Alma Steingart

I gained deeper understandings of various aspects of the twentieth century, such as the New Deal, the Cold War, the rise of conservatism, and more. I also thought in new ways about various methodological choices, such as telling histories from the local perspective versus a more national one.

The more nuanced aspects of American History.

A survey of historiographic methods approaching topics in 20th-century American history. We read a book a week, starting with some classics in the field and moving towards quite a few first books from young historians.

I think I learned about some perspectives in American history I likely wouldn't have if it weren't for this course. There are a lot of things that get glossed over pretty easily.

Effective in going over the more difficult texts we've been assigned to read.

First that the historians who study the US in the 20th Century have examined an enormous array of subjects, far more than thye have even in the recent past. Even so, there was not enough time to take up new histories of economics, politics (local and national, and a subject of interest to me, the US academy. Second, that the instuctor's reading list is even richer than the list of assigned books. It is, in itself, testimony to the instructors' impressive command of the literatue she has elected to cover. Third, that her decision to introduce graduate students to author's "first" books is a smart and useful choice for her graduate students' sene of what others' first books are like. However, "first" books are sometimes (often?) not the best work hiatorians go on to do. And finally, that first books that receive major prizes such as the Bancroft, are also useful for graduate students' to read.

I gained a strong appreciation of the perspective that history is important as a tool for understanding current events.

I learned about different historiographical methodologies and debates in 20th century US history. I also learned the basic historical timeline of the period.

I learned how to take fast and concise notes, and to think more like a historian

Very good course to get started with orals lists, and to get you thinking about how you want to teach the 20th century and about what kind of writer/historian you want to be. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2025 Course: HISTGR8401_001_2025_1-ReadingsinTwentiethCenturyU.S.Histo : HISTGR8401_001_2025_1 - Readings in Twentieth Century U.S. Histo Instructor: Alma Steingart