The US Since 1945

I have assigned some homework due on the first day (Wednesday Jan 20th). Between now and then, please obtain or purchase one paper copy of a national or international newspaper (i.e. not the Worcester T&G or a local paper). Examples: Boston Globe, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, etc. Read the entire A section and bring it with you to the first day of class.

I would like everyone to choose one story from your paper’s A section as something you are curious about or would like to know more about its history. For example, a story about the Oregon wildlife area occupation might get you thinking about the rise of armed militia groups, about the background of environmental protests, why white men with guns do or don’t get called “terrorists,” about persistent regional differences in our nation, or about the role of religion in political action in recent decades. Or an article about the scheduled meeting of Sean Penn and “El Chapo” might get you wondering about why some Hollywood celebrities become self-appointed diplomats, or about the modern history of Mexican-US drug wars, etc. The goal would be that you would identify something from NOW that you would like to pay special attention to as you look back through the history of our country since 1945 this term.

Enjoy the rest of your break, and I will see you next Wednesday, newspapers in hand!

Best, Dr. Hangen