The 1960s in the United States were marked by prosperity, social unrest, a losing war, large scale civil rights movements and the flowering of youth culture. In the process the 1960s became one of the most documented, celebrated and condemned decades of the twentieth century. This course examines the 1960s in a historical perspective in order to raise questions about the longer term significance of the Vietnam War, the War against Poverty, Civil Rights and the counter culture for American society and values. Along the way we can also explore the usefulness of decades as units of historical time and the parallels and contrasts between the experiences of the United States, Britain, France and Australia during these years.

Tutorial participation (10%), a research essay (50%) and a formal examination (40%).

One ninety minute lecture and one tutorial per week.
Lectures will be taped.

Any first year History courses to the value of twelve units or with permission of the Convener.

Chalmers, D, And the Crooked Placed Made Straight, John Hopkins, UP.

This course can be counted towards a History or American Studies major.