HS1TTA-The Times They Are A-Changin£ £ Protest, Reform and the Government Response in 1960s America

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mr Dafydd Townley
Email: d.townley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module is optional for SINGLE HONOURS STUDENTS ONLY.

Aims:
The module will explore the theme of social protest and the response of various governmental institutions. Students will examine the major reform and protest movements of the period such as the civil rights movement, the New Left etc and their impact on American contemporary society and politics. The methods of protest, their results, and the reaction of the ruling elite, will contribute to the students£ understanding of the social upheaval that occurred in the United States during the 1960£s. In seminars students will also question the impact of such movements on the modern day United States. Seminars will involve discussion of primary sources and major historiographical theses, and the screening of documentary film.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• identify the sources of the topic in question •


• trace its historical development


• be aware of differing historiographical interpretations of the pattern and causes of this development


• understand how ideas and events are shaped by their historical contexts


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing, bo th under timed conditions and in assessed coursework 


• demonstrate familiarity with bibliographical conventions and mastery of library skills.

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims:
£ to encourage students to think independently
£ to help students develop good oral and written communication skills
£ to develop the effectiveness of students in group situations
£ to develop IT skills through the use of relevant resources.

Outline content:
The module will look at the metamorphosis of protest within the 1960s from the peaceful protest of the civil rights movement to the violent clashes of the New Left with government forces. The first half of the module will focus on the development of Black Power through the speeches of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael, and the formation of the Black Panther Party, and these movements£ influence n the New Left protest of the late 1960s. The second half of the module will examin e the government response to protest through the FBI£s COINTELPRO and the CIA£s Operation CHAOS, and the effect of the protests on the political and social structure of the United States. The final week will be an examination of the legacy of the protest movements to 1970s America and its modern day ramifications, questioning how successful the movements were in their aims and objectives.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching is by eight two-hour seminars over one term. Students are reminded to email their tutors for help and advice whenever needed and to note office hours.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	17
Guided independent study:	83
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Written exam 50% 

one 1-hour unseen paper requiring 1 answer

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written assignment 50%:

1 written assignment of c. 1,250 words, to be submitted once via Blackboard on Turnitin, by 12 noon on the submission deadline in Week 11 specified on the module site on Blackboard.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Where a re-sit is permitted, students will be assessed on the failed element(s) only in August. Any element(s) already passed will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Any element which is re-sat in August is capped at 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon, on the last Friday of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2021