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HISTORY
79B/83.1 |
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THE
AMERICAN PRESIDENCY |
This independent
study examines the modern American presidency. How have the
individuals that have occupied the office changed the institution? How
should presidential historians compare the era to other periods in
American history? How important are Presidents as individuals--as
opposed to the executive branch as a whole--in understanding the
policies of their administrations? How did the development of the Cold
War affect the presidency as an institution? Why did the modern era
feature three Presidents--Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton--who operated
under threats of impeachment? How important are the newly released
sources--especially the secret tapes of Kennedy, Nixon, and
Johnson--in understanding the presidency?
We will address these
exciting questions and more this spring! |
COURSE SCHEDULE
REQUIREMENTS:
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reading/participation (to include co-leading one discussion section):
56.3% |
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course paper:
39.8% |
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other: 3.9% |
The list below contains only the
required books, and will be supplemented with document assignments
throughout the term. BE FOREWARNED!
| Forrest McDonald,
The American Presidency: An Intellectual History |
| Stephen Skowronek,
The Politics Presidents Make
NOTE: The instructor/webmaster will supply xeroxes of the above
two books. |
| May, Zelikow, and Naftali,,
The Presidential Recordings: John F. Kennedy: The Great Crises (NOTE:
The instructor/webmaster will supply his copy. |
| Robert Dallek,
Flawed Giant: Lyndon Johnson and His Times, 1961-1973 |
| Richard Reeves,
President Nixon: Alone in the White House |
| Frances Fitzgerald,
Way Out There in the Blue: Reagan, Star Wars, and the End of the Cold
War |
| David Halberstam,
War in a Time of Peace: Bush, Clinton, and the Generals |
| Jeffrey Toobin,
Too Close to Call: The Thirty-Six Day Battle to Decide the 2000
Election
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