Perhaps no social/political movement in U.S. history has inspired as much hope and hostility as communism. To some, it promised to challenge inequality and injustice and usher in a more democratic and egalitarian world; to others, it threatened to destroy the foundations of freedom and replace them with totalitarianism. Regardless of what one thought – or thinks – about communism, it is hardly controversial to note that it aroused – and, in some instances, continues to arouse -- fierce passions in partisans and opponents. For its part, anticommunism too elicits strong feelings: Opponents denounce it as a blunt and often cynically deployed weapon against not only communism but a range of progressive causes, while supporters defend it as a necessary response to a pernicious threat.

Over the past half-century or more, both communism and anticommunism have attracted the attention of scholars who have subjected their ideologies, programs, social bases, and records to close scrutiny. This course is designed to introduce participants to central issues in the history and historiography of communism and anticommunism in twentieth-century America. Critical analysis -- of historical arguments, schools of interpretation, and specific studies -- is a primary goal of the class, as is vigorous, informed, and respectful classroom discussion/exchange.

COURSE FORMAT
This course is an interactive in-person seminar course in Washington D.C.. This course will meet once a week for 8 classes and will be held in-person at the following location: Dean`s Seminar Room - 411 Phillips Hall (GW Campus) 801 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20052

COURSE MATERIALS
This course will have all reading materials supplied by the instructor
Registrants will receive access to the course website about two weeks before the course starts.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY
Registrants can cancel and receive a full refund up to September 22. After September 22, there will be no refunds issued.
Yale Alumni College courses are subject to schedule changes as well as cancellations. If Yale Alumni College must cancel any course prior to its start due to low enrollment, you will be notified of this by the cancellation date. Upon cancellation of a course, registrants may transfer their registration to another available course or have the registration fee fully refunded.

In the event of a disruption to the original course schedule, including but not limited to; Professor absence, hazardous weather conditions, or local travel restrictions, Yale Alumni College will do its best to reschedule the missed class for the week immediately following the original end date at the same course time and day.