University of Connecticut, Semester of the Thirties Records

In the Spring of 1969 the University of Connecticut devoted a whole semester to the study of the 1930s. An all-campus venture, the project drew on all the resources of the University and brought in distinguished visitors, some of whom had been cultural figures of that decade. Called "The Semester of the Thirties," this experiment in higher education probably brought together more aspects of a decade in cultural, political, economic, and social history than any such project undertaken by a university. A $30,000 grant from the Ford Foundation paid for the expenses of inviting guest speakers.

The core course was a series of lectures given by professors from twelve departments. This core course stated on February 3, 1969, and concluded on March 27, 1969. Following this were lectures and colloquia by guest speakers which were divided into three topic areas: Literature and Social Commentary, History and Public Affairs, and the Arts. The core course and the presentations by guest speakers represent the most essential material offered, but are only a part of the total activities which also invovled short-term and semester length courses in different departments; a film series; exhibitions at the Benton Museum and Wilbur Cross Library; coverage by University radio, television stations and the Connecticut Daily Campus; as well as entertainment events, all concentrating on the "Thirties Experience."

The idea for "The Semester of the Thirties" came about partly in response to student requests for course offerings which were "relevant" to their concerns, to the present world situation--it was a recognition that trends in the 1960s among students toward radical politics or an increased consciousness of poverty in the United States were a return to concerns and issues which had their beginnings in the 1930s. The idea was conceived two years before its realization in 1969. It was said to have been patterned after the Free Unviersity model, and to have had as one of its goals the exposure of the student to the manifold potentialities within the University. Enthusiastic participation and attendance was one measure of the semester's success. Additional information can be found in the summary report found in Box 1, Folder 1 of the collection.