Major Problems in American History, Volume II
By: Elizabeth Cobbs, Edward J. Blum, Jon Gjerde
About This Book
Designed to encourage critical thinking about history, the MAJOR PROBLEMS IN AMERICAN HISTORY series introduces students to both primary sources and analytical essays on important topics in U.S. history. This collection serves as the primary anthology for the introductory survey course, covering the subject’s entire chronological span. Comprehensive topical coverage includes politics, economics, labor, gender, culture, and social trends. The fourth edition has been revised to reflect two new historiographical trends: the emergence of the history of religion as an exceptionally lively field and the internationalization of American history. Several chapters include images, songs, and poems to give students a better “feel” for the time period and events under discussion. Key pedagogical elements of the Major Problems format have been retained: 15 to 16 chapters per volume, chapter introductions, headnotes, and suggested readings. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.
AI Overview
"Major Problems in American History, Volume II" is a comprehensive textbook designed for introductory survey courses in U.S. history, covering the period since 1865. The book is co-authored by Elizabeth Cobbs, Edward J. Blum, and Jon Gjerde. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Historical Debates: The book brings together primary documents and secondary sources to expose students to the major debates in American history. It focuses on enduring themes such as the impact of changing technologies on workers and families, periodic waves of reform, and the transformation of gender expectations and race relations.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The volume covers a wide range of topics including politics, economics, labor, gender, culture, and social trends. This comprehensive topical coverage helps students understand the complexities of U.S. history.
- Historiographical Trends: The fourth edition reflects two new historiographical trends: the emergence of the history of religion as a lively field and the internationalization of American history. This ensures that the book stays current with the latest historical scholarship.
Plot Summary
The book is structured around 15 to 16 chapters, each with introductions, headnotes, and suggested readings. It begins with Reconstruction and ends at the start of the twenty-first century, providing a chronological span that covers significant events and developments in U.S. history since 1865.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book's design and content have been praised for encouraging critical thinking among students. The inclusion of primary sources and analytical essays is seen as a strong pedagogical approach, making it a primary anthology for introductory survey courses.
Editions and Formats
The book has been published in multiple editions, with the fourth edition being the most recent. It is available in various formats, including print, eBook, and audiobook. The audiobook format is particularly useful for students with dyslexia or other learning differences, as it provides unlimited access to the largest selection of audiobooks and textbooks aligned to school curriculum.
Availability
The book is widely available through major educational publishers like Cengage and Houghton Mifflin. It can be purchased or rented in print or digital formats, and some editions are available for instant access through platforms like MindTap History.
Instructor's Edition
There is also an instructor's edition available, which is designed to provide additional resources and support for educators teaching the course. This edition is typically priced lower than the student edition and is often used by instructors to prepare their lectures and assignments.