+

What’s Modernity?

Also, welcome back!

+Welcome to Unit 5

Two parts: Two weeks of 1920s content, leading up to

midterms Four weeks of research + writing your

roundtable artifact

Quiz coming next Friday (1/16)

My central argument: The United States became a modern nation during the 1920s.

+In your notebook: What are some examples of traditional and modern values?

+Characteristics of the Modern Society

Prosperity

Mass culture

Self-fulfillment

Individualism

+1. Prosperity

People have what they need to live, and not much more

Excessive wealth is viewed with suspicion

Not much emphasis on material possessions

Many people have access to luxury goods not needed to survive

Wealth is viewed as a sign of success

People actively try to get richer and buy more stuff

Traditional Modern

+2. Mass Culture

Culture is local or regional

Culture is based on longstanding traditions

Culture is national or global

Culture changes quickly and responds to trends

Traditional Modern

+3. Self-Fulfillment

Low expectations of happiness or comfort

People try to fulfill their duties

People expect to be happy and fulfilled

People try to make themselves happy and comfortable

Traditional Modern

+4. Individualism

People identify themselves primarily through groups

People try to go along with the group’s norms or rules

Sticking out is regarded with suspicion

People identify themselves primarily as individuals

People defy the group to achieve their own happiness

“Being yourself” is regarded with approval

Traditional Modern

+Your Assignment, Part 1

Get in groups (I will assign)

Explain how your assigned topic demonstrates the conflict between tradition and modernity in the 1920s Use specific details from your winter break reading Make reference to specific traits of modernity (from

lecture)

Each person should be ready to present to another group

Take notes as needed

+Groups, Part 1

Nativism/eugenics: Jadah, Anastazia, Xiomara, Jennifer

Harlem Renaissance: Fernando, Domonique, Gabriela, Alyanna

Prohibition: Alex, Christy, Stefan, Jimmy

Consumer culture/advertising: Joseph, Onyeka, Carlos

Changes in the role of women: Sara, Shantasia, Jailene, Perardine

+Your Assignment, Part 2

Move into your new groups (I will assign)

Explain, in order, how each of the four traits of modernity was evident in the 1920sProsperityMass cultureSelf-fulfillment Individualism

Take notes!

+Groups, Part 2

Group 1: Jadah, Domonique, Alex, Carlos, Jailene

Group 2: Anastazia, Fernando, Christy, Joseph, Shantasia

Group 3: Xiomara, Gabriela, Stefan, Onyeka, Sara

Group 4: Jennifer, Alyanna, Jimmy, Perardine (missing consumer culture)