Björklunden Offers Seminars on Truman and Putin’s Russia

From Aug. 7-12, Lawrence University’s Björklunden is offering these seminars: “Harry S. Truman: An American Life” with Tim Crain and “Putin’s Russia: Culture and Politics” with Peter Thomas.

Harry S. Truman is considered one of the greatest presidents in all of U.S. history. Yet while in office he also had the lowest presidential approval rating ever. Truman was born in Missouri to a middle class family. He learned values early on that remained with him throughout his life, such as always keep your word, never forget a friend and never get too big for your britches. With the help of the Prendergast political machine, Truman would rise to great prominence in the state of Missouri. In 1944, Franklin Roosevelt named Truman as his vice-presidential candidate. Following FDR’s death in April 1945, Truman became the 33rd president of the United States. This seminar will explore the life and times of Harry Truman, an extraordinary American.

Crain is the director of the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education and an assistant professor of history at Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania.

“Putin’s Russia” will examine the cultural and political background that lies beneath the perplexing popularity of Vladimir Putin. Participants will explore contemporary nostalgia for the Soviet Union, and the myths and realities upon which that nostalgia is based. Readings and films will be drawn from reactions to current events in both popular and high culture. Topics for discussion will be determined by the news of the day, but will certainly include questions of political corruption, civil rights, the environment, and nationalism.

Thomas has been teaching Russian language and culture in the Russian department at Lawrence University since 2006.

Seminar classes are held at Björklunden’s lodge, just south of Baileys Harbor, and meet weekday mornings and some evenings. For complete course descriptions, fees and registration dates, call 920.839.2216, email [email protected] or visit lawrence.edu/s/bjorklunden/bjorkseminars.