HIST 2077 - Is America really in decline?

2008 is an election year in the United States and interest has reached a new high domestically and internationally in the future of the American government and the American republic. With the extraordinarily unpopular administration of George W. Bush (30% in the polls, a very low number) it is timely and important to examine the origins and future of the American state. This short subject is structured to do exactly that: how did the American state emerge at the end of the 18th century?; what have been the crucial values and themes which have governed its development?; how did it expand within a century from a tenuous state on the eastern seaboard of North America to become a continental power and eventually a world hegemon?; and, finally is it now in decline and what are its prospects for the future under a new administration coming into power in January, 2009? The subject would be run in three hour seminars for three sessions per week over four weeks (36 hours) and the mode of instruction would include lectures, discussion and some films and visual materials. The subject is intended for Advanced students. The objective would be to give the students a concentrated appreciation of the nature and complexities of American history and culture and an insight into the very formidable domestic and foreign policy issues facing America in both the short and long term.