Join our weekly discussions as we seek to understand today’s polarized American society by providing context through an examination of the 1960s, when many of the issues and movements are reminiscent of today’s. The protest marches, demonstrations, and riots of the 1960s, set in motion the social reforms of the Great Society programs, expanded civil rights and opportunities for minorities, women, gays, war on poverty, expanded medical coverage through Medicare and Medicaid, and environmental laws, among other reforms. All this was played out against a backdrop of the Cold War, Vietnam War, anti-war protests and increasing decline in the faith in the government’s ability to meet the needs and expectations of the American people. It also fueled fears and a backlash that led to the successful “law and order” presidential campaign of Richard Nixon. Join what promises to be a free-wheeling discussion of the issues of the 1960s and their relevance for today.

Instructor: Dr. John Dreifort, Professor of History, Wichita State University & Executive Secretary of the Wichita Committee on Foreign Policy