Course Syllabus
KAP/Honors American Studies: The 1930’s
SuccessTech Academy
2008-09
Teacher: Mr. Kachadourian
Texts:
Supplementary Text:
Alter, Jonathan; The Defining Moment; FDR’s Hundred Days and the
Triumph of Hope
Caldwell, Erskine; God’s Little Acre
Terkel, Studs; Hard Times; an Oral History of the Great Depression
Wright, Richard; Uncle Tom’s Children
Obama, Barack; Dreams from my Father
Introduction
In American studies we use concepts and methods from the arts, humanities, and social sciences
to look at many dimensions of American life, including politics, art, literature, popular culture,
and daily life.
This year, we will use this approach to study the 1930’s to see how events affected and were
reflected in the art, literature, popular culture, and politics of the time. We will also look at how
this crucial decade has affected our country up to the present day.
Goals
1. Students will learn in depth about the historical events, social conditions, and culture of the
1930’s.
2. Students will use concepts of the social sciences and history to discuss and analyze historical
data and artifacts.
3. Students will engage in critical discourse in oral, written, and mediated forms.
4. Students will integrate information and methods from different disciplines to develop a holistic
view of American culture and history.
Course Requirements
1. Attend class and participate in class activities, including discussion, field trips, and films.
2. Complete assigned reading and periodic oral and written assessments.
3. Complete two essays of five pages each discussing an artifact in relation to the historical and
cultural context of the United States in the 1930’s.
4. Produce and present a group presentation on some specific dimension of the 1930’s.
Approximate Schedule
Week of
Aug 27
Introduction to American studies and culture theory
Sep 1
Terkel, Book 1
Sep 8
Terkel, Book 2
Sep 15
Terkel, Book 3
Sep 22
Obama, Chicago
Sep 29
Terkel, Book 5
Oct 6
Terkel, review and analysis
Oct 13
Introduction to politics and the New Deal
Oct 20
Alter, Part 1
Oct 27
Alter, Part 2
Nov 3
Alter, Part 3
Nov 10
Alter, Part 4
Nov 17
Alter, review and analysis
Dec 1
Artifact analysis: architecture
Dec 8
Introduction to the rural experience
Dec 16
Caldwell, Chapters 1-4
Jan 5
Caldwell, Chapters 5-8
Jan 12
Caldwell, Chapters 9-12
Jan 19
Caldwell, Chapters 13-16
Jan 26
Caldwell, Chapters 17-20
Feb 2
Caldwell, review and analysis
Feb 9
Artifact analysis: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Feb 16
Introduction to the African American experience
Wright, “The Ethics of Living Jim Crow”
Feb 23
Wright, “Big Boy Leaves Home”
Mar 2
Wright, “Down by the Riverside”
Mar 16
Wright, “Long Black Song”
Mar 23
Wright, “Bright and Morning Star”
Mar 30
Wright, review and analysis
Apr 6
Introduction to popular culture
Apr 20
Radio project
Apr 27
Radio project