American History and Literature
Group Leader – Scott McInnis, 831-661-5444, r.scott.mcinnis@gmail.com
Like a fresh look at American history and literature? Join us in an ongoing study of the American narrative. Members present information followed by discussion. Sample topics: the Mexican War, the continuing slavery issue, the CA Gold Rush, and writers like Mark Twain, Thoreau, and Dickinson.
If you are interested, join with me and 8–9 OLLI members in an ongoing study of revisions to the American narrative. We provide a framework, and some resources for this study: members are expected to participate by reporting their findings, dictated by their interests and knowledge. This group is currently full, but you can contact the leader and ask to be put on a wait list.
From the historical standpoint, the initial year’s study started with a review of the Constitution and proceeded to a study of its implementation in the New Republic. Additional topics: the ongoing slavery/civil rights issue; the War of 1812; the American Indian controversy; the Mexican War; the California Gold Rush; the Civil War; the Industrial Revolution and other topics going forward. The literature component will primarily focuses on the Transcendentalists and consist of short story readings, a few essays by Thoreau and Emerson, the short novel Billy Budd by Melville, and selections from Hawthorne and others.
Group Leader: A long time student of American history who wanted to know more than names, dates and places of the past.
Location: 115 Pasture Rd. Santa Cruz CA
There are stairs to climb to the house. If this is a problem, give Virginia Law a call at 831-425-5453.
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on the 4th Monday of every month except November and December. In November there is no meeting and in December we meet on the 1st Monday of the month.
