Welcome to the COP12G Book Discussion group! We will be meeting three times during the semester
(Sept 18, Oct 23, and Nov 6) from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. on the Central Campus in Building 17, Room 419.
The book is over 460 pages, and we have divided the readings into three sections for our meetings.
John Donovan (Associate Professor, History And Political Science) will facilitate the book discussion.
In preparation for our first book discussion on September 18, please read pp. 1 – 147.
Theme: The cycles of history and terminology used by Howe throughout the book.
Focus questions:
- What is a saeculum? (p. 12)
- How do the “seasons of history” (or turnings) reflect how people feel about themselves, the culture, the nation, and the future?
(pp. 12 – 13) - What are the four archetypes of each generation, and how do they shape modern American history?
(pp. 13 – 14, 98 – 99, 108 – 112) - According to Howe, what are the previous three major “American crises” faced by the United States since the 1700s?
(pp. 58 – 59) - How does Howe describe the characteristics of each “turning?” (pp. 112 – 121)
- What are the nine “social cycles” of history and what role do they play during a crisis? (pp. 121 – 147)
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