HIST 824  THE AMERICAN CENTURY

An in-depth look at the history of the United States during the tumultuous twentieth century. We’ll examine how political, social and cultural change converged from 1900 through the 1990s to define the nation we inhabit today. Themes will include the rise of the activist presidency and its critics, the clash between the federal government and politics at the state and local level, the impact of mass media and the press (from radio to television and beyond), political violence and scandal, war, assassination, economic abundance and downturns as well as the challenges of diversity and pluralism. The events were dramatic , the cast of characters colorful and the consequences long lasting. Format will consist of lecture and discussion with film, literature, firsthand accounts, and studies by historians among our regular assignments.