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After World War II the United States emerged as one of two superpowers, leading the self-declared West in the fight against Communism, both abroad and at home. Aside from political decisions, the bipolar conflict shaped much of the socio-cultural atmosphere: it demanded a compliance with the values of American democracy, progress, and success as a counter-model to the societies of the Eastern bloc. As a consequence, economic prosperity for most Anglo-American families, a return to conventional gender divisions, and social conformity to middle class dreams, norms, and aspirations characterized the post-war decade in the United States. One of the first and central tasks of this seminar will be to trace the continuation of the nation’s drive to conformity after victory against fascism and the establishment of a new world order. Then, we will investigate how the dominant social climate in the United States was challenged by members of the Beat Generation, the youth movement, and the budding African-American civil rights movement.
Students should purchase and read Jack Kerouac, On the Road (1951/1957) before coming to class. Additional reading material will be distributed through moodle. |
