Class dates: Thursdays, October 29, November 5, 12, 19, December 3 (5 weeks)

Class time: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Location: Assumption, Kennedy 119

America’s Adolescence:1926

The United States, a mere 150 years old in 1926, showed signs that the nation was rapidly maturing. 1926 was, in fact a “noisy, quiet year.” World War I had ended 6 years before and many of the men sent back from Europe, forever changed, had adopted a more sophisticated worldview. Numerous constitutional amendments were passed proving that the Constitution was a living document. And, despite or even because of prohibition, the decade roared. This course will focus on five major developments from that year: the rapid spread of radio as well as new forms of journalism,(Rosemary McCarthy); the rising importance of labor as workers shifted from farms to factories (Peter Murphy); the shift from locally named roads to nationally numbered highways (David Navarr); the increasing incentive for citizens to attend high school and even prepare for college (Susan Starr); the claim to a world audience made by American authors (Helen Whall). Each week, students will be asked to make connections among these events while looking ahead to where we are in 2026.

Suggested reading: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway (any edition)

Blue Highways: A Journey Into America by William Least Heat-Moon (1982)

 

Instructors: Rosemary McCarthy, Pete Murphy, David Nevard, Susan Starr, Helen Whall