COURSE DESCRIPTION
Over the course of five weeks we will look at five tumultuous periods of American history: 1. The political rumblings of 1796–1800; 2. Westward expansion in the 1840s; 3. The chaos of the 1876 presidential election; 4. The 1930's and the Great Depression; 5. Upheaval in society in the 1960's. In the first hour uncover the history of the various periods through lecture and Discussion. The second hour includes discussion of the week's assigned reading chosen for its resonance with the historical themes introduced in the first hour. Short stories by American writers will be featured along with commentary and essays.

Included are the following: James Fenimore Cooper, "The Slaughter of the Pigeons;" Willa Cather, "A Wagner Matinee;" Ambrose Bierce, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge;" James Baldwin, "Sonny's Blues;" Alexander Solzhenitsyn,"1978 Harvard Commencement Address;" and others.

One Pager and Reading List
For a full description of the course and readings, please see the syllabus linked here: https://cmaprinceton.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/F25-VISIONS-OF-AMERICA.pdf

COURSE LEADER

Dr. Roy Carman is a gastroenterologist and was an associate clinical professor at Rutgers Medical School for thirty years. He has a special interest in American history. Dr. Seth Malin is a general surgeon who takes refuge in fine
writing and good music.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Please note: This Evergreen Forum course offers a in-person experience only which means it will not be recorded. Any general questions or concerns about this event should be directed to CMAP at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 609-751-9699.

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS are available. Please submit a request form by following the link here.

REFUND INFORMATION
· We invite you to donate your refund to CMAP. Call us for more information
· Refund checks will be issued for cash, check, and credit card payments
· Payments made electronically will be refunded electronically
· Refund processing time is approximately 2 weeks
· Up to the start of the second week of an Evergreen Forum Course — refunds will be issued minus a $25 processing fee
· No refund will be offered after the second week of class.
· There will be a $25 processing fee for refunds to those who register for the same program more than once