The Age of Irony: Twentieth Century America


Description and Faculty
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Faculty: John Baldridge -- 867-6759 baldridj@evergreen.edu
Susan Preciso -- 867-6011 precisos@evergreen.edu
Sarah Ryan -- 867-6720 ryans@evergreen.edu

Meets: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 6:00-9:30 p.m.
and Saturday, April 30 10:00 (Tacoma Art Museum Field Trip)
Seminar II, E1105

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.

Credits will be awarded in twentieth-century American history, literature, geography, cultural studies, and academic writing. It will be possible in our work over three quarters to meet some endorsement prerequisites for the Master in Teaching program, depending on the focus of your individual project.

*We strongly encourage students to plan to enter the program in the fall and stay with us for winter and spring. Evergreen is unique in that it gives students the chance to be engaged with a complex intellectual project over time. By the concluding quarter of an all-year program, students amaze us with the quality and complexity of their work.


TESC Evening & Weekend Studies Fall/Winter/Spring 2010-2011