Honors College 391AH - Honors Discovery Seminars

This seminar is a required course for Commonwealth Honors College students where students participate in a topical seminar-style course designed by its instructor. While the subject matter of each section is different, advanced knowledge of the topic is not required. While the subject matter of each section is different, the requirements for each section are the same. Individual titles and descriptions of HONORS 391AH sections can be found on the Commonwealth Honors College website.

Open to Senior, Junior, and Sophomore Commonwealth College students only. Revisioning the New Deal

How does the legacy of the 1930s New Deal era resonate with the politics of the present and future? Readings and videos will help us understand key historical issues of the 1930?40s Great Depression?New Deal era: massive unemployment and the crisis of capitalism, industrial unionism, socialist and communist movements, Left cultural activism, government programs -- the WPA, Civilian Conservation Corps, Federal Theatre Project -- racial exclusion and redlining, and the rise of the military?industrial complex. Issues for dialogue include the role of "big government," workers' rights, grassroots activism, neoliberalism, and persistent racial inequality. Topics of contemporary relevance include new labor strategies, a Green New Deal to address climate change, the New Jim Crow, and contemporary activist movements. Written assignments will be reviewed for coherence, clarity, grammar, voice, and formatting. Learner presentations will analyze historical documents including photos.