History - The Seventies:American History

Catalog description

Americans who lived through the 1970s witnessed more than their fair share of historically significant events. The President resigned in disgrace. America ran out of gas and got run out of Vietnam. New York City went bankrupt, blacked out, and caught on fire. Women rebelled and gay Americans stormed out of the closet. Racial integration died and Black Power went mainstream. The Beatles broke up, Muhammad Ali ruled the world (again), Lucas and Spielberg birthed the blockbuster, and disco, rap and punk put the smack down on Rock ’n’ Roll. Everywhere you look in the 1970s, you can find evidence of the end of one period of American history—the postwar period—and the beginning of a new historical epoch—the Age of Reagan, the Neoliberal Age, or, perhaps, Postmodern America. Students will explore this pivotal decade in American history through weekly readings, watchings, and listenings; twice-weekly class discussions of prepared material; and an independent research project. Prerequisite: Prior course in HIST or a related field or permission of the instructor.