Faculty: Susan Preciso -- 867-6011 precisos@evergreen.edu
Sarah Ryan -- 867-6720 ryans@evergreen.edu

Meets:  Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 21 10-5

Seminar II E 2105

What is history for? This year-long investigation of 20th Century American history and culture will be organized around the pivotal roles of wars and social movements as shapers of American life and thought, especially the development of our sense of irony as reflected in politics and culture.  Fall quarter's work will focus on World Wars I and II and the Vietnam War. During winter quarter, we will study three key movements for social change: the Progressive movements of the early 20th century, the African American Civil Rights Movement of the mid-century, and the second wave of feminism of the 1960s and 1970s.  Students will write articles based on their own historical research and will publish them in a program web-zine.  During spring quarter's study of culture as history, we will see how these turning points were and are reflected in our cultural lives. This is an all-level program, ideal for returning and transfer students, especially those pursuing the “Upside Down” BA degree. It is a broad liberal arts program designed for students who want to improve their historical knowledge, research skills and (multi)cultural literacy.  We especially encourage those who would like a supportive atmosphere for senior-level project work to attend.

*We recommend that students who want to register for 12 credits attend a linked course, The Heroism of Ordinary People, which meets on Monday nights. During the Winter and Spring quarters, there will a 12-credit option with more extensive historical theory and cultural criticism, which will be open only to students continuing in the program.

Credits may be awarded in twentieth-century American history, labor history, American literature, academic research, and academic writing.  It will be possible in our work over three quarters to meet some endorsement prerequisites for the Master in Teaching program.