HIST 357 - U.S. Cultural History

Spanning the years from the Civil War through the late 20th century, this course examines the ways both ordinary people and elites created, challenged and shaped American culture. Students will consider cultural history on two levels. First, we will explore changes in the ways American men and women of different classes, races, and regions expressed themselves through popular and high culture - including entertainment forms like vaudeville, world’s fairs, novels, and movies as well as movements like the Harlem Renaissance and Fundamentalism. Second, we will analyze the influence of cultural ideas on political, economic and social changes, such as fights for African-American and women’s rights, the emergence of consumer culture, debates over immigration restriction, economic struggles during the Great Depression, participation in World War II, protests of the 1960s, and the rise of conservatism in the 1980s.

Credits: 4
Terms Offered: As Needed