Crosslistings:
CHUM 329
CHUM 329
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Crosslistings: CHUM 329 |
The seminar will examine the history of 20th century from the perspective of American labor. From that standpoint, it is remarkable how the early and late years of this century resemble each other. In the early 20th century, just like ons of a size inconceivable just a few years before were being formed frequently. Jobs were re-structured constantly. The labor force was extremely heterogeneous. Workers from Asia, Europe (especially Eastern Europe), the Middle East, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America migrated into, and left, the United States continuously. Union leaders had great ambitions in two eras but represented only a small part of the labor force, for they confronted intense opposition from employers and, often, from state, local or federal government as well. Meanwhile, writers were despairing about the demise of the male breadwinner. The unusual period in 20th century American history is the middle decades, from the mid-1930s until the ea rly 1970s. During those years immigration was sharply reduced. Union organization became lawful, union membership as a percentage of the labor force reached a historic peak, and many leading executives considered cooperation with unions a wiser strategy than confrontation. A firm alliance was constructed between organized labor and the Democratic Party. And the privileged status of the male breadwinners seemed to be secure. Yet labor historians have given a disproportionate amount of attention to the New Deal system, as that era is often called. In this respect we have echoed the opinion of union officials. The history of labor in earlier periods is interpreted as a prelude to the New Deal system, and recent years as a regrettable departure. This perspective is no longer tenable, in my opinion. The middle years do not deserve less attention, but their uniqueness must be explained and we must consider whether current conditions in labor relations are not, in fact, the norm, historically speaking. Hence, in this course students will work with me to develop a new interpretation of modern American labor history.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Seminar
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST Grading Mode: Student Option
Prerequisites: NONE
Last Updated on MAR-26-2001
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459