Paper #1: 1920s

Charles Demuth, My Eygpt (1927)

Due Wednesday, September 27^th

Form 6-7 pages. Papers must be typed, double-spaced, and have page numbers.

Topic The 1920s are often characterized a “Jazz Age” defined by increased wealth and self-expression. In what ways did the decade of the 1920s witness the growth of consumer culture and social freedoms? Consider new technologies (such as the automobile and the radio), the role and logic of advertising, and social transformations (such as the “revolutions” in morals and manners, the “New Woman,” the suburban family, etc.). What is the relationship between consumption and freedom? What were the promises that increased consumption and freedom offered to the American public? What were the costs and risks? Are these two things easily reconcilable or are they, at times, in conflict? Finally, to what extent do the new consumer culture and increased social freedoms define the 1920s? To what extent were they “roaring”; to what extent were they “nervous” or “anxious”?

Use as many sources as possible.

Form Make sure that you have a clear topic-question, a specific thesis, a structured argument, a clear relationship between evidence and your argument, articulated transitions between your points, and a conclusion that does not repeat your introduction.

Late Papers: One full grade down if the paper is handed in within one week of the assignment. No papers will be accepted after that.