HENB01394U English - Elective 2, topic 4: At Sixes and Sevens: American Society and Culture in Flux in the 1960s and 1970s

Volume 2017/2018
Education

Engelsk

Content

“At Sixes and Sevens: American Society and Culture in Flux in the 1960s and 1970s” uses thematic approaches in order to explore social and cultural change in the US, with special – if not exclusive – focus on the 1960s and 1970s. American society and cultural mind-sets arguably transformed more during this period than in any other comparable post-Second World War timeframe. For some historians, this period represents the birth of the present. The aim of the course will be to examine, explain, and discuss the factors and issues at play which encouraged upheaval during the 60s and 70s. To come to grips with social and cultural change, topics covered will include the growth of consumer society, the development of youth culture; the extension of rights to traditionally marginalized Americans; the emergence of a counterculture; the establishment of a more permissive society; the increased salience of spirituality and religion; changing social policy; and reaction to the social and cultural innovations of the period.

 

 “At Sixes and Sevens: American Society and Culture in Flux in the 1960s and 1970s” is designed to present a link in terms of complexity between basic BA offerings in history such as Makings 1 and Makings 2 and more advanced Master’s courses. It will help students to put contemporary America into its relatively recent context. The themes chosen introduce students to topics which MA courses within the department and elsewhere may develop further. Lastly, the course is intended to help provide students with foundations and analytical tools for their self-directed BA projects. I expect students to be fully prepared to participate in weekly class discussions by having read the agreed readings at the correct time. Students will also be asked to give short presentations on agreed topics.

The program will use a combination of set texts (primary and secondary), auxiliary readings, and electronic resources (TBA –dependent upon availability).

Course books (very tentative):

Schaller, Schulzinger, and Anderson (2004) Present Tense
The United States Since 1945, 3/e, Houghton Mifflin, Boston

http:/​/​www.college.hmco.com/​CollegeCatalog/​CatalogController?cmd=Portal&subcmd=display&ProductID=3293

Levine and Papasotiriou (2005) America Since 1945: The American Moment, Palgrave, Basingtoke. http:/​/​www.palgrave.com/​products/​Catalogue.aspx?is=1403948313

One deep textbook

Bruce J. Schulman

David Frum

Bailey & Farber

Carroll It seemed like nothing happened

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 42
  • Preparation
  • 162,75
  • Total
  • 204,75
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Other
Criteria for exam assesment