Events Calendar

Schemel Forum Evening Course: American Exceptionalism, Historically Speaking

Wednesday, 01 October, 2014

American Exceptionalism, Historically Speaking

Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & November 5 
Weinberg Memorial Library, Room 305
6:00 to 7:15 p.m. (refreshments and light snacks provided)

In 2009 when asked by a French reporter whether he shared his predecessors’ understanding of American exceptionalism, President Obama replied, “I believe in American exceptionalism just as I believe that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism.” The President’s response seems a departure from many broadly held definitions of American exceptionalism that often include John Winthrop’s 17th century y vision of his colony as a “city upon a hill,” along with Abraham Lincoln’s declaration that the American Republic was ”the last best hope of man on Earth.” Beginning with Winthrop’s observation in 1630 this course will explore critical moments in the development of American exceptionalism and conclude with a consideration of President Obama’s 2009 response and a discussion of the nature of American Exceptionalism in the 21st century.

Course Instructors:
Dr. David Dzurec, Associate Professor of History, University of Scranton

Contact:

Emily Brees

Phone: 5709416206
Website: Click to Visit

Categories:

Weinberg Memorial Library, Room 305

300 Monroe Avenue
 Scranton, PA 18510