History 154 - Social Change in the 1960's

Few questions in American history remain as contentious as the meaning of the 1960s. Observers agree that it was a very important time, but they are deeply divided as to whether it ushered in a needed series of social changes, or whether the Sixties were a period marked mainly by excess, chaos, and self-indulgence. There is not even agreement about when the Sixties began and ended. This course will build on the concept of the ?Long Sixties,? a period stretching from roughly 1954 to 1975. It will focus on topics that relate to struggles for social change: the civil rights movement, the peace movement, gender and sexuality, alternative lifestyles, identity politics, the counterculture, cultural production, and debates over multiculturalism. It will involve attending lectures, critically viewing media, learning to analyze primary sources, and participating in class discussions. Attendance is mandatory and there are also several out-of-class expectations. As a four-credit course the overall reading, writing, and assignment loads are heavier than that of three-credit courses. (Gen.Ed. HS, U)

This course is open to students in the Exploring Society (Gorman) RAP program only.