Comments on: From Truman to Trump: Getting a Handle on Modern US History

By: Christopher H. Hanks '68

Christopher H. Hanks '68 — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 17:11:10 +0000

In response to alum Peter Rigby’s comment above:

The last sentence in the piece is a statement from a first-year student (not Associate Professor Purnell) explaining why he (the student,who,keep in mind,is only 17-18 years old) is taking the course. The student is to be congratulated on wanting to learn more about the economic, social, cultural, and political developments over the last 70 years that have helped to shape how and why things stand as they do today in the U.S. That’s exactly the sort of thing “college” is supposed to be about.

I view Mr. Rigby’s peremptory dismissal of a course being taught by a tenured member of the Bowdoin History Department as being “progressive indoctrination” as a shortsighted and uncalled-for insult to Bowdoin and its traditions.

By: Eric M Weis

Eric M Weis — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 18:28:55 +0000

Is this not a reflection on the state of secondary school education? American history and “social studies” used to be staples of the educational curriculum in junior high (middle school) and high school environments. What has gone wrong with American education, which results in a remedial college course such as this?

By: Robert A. Freson

Robert A. Freson — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 16:27:55 +0000

That is a period that I knpw very well as I was born in 1926 lived through the II W.War in Belgium and through the exodus in 1940 until General Eisenhower (who I have met and photographed) came to deliver us after the landing in Normandy. I ended the war in the British Royal Navy in 1944/45. Since then I emigrated to the Good Old USA and became a US Citizen in 1952. I am now still at work as a photojournalist and living in Maine near Bowdoin. I would gladly share some of my experiences through the end of the XX century. Having voted for many presidents during all those years. I met and photographed several presidents and many other personalities in the USA but also in Europe and several other foreign places all over the World!!
If I can help you please, call me at 833 6808. I could nearly always find time in my busy time to meet younger generations and learn a lot from them and their current interests. Mr and Mrs Frank and Anne Goodyear,the Directors of the Bowdoin College Museum of Arts could give you more informations about my career. Good luck with your Academic program and your Class!

By: Rebecca Winter

Rebecca Winter — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 15:07:18 +0000

This is exactly the course that I want to take!!
Is there a way to audit the class remotely?
Will the class ever be offered on-line to Bowdoin Parents?
Thanks so much for sharing.

By: Peter Rigby , "56"

Peter Rigby , "56" — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 13:10:00 +0000

Sounds pretty much like a progressive indoctrination course…just look at the last line and it tells you everything you need to know!