Critical Social Inquiry 0151 - Camelot and Crisis

To this day, the charm of the Kennedy style and the drama of the Kennedy assassination disguise the mounting critique of American society during the first half of the 1960s. Upon closer examination, the criticism appears not only prescient but quite artful in its presentation. We will explore the social and political particulars under question - and also look to the writing as models for our own prose. We will devote considerable time to the development of effective writing strategies. Readings will include the work of Eqbal Ahmad, James Baldwin, Toni Cade Bambara, Rachel Carson, Truman Capote, Joan Didion, Betty Friedan, Michael Harrington, Joseph Heller, Jules Henry, Harper Lee, C. Wright Mills, and William Appleman Williams.

Power, Community and Social Justice Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing and group assignments.