

ORGANIZATION: Weight 20%

1. The paper demonstrates logical flow from idea to idea, point to point.
2. The paper includes relevant supporting ideas from the assigned readings or research as appropriate.

FORMAT/GRAMMAR: Weight 10%

1. Spelling and sentence structure are without error.
2. Punctuation and word choice are without error.
3. Paper contains a title, subheadings and paragraphs as appropriate.

READABILITY/STYLE: Weight 10%

1. The paper reflects a synthesis of ideas from the readings and from experience as requested.
2. The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment.
3. Style of the paper is appropriate academic level.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: Tanya Mueller holds a Bachelor's degree in American Studies with a concentration in gender from ASA accredited California State University, Fullerton. She also holds a Master's degree also from CSU, Fullerton, in Political Science with an emphasis in gender politics. She is currently working on a doctorate in clinical psychology at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA.

Tanya is a 3rd generation Los Angeles, CA native and her love for culture and learning has led her to travel all over the country. Because of her location in the greater Los Angeles area she frequently travels throughout Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. The photos at the beginning of the syllabus are photos she has personally taken during some her many travels. Many of her observations for the course come directly from her travels in the regions listed.

Apply	Pay Online	Refund Policy
Payment Plan	Email for Info	Register for a Course