Nicolas Lannuzel from Singapore, Singapore, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The Fascinating, Frightening ‘Fifties

8-weeks | Registration closed 9/10/2025

9/26/2025-11/14/2025
3:20 PM-4:35 PM EDT on Fri

The Fascinating, Frightening ‘Fifties

8-weeks | Registration closed 9/10/2025

An analysis of the arts, culture and politics of the 1950s.  This course will explore the 1950s, a decade filled with contrasts and cultural change. As the world emerged from the dark shadows of World War II, it stepped into a time of remarkable economic growth. The decade was characterized by a fascinating tug-of-war between conformity and rebellion, tradition and innovation. This tension inspired a wealth of artistic expression and cultural richness, profoundly influencing literature, music, the visual arts, film, television, fashion, and architecture.

Mishaan, Chuck
Chuck Mishaan

Chuck Mishaan has been presenting courses at Vassar LLI for many years, including his popular “Opera as Politics” series and recently, “The Roaring 20s”, “Between the Wars: Arts and Culture of the 1930s” and "The War and After: Arts and Culture of the 1940s”. His commentary on the intersection of politics and the arts continues with this course. 


Maureen Potter