HIST 615: Problems in American History

HIST 615-003: American Public Sphere
(Spring 2026)

07:20 PM to 10:00 PM M

Innovation Hall 316

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Section Information for Spring 2026

What is a public sphere? How is it supposed to work?  How has it worked in different eras of the American past? Are our contemporary crises of polarization and misinformation unprecedented?  To help answer these questions, this course will introduce students to a rich tradition of scholarship that has sought to theorize and historicize the role of the public in American political and cultural life. Reading classic works of political and social theory alongside historical studies, the course will range widely from the founding era to the contemporary moment, studying controversies about the opinions and behavior of the public that have been generated by political contestation, by social movements, and by new forms of media.   The course is designed to provide students with both an overview of the evolution of America’s public sphere, and with an introduction to the interdisciplinary methods scholars have used to study the complex role of “the public” in American politics and culture. 

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 1-6

Readings and discussion of bibliographies, interpretations, and research trends in topics selected by instructor. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Green Leaf Related Course, Topic Varies
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.