American Conservatism: Origins, Development, And Contemporary Controversies

This course examines through the use of theoretical, historical, and empirical analyses the conservative movement in the United States. The emphasis will be on post-World War II conservatism with the focus on conservative intellectuals, McCarthyism, the Goldwater phenomenon, neo-conservatism, the rise of the religious right, and the culture wars. Divisions in contemporary conservatism with respect to the issues of immigration, trade policy, abortion, gun control, and foreign policy will be examined. The impact of conservatism on the American political party system will also be explored. This course is equivalent to HIS 3102. Students will receive credit for either POL 3102 or HIS 3102, not both. These courses may not substitute for each other in the F grade replacement policy.