AMST 416 - Culture and Politics in Mid 20th Century America

Institution:

Trinity College

Subject:

Description:

What role does culture play in determining who wins and loses presidential campaigns Did Harry Truman defeat Thomas E. Dewey in 1948 because Dewey wore a mustache Did Adlai E. Stevenson lose in 1952 and 1956 because he was an egghead Did Richard M. Nixon's television image of a man who needed a shave contribute to his defeat to the well groomed and younger looking John F. Kennedy in 1960 We will examine the changing cultural narrative of post-World War II America delivered to Americans by the print and electronic media. We will examine how that narrative affected voter decision-making in the elections of 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960. We will also attempt to understand what cultural messages persuaded American citizens to vote for or against their own economic and civic interests. References to the current cultural climate and the election of 2008 will constitute an important part of our ongoing discussion. 1.00 units, Seminar

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.Trincoll.edu

Phone Number:

(860) 297-2000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.