Self-Paced Courses - The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

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The History of Capital, Labor, and Democracy, 1877 to Present, led by Jefferson Cowie, Vanderbilt University

$39.99 In Stock

This course concentrates on the histories of capital, labor, and democracy: a combination of themes that force us to confront the inequalities in both economic and political power in US history. We will develop a historical understanding of the phenomenal rise of the modern American economy, the problems and opportunities it presents for democratic practice, and how both relate to the aspirations and power of the working-class majority. This is a course in critical thinking about the American experience. If successful, it will place you in your own struggle over the meaning of the past and help prepare your mind for a life of engaged citizenship.

COURSE CONTENT

Twelve lectures
Primary source readings to complement the lectures
A certificate of completion for 15 hours of professional development credit

Readings: The suggested readings for each session will be listed in the “Resources” link on the course site. You are not required to read or purchase any print materials. The quizzes are based on the lectures.

Course Access: After your purchase, you can access your course by signing in to the Gilder Lehrman website and clicking on the My Courses link, located under My Account in the navigation menu.

Questions? Please view our FAQs page or email selfpacedcourses@gilderlehrman.org.

LEAD SCHOLAR: Jefferson Cowie

Jefferson Cowie is the John L. Seigenthaler Professor of History at Vanderbilt University. His work in social and political history focuses on how class, race, and labor shape American politics and culture. His book Freedom’s Dominion won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 2023. In addition to his scholarship, Cowie’s essays and opinion pieces have appeared in The New York Times, TIME magazine, NPR Music, Foreign Affairs, The Chronicle of Higher Education, American Prospect, Politico, Democracy, The New Republic, Inside Higher Ed, Dissent, and other popular outlets. He has also appeared in a variety of media outlets including CNN’s The Seventies, C‐SPAN’s Booknotes, and NPR’s Weekend Edition, as well as documentaries, podcasts, and radio broadcasts.