HIST145

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HIST145

American Society and Culture in the 1950s HIST145 SP

Crosslistings: AMST145

Not Currently Offered

The 1950s are today nostalgically remembered as a decade of American innocence, a time when families were strong, the economy was booming and most social problems were muted. This seminar will explore the character of American society in the 1950s, challenging the myths that now surround the period. Some of the issues we will consider are McCarthyism, the atomic bomb, gender ideals, corporate conformity, and the rise of mass culture. The course also challenges the prevailing sense of social quiescence in the 1950s through an examination of racial protest in the 50s, the beginnings of an organized gay and lesbian movement and Beat culture. As an FYI, this course will give students the opportunity to work with primary sources and to develop their skills of historical interpretation. Ultimately, we will grapple with the questions of what, if anything, made the 50s unique, and what the legacy of that decade has been.

MAJOR READINGS

David Halberstam, THE FIFTIES
Thomas Hine, POPULUXE
Brett Harvey, THE FIFTIES: A WOMAN'S ORAL HISTORY
Larry May, RECASTING AMERICA: CULTURE AND POLITICS IN THE
AGE OF COLD WAR

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

In-class presentation, weekly reading responses, one short paper (5 pages), one longer paper (8-10 pages).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

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: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS HIST

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999

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