"The U.S. in the 1920s: Culture, Society, and Politics"

Seminar Dates:
October 21-29, 2000

Application deadline:
September 1, 2000

Course Description and Stipend: The period between World War I and the Great Depression is the first era in American history that has left a legacy of distinctly modern cultural images in the public consciousness -- from the "Jazz age" to the "flapper," from the "Model A" to "Hollywood," and from the "installment plan" to the "speakeasy." In this course we will take a closer look at the culture, society, and politics of the 1920s, which yields often surprising results. On the one hand there are the "roaring Twenties," an era of liberation, entertainment, business, and boosterism. On the other hand, the Twenties are a time of provincial narrow-mindedness, racial strife, religious fanaticism, and the revival of the Klu Klux Klan. The 1920s are an enigmatic decade, and as the stock markets are soaring and the economy is booming in the United States today, another look at the period might even give us some insights into where the country is headed in the future.

The stipend covers instruction, accommodations, and meals. Transportation costs to and from Lutherstadt Wittenberg are to be paid by the students. The seminar fee for admitted students is DM 100.

The seminar is geared toward undergraduate students of history, the social sciences, and American Studies and will be conducted in English. It covers the material of an entire semester (15 sessions) within the span of one week. Students are expected to prepare in advance for the course and will receive a reading assignment of approximately 500-700 pages one month prior to the seminar. Course participants will receive undergraduate credit from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg upon completion of all seminar requirements.

In order to earn university credit (Schein), participants are required to submit a research paper no later than four months after the completion of the course. During the seminar students are housed at the Leucorea Foundation.

Application Procedure:
Applicants are requested to send a cover letter, stating their interest, background, and commitment, a curriculum vitae, and one letter of recommendation to Dr. Axel Schaefer (address listed below) by September 1, 2000.