Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll?: Understanding the 1960s

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll?: Understanding the 1960s (HI915-2B)

The 1960s was a watershed decade in modern American history. The United States that emerged in its aftermath was very different from the United States that existed before it. The common image of the 1960s is filled with hippies, sex, drugs, music, and protest. But what really happened during the 1960s? What changed, and what caused these changes? This course addresses these and related questions by closely examining the political, social, and cultural struggles that occurred in the United States between the mid-1950s and mid-1970s. Examining the 1960s allows us a deeper understanding of postwar American history, revealing the roots of many contemporary issues and conflicts.

Major course themes include: the civil rights movement and Black Power; the Vietnam War and the antiwar movement; the rise of both the New Left and the New Right; the counterculture and cultural change; and the emergence of feminism and anti-feminism. We will seek to understand what these were and why they occurred—and, moreover, why they all occurred at roughly the same time.

“Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll?: Understanding the 1960s” is designed to help students think intelligently and critically about history. Students will learn how to make sense of a complex period of history, and to develop informed opinions on issues related to the course. A high priority will be placed on helping students think for themselves and articulate their views. The course is also an opportunity to develop skills critical to success in college history courses. The above goals will be accomplished through lectures, group discussions, group presentations, and written work. In addition to course readings (much of which will be “primary source” reading from the 1960s), students will analyze film and music from the period.

The course builds on important themes found in AP U.S. history courses, making it appropriate for rising seniors who have just completed AP and for rising juniors looking for an introduction to AP. Though it is preferable that students have some knowledge of what occurred during the 1960s, there are no prerequisites for this course. All students are encouraged to enroll.