Contradictions and Catastrophe




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ClassGraphic This Fall, we will continue our study group series celebrating the semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. We will use two books to help us better understand both what we are celebrating and the costs and contradictions of the nation's founding. The first book is by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Joseph Ellis: The Great Contradiction: The Tragic Side of the American Founding (Alfred A. Knopf, 2025 ed.). Ellis examines the realities and regrets of the founding era, including the failure to end slavery and the displacement and devastation of Native American communities. The second book, The Magnificent Catastrophe by Edward Larson (Free Press, 2008 ed.), recreates the dramatic presidential election of 1800 "that stamped American democracy with its distinctive partisan character," highlighting parallels that may feel familiar today. We will discuss how bitter political infighting and behind-the-scenes dealmaking helped end the idea that America could be governed by enlightened consensus.

Class Details

13 Session(s)
Weekly - Thu

Location
Wieboldt Hall

Instructor
Multiple

Tuition:  $0.00

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Schedule Information

Skip dates: (No class on 11/26/2026)

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
9/10/2026 - 12/10/2026 Weekly - Thu 09:45 AM - 11:45 AM Chicago, Wieboldt Hall  Map Danolda Brennan  ; Richard Dubberke  ; Barry Kaplan