Topics in United States History: American Labor History

4 credits · Undergraduate

This course explores the history of labor and working people in the United States from the 1830s to the 1980s, examining workers' experiences and expectations within the context of major events and trends in American history (wars, depressions, migrations, reform movements, state action, and political economy) and against the backdrop of changing habits of everyday life (mass consumption, commercial leisure, religious practices, and popular culture). Special emphasis will be placed on the varying experiences and perspectives of African Americans, European Americans, and Asian Americans during this period.