HIST 501: Late 20th Century America

Late 20th Century America

In 1989, the Berlin Wall came down. In 2001, the twin towers came down. The years between were the best of times, the worst of times, the last good times, and the beginning of our times. Perhaps all of the above. This class will dive deep into that era known as the 90s.

            Bill and Hillary Clinton, Gangsta Rap, the Internet, genocides perpetrated (Rwanda) and averted (the Balkans), Michael Jordan, the Republican take over of Congress (after 60 years!). And Nirvana.
 

We will read some recent books that try to make sense of the period, sample widely from its television, music, and movies, and even listen to a podcast series or two. This will be a 100% discussion based-class, with a digital research project as its main assignment.