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History: The American Dream with Dr Adam Smith from University College London

1st February 2017 @ 14:00 - 15:00

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We  are  all  familiar  with  the  term ‘American  Dream’,  though  we  may  have noticed  that  it’s  used  to  mean  sometimes  quite  different  things.  Is  it  about material  success –a  rags  to  riches  story  of  what  can  be  done ‘only  in America’?   Or   is   it   about ‘freedom’   and ‘equality’–   values   that   are sometimes  imagined  to  be  uniquely  or  particularly  invested  in the  US system  of  government?

This  lecture  examines  the  origins  of  the  term ‘American  Dream’  and  asks why it has had such purchase in American society. Dr Adam Smith will show that the term ‘American Dream’ was only invented in the 1930s, but will begin much earlier –  back  with  the first Puritan  settlers –  because  although  the  term was  new when it was  coined  during  the  Great  Depression  it  drew on  a long history of thinking about what made America ‘special’.

During the session Dr Smith will also be able to talk to students about studying at UCL and, more generally, in London if students wish to explore this.

Suitable for: Year 12 Most Able students. This lecture is of particular relevance to students studying History.

Preparation/Pre-reading: There is no pre-reading or preparation required for this session. Students may like to consider questions surrounding the subject matter and studying this at university.

Lecturer Profile: Dr Adam Smith

The IT Setup: The setup is similar to Skype, using a pc and webcam, although students take part as a group with the image projected on a whiteboard rather than as individuals in front of lots of pcs. Dedicated videoconferencing equipment is also compatible if available to the school. We will work with your IT department to ensure everything is set up and working prior to the event. The sessions are generally limited to 3 or 4 schools to maintain the interactive nature of the experience.

Booking a Place: If you have a group that you would like to take part in this event, please contact us via email or by using the contact form on the right of this page. We will book your place subject to availability.

Details

Date:
1st February 2017
Time:
14:00 - 15:00
Event Categories:
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