This class offers an in-depth study of some of the historical events and movements outlined in the lecture on American Cultural History. We will be looking at events and movements in their historical and cultural context, keeping in mind their transnational dimensions. In each case, we will also discuss what events and developments mean for a theoretical understanding of culture and nation. The specific events and movement we will focus on are: the Revolution and Constitution; the 13th to 15. Amendments; Slavery and the Civil War; Industrialization-Labor Unions-Populism; Indian Appropriation; the New Deal and the Civil Rights Movement. In this year, which marks W.E.B. Du Bois’s 150th birthday, we will include a special project on Du Bois. There will be a moodle site for this class: the keyword is “Du Bois”.
Reading:
- The basis for the class is (as in the lecture of the winter term) Alan Brinkley’s The Unfinished Nation. Additional material will be made accessible via Moodle.
Requirements:
The requirement for the class is presence, participation and a study journal, which very briefly (you will receive a fill-in form through Moodle) reflects on 9 seminar-meetings of your choice. For the MAP you will create and present a poster in a group of 4-5 persons.
The course registration is via Agnes (in two groups).
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