Instructor: Julie Victa

Office: Tower 321S

Phone 740-3602 (office) (773) 384-1297 (home)

E-mail jvicta@stfrancis.edu or julievicta@prodigy.net

Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30-9; Monday and Wednesday 12-1; Tuesdays TBA

Course Description:

This course will examine the history and politics of Washington DC and federal government from the 19^th to the 20^th century. Comparison of governmental institutions, political parties, and interest groups will be examined. We will examine the changes that took place in Washington during its period of most rapid growth (the 1930s). Changes in public policy, US foreign policy, and institutions will be examined.

We will also trace the development of our nation's capitol. We will examine the growth of Washington and its development during key-time periods (i.e. its founding, the Civil War, WWI, the Great Depression and WW II).

Students are required to take a trip to Washington DC as part of this course. Students will attend class sessions prior to the trip and are required to complete readings before the trip. Students will also keep journals during the trip and will write a paper on a topic of interest.

Outcomes:

After successful completion of the class students will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of governmental institutions at the federal level.
• Knowledge of changing public policy from the 19^thto the 20^th century.
• Knowledge of the changing role of federalism and US foreign policy.
• Familiarity with the city of Washington DC
• Writing skills through book reviews, journals, and paper.
• Research skills.

Three five page book reviews (25 %)

Journal of Washington trip (25%)

Oral presentations during trip (10%)

Final paper (40%) Any evidence of plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the course.

Texts:

Woodward, Bob. Shadow

Thomas, Helen. Front Row at the 'White House

Klein Joe, The Running Mate

Tentative- Articles from White House History

Course Outline:

1. Creating a Capitol City

A. Governing in New York

B. Creating a Capitol

C. Pierre Charles L'Enfant Readings from White House History

2. Washington during the 19^th Century Start Woodward and Thomas.

3. The 20^th Century

A, World War I

B. The Great Depression

C. World War II

D. Cold War

E. Great Society and Vietnam

F. Watergate

4. The Changing Federal Structure Start Klein

A. Dual Federalism

B. Cooperative Federalism

C. Creative Federalism

D. Picket Fence Federalism

E. The Art of Grantsmanship

5. The City and its People

A. Demographics

B. Local government in Washington DC

C. Architecture and Monuments
 
 

Washington Trip March 1-6

All students are expected to take the trip to Washington DC as part of the class experience. Under no circumstance can the University of St. Francis assume any liability or be held responsible for sickness or accident of any of the participants in this excursion.

Day 1

Arrival at O'Hare airport no later than 6:30 am (plane departs at 7:30). United Airlines flight arrives at Reagan National Airport at 10:09 am.

Bus service to Now Hampshire Suites/Best Western Hotel

Unwind and unpack

Lunch

Getting around with Metro

Night tour of the Mall: Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Jefferson Memorial by starlight.

Day 2

We will leave the hotel by 9am each day. Participants are encouraged to get up early enough to prepare for the day and enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast in the Club Room.

The White House Tour

Tour of the Capitol

The US Supreme Court

The Library of Congress

Evening: Trip to Georgetown.

Day 3

Arlington Cemetery

The Korean War Memorial

The Vietnam War Memorial

Iwo Jima

FDR Memorial

Late afternoon and evening: Trip to DC Mall

Day 4

A day in Alexandria, Virginia

Boyhood home of Robert E. Lee

Christ Church

King street (shopping, shopping, shopping!)

Optional boat ride. On this ride see:

The Lincoln Memorial

Washington Monument

The Watergate

The Pentagon

Alexandria's port

Breathtaking view of the Capitol

Day 5

The Smithsonian Campus:

The Holocaust Museum

The American History Museum

Air and Space Museum

Farewell dinner

Day 6

Visitor's choice. Options include:

Ford's Theatre

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

National Portrait Gallery

The Pentagon

The CIA

National Zoo

We must be packed and ready to go for a noon checkout. The hotel will hold our bags until the bus pickup (at about 5 PM). Everyone must be back at the hotel by 5. The return flight (United Airlines) leaves at 7:00PM and will arrive in Chicago (O'Hare) at 8 PM.

It may also be possible to see a performance at the Kennedy Center if there is enough interest. Of course, this will include an additional charge. It is suggested that everyone bring about $200 for food, souvenirs, etc.

Washington From Dual to Cooperative Federalism

Paper Assignments

Book Reviews. Three book reviews are required for the course. Those on the Woodward and Thomas book are to be 5 pages in length (typed, double-spaced 10-12 font), the Klein book is to be about 3 pages in length. In all three of these books discuss the author's thesis, that is, the reason the book was written. Discuss the most important aspects of each book and discuss the highpoints of each. These three book reviews are due before we visit Washington in March.

Journals. Each student is expected to keep a journal concerning the trip. I would expect that two pages per day would be adequate (you may include illustrations, pictures). In these journals go into some detail about an aspect of historical/political interest. For instance, after viewing a memorial discuss something that surprised you about it (when it was constructed, how it was designed, etc). It is a good idea to take some notes while we are out and about. At a museum you may just want to focus on one exhibit.

Paper. A ten-page paper is due the last day of class. Select a topic of your choice. You must get my approval before you proceed. Possibilities include the building of the capitol, Washington during the Civil-War, Washington during World War I or World War II, an examination of public monuments in Washington, a short history of Congress, the Presidency or the Supreme Court in its beginning stages, problems in the District of Columbia. You may also want to focus on a historical character or pivotal event. All papers must be appropriately footnoted and must include a bibliography.

Helpful hints in Washington.

• First be sure to wear comfortable shoes. We will be doing a great deal of walking.
• Make use of the hotels wake-up call service. We will be leaving by about 9am each day. To be sure that you are on time set your alarm as well.
• The hotel serves a decent continental breakfast. To save money and stave hunger pains eat breakfast. If you are rushed make a quick run to grab a cup of coffee and bagel.
• All of the rooms are suites. Therefore each is equipped with a microwave and fridge.
• You may want to save money by making use of this for evening snacks, soda, etc.
• This hotel is located in Foggy Bottom. This is a safe area of Washington and is very close to Georgetown. I would recommend that if you decide to venture out in the evening be sure to go with at least one other person. Of course, you are more than welcome to come along with me in the evenings.
• It is suggested that you bring about $200.00 in spending money. This will be used for public transportation, food, souvenirs, etc.
• There are many cash stations in Washington. Note: Avoid the one in our hotel if you can. It charges $3.00 per transaction!
• The hotel will make additional charges for any phone calls. To avoid these high costs bring a phone card with you.
• Bring a camera and plenty of film. You can use the photos for your journal entries.