Scandals & Mystery in recent history
(1945 - Present)

This era of American history, from 1945-present, is often rushed through in traditional history curricula. Especially for students preparing for AP and regents exams, this period may be reduced to lists of dates and memorization of facts. Our new summer course brings the life back to this amazing and fast-paced period that has indelibly shaped our society as we know it.

The course is designed to let the past 50 years come alive and resonate for students. Who are the characters? What are the plots, and the plot-twists? What are the stories, mysteries, and scandals that took place? While the course is a great review for any students preparing for exams, it is also a perfect choice for anyone who would like to know more about our recent past.

We start with World War II, and the attack on Pearl Harbor that drew the US into the war. Mystery still clings to the chronology of events surrounding the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor: who knew what, when? We also look at the role of women in the war, and the roots of social equality.

As we move to the 50s, we consider the causes and consequences of the Cold War, McCarthyism, and tactics like blacklisting. We walk right into the 60s, studying counter culture, social equality, and the Civil Rights movement. We also discuss the theories and allegations surrounding the assassinations of JFK, MLK, RFK and other figures.

Into the 70s, we study the drama surrounding the Nixon presidency’s Watergate scandal. We move through the Carter presidency, Iranian hostage crisis, and election of Ronald Reagan. We look at the arms race and other factors that led to the break-up of the Soviet Union. We end with the Iraq war and the presentation made by Colin Powell to the UN.

A member of the Emma Willard history department joins us this summer to lead our students through the political and social developments of contemporary United States. Coursework draws upon text, primary sources, fiction, music and film from this era.