HIST 335: Nuclear America

Course Description

In this research and reading seminar, students will explore the many and complicated ways that Americans have interacted with nuclear energy by examining topics such as foreign policy and the arms race, civil defense planning, nuclear energy, the peace movement, the environmental movement, climate change, and many more. In confronting nuclear energy, Americans thought and reflected on much more than just the power of the atom. They wrestled with elemental questions such as the human relationship to nature, the nature of progress, the obligations of citizenship, and the balance between national security and democracy. Cross-listed: ENV STDS 335/ HISTORY 335. History student prerequisites: Junior standing or any 200-level History course or instructor consent. Environmental Studies student prerequisites: ENV STDS 101 or HISTORY 201 or 202, 203, 204, 205 or 210.