History 2353

American Youth Culture

Fall 2007

Eleanor Hannah: Office -- ABAH 261
Phone -- (218) 726-7252
Email -- ehannah@d.umn.edu


The idea of adolescence as a distinct and particularly difficult stage of life emerged at the end of the nineteenth century, but the idea that young people had a culture that was different from adults and visible in public arose much earlier, though not without confusion and contradictions. In this course, we will trace the emergence of distinct youth culture. We will read works of history examining the experience of youth in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and primary documents written by those who experienced the events we discuss. We will also read excerpts from various experts – psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists – analyzing the challenges and conditions of adolescence once the idea of adolescence emerges. Throughout the course we will consider what held an encompassing "youth culture" together, and what fragmented, divided and reformulated it over time.

The course requires that you complete one enhanced evidence portfolio (in two stages), write one of three 750-word analytical summary essays, and complete two evidence analysis papers, as well as your daily participation in discussion and regular in-class activities. The instructor reserves the right to add additional quizzes to the course requirements at any time. Grade wieghts will be distributed as follows:

General Requirements and Course Policies

• Office Hours. Please use the office hours to discuss both specific questions raised by the course work and more general concerns pertaining to the study of history, journalism and academic life. Also, please use the office hours if you feel you don’t understand basic or advanced concepts discussed in class.

• Attendance is required.

• Absences will be treated as follows. For every unexcused absence after the first two, your grade in the course will go down by one letter grade. That is, if you have earned an A but have three unexcused absences, you will receive a B in the course. If you have earned an A, but have four unexcused absences, you will receive a C in the course. Thus, even if you have earned an A in the course, six unexcused absences will result in a course grade of F.

• Always bring the assigned reading material to class.

• Essays and homework are due at the beginning of the class on the date specified.

• Essays and homework will not be accepted after that time. If you cannot attend class that day, make arrangements for the essay to be turned in early or send it with a colleague.

• There will be no makeups for in-class quizzes and in-class activities. If you are absent that day, you will receive zero credit for that quiz or activity. If your absence is excused you may elect to negotiate either an alternative assignment or a conversion of the points from quizzes and activities to participation points. Failure to negotiate for either will result in zero points.

• Students unable to take the final exam on the designated date are expected to notify the instructor immediately via voicemail. Excused absences from the final exam must be approved by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Exam conflicts will be resolved according to the policies outlined here, http://www.d.umn.edu/catalogs/current/umd/gen/final.html.

• Plagiarism and other forms of scholastic dishonesty, as defined in the Student Conduct Code will result in zero credit for the assignment and may result in a course grade of F, depending on the severity of the offense.

• Individuals who may have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the semester. Adaptations of methods, materials, or testing may be made as required to provide for equitable participation.

Readings

• Horatio Alger, Jr. Ragged Dick; or Street Life in New York with the Boot Blacks
• Stephen Crane, The Red Badge of Courage
• Susan J. Douglas. Where the Girls Are
• William Graebner. Coming of Age in Buffalo: Youth and Authority in the Postwar Era
• Jim Murphy, The Boys' War : Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War
• Kathy Peiss, Cheap Amusements; Working Women and Leisure in Turn-of-the-Century New York
• Christine Stansell, City of Women, Sex and Class in New York, 1789 - 1860

All course books are available at the Campus Bookstore (or through any online bookseller). All other course readings will be avaible on the web (see links provided on the course website) or will be on closed reserve at the library.

The assigned readings for the course should be done before each class as noted in the Class Schedule.