The 1930s was a critical period in U.S. history. From 1929 through 1941, the U.S. economy remained mired in a deep depression, which led many women and men to question its basic principles and to seek out alternatives. Eight million joined unions, building a new kind of labor organization, the industrial union, using a new tactic, the sitdown strike, and seeking out wider community support for their struggles. In response to these and other grassroots pressures, the government, especially at the federal level, created diverse new programs. By the later 1930s, it was legitimating its actions by reference to a new theory, Keynesian economics. Out of this turbulent period emerged many of the institutions and ideas which have continued to shape our economy, political structures, and social and cultural lives.

This course will examine these themes largely through the lenses of a number of critical analytical studies. Most will draw upon social history as a foundation, but some will incorporate new theories from cultural studies. Class, gender, and race will serve as basic categories for all our work. Our reading load will be substantial, and some of our readings will be difficult. We will usually work closely with our readings in class, and it is vital that you come to class prepared to participate in discussions. I realize that this might mean thoughtful listening as well as speaking, but it must be based upon having prepared the reading.

The success of this course will depend upon our ability to create a collective atmosphere in which we can express our ideas openly, disagree with each other, maintain lively debate, yet always maintain respect for each other. Everyone must make a contribution to this ultimate goal. You will be evaluated based on your contribution to this daily process, as 'well as on your performance on three papers. You are welcome to tackle these papers cooperatively and to rewrite and resubmit them (within two weeks of their return) for an improved grade. Papers two and three will require your engagement with some material beyond the course's reading assignments.

The following books are required reading for this course:

Cohen, MAKING A NEW DEAL
Mitchell, THE LIE OF THE LAND
Worster, DUST BOWL
Kelley, HAMMER AND HOE
Greenberg, OR DOES IT EXPLODE?
Faue, COMMUNITY OF SUFFERING AND STRUGGLE
Pesotta, BREAD UPON THE WATERS
Melosh, ENGENDERING CULTURE
Denning, THE CULTURAL FRONT
Lynd, "WE ARE ALL LEADERS"
Gordon, NEW DEALS