HIST 380 - Dos Passos' U. S. A(

Institution:

Virginia Wesleyan University

Subject:

Description:

An intensive exploration of an underutilized masterpiece of American literature as well as a rumination on the tenor of life, politics, culture, and history in the United States during the first three decades of the 20th century. The core of this seminar is John Dos Passos' great trilogy, U.S.A.: The 42nd Parallel: 1919: The Big Money. We read and discuss these fascinating and complicated books, explore and evaluate Dos Passos' innovative narrative and experimental styles, his political agenda and social critique, his understanding of the flow of American history, his enduring appeal to the fan of a good read, and his great utility to the student of American history. Using the books as a guide and a lodestar, we construct an understanding of the American experience before, during and after the First World War, and gain a unique insight into the connections between literature and history and between art and memory. Prerequisite: any 100-level history course, sophomore/junior/senior status. Offered in selected Winter Sessions.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.vwu.edu

Phone Number:

(757) 455-3200

Regional Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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