These Songs of Freedom: The USA, 1776 to the Modern Day NEW

This course is for anyone with an interest in how people have stood up to injustice and campaigned for rights in the USA. No musical talent is needed but an interest in how the past shapes the present and can influence the future and, indeed, our own values and goals, certainly would help. We will explore a wide range of issues and events, organisations and leaders, from 200 years of US history.

 

For the first session students will need an open mind and a desire to learn

 

Additional Costs: N/A

 

The course aims:

 

In 1776, the USA was the first of the colonial powers to leave the British Empire, setting out on a journey which saw it rise to be the dominant nation on the global stage. Its history is complex and, at times, confused with pledges to equality, freedom and opportunity existing alongside blatant discrimination, oppression and a lack of liberties. The USA has shaped the modern world and has many admirers but it has been, and still is, riddled with contradictions. This course will use songs of rebellion and protest to explore the stories of just a few of the people in the USA who have challenged those in authority and brought change – often at huge personal cost.

The course will cover:

• American Independence and the Star-Spangled Banner
• The campaign to end slavery
• Workers rights and the power of big business
• The Red Scare
• The Great Depression
• The American Dream: Romance v Reality
• McCarthyism
• Civil Rights
• Vietnam War
• POTUS and the people from JFK to Trump

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