Finally, we will ask whether we can define an American cultural and intellectual tradition. This course will assume a basic familiarity with twentieth century American history. Students are strongly encouraged to have taken History 152, or to have a solid understanding of American history, before enrolling in this course, or else they should be prepared to do extensive additional reading. Class attendance is mandatory and expected. I will periodically take attendance and absences will be noted.
Class meets twice per week.
One class each week will be reserved for a lecture and the other class will be run as a discussion seminar. Simply attending class, however, is not the same thing as participating in it. Active participation is expected of all students. Students who do not intend to participate in this way should find another class. The readings listed in the syllabus are not put there for decorative purposes.