Spring 2005 Interdisciplinary Program: "Individual, Community, and Dissent in America"
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
This interdisciplinary event created a debate between a business,  corporate model of
American community, a radical critique by Randolph Bourne of economic exploitation, and
William James' version of liberal individualism. Students read pieces from all three
perspectives and then staged a debate between visions of American society that emphasize
economic competition, and visions that attempt to discover modes of social cooperation.
Three courses participated (click on a title for a course description):
"Cultures of Dissent: Radical Social Thought in America Since 1880." American Studies.
Professor Jay Garcia.
"The Modern Corporation: From the English East India Company to Wal-mart." Anthropology.
Professor Matthew S. Hull
"Decadence, Nihilism and Aestheticism: 1870-1910." English. Professor John McGowan.
Students gathered at the Johnston Center for dinner prior to the  debate, having prepared by
reading and working on presentations given from the point of view from the particular
strand of thought their class studied.
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