Meghan K. Winchell, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of History
State Coordinator of National History Day
Office: Old Main 312
Email: mwinchel@nebrwesleyan.edu
Phone: 402.465.2437

Meghan Winchell teaches courses in twentieth century United States history, African American history and women’s history.  Her research on USO hostesses during World War Two examines issues of race, class and gender in USO dancehalls.  She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Arizona and her undergraduate degree from SUNY Geneseo. 

Curriculum Vitae

History 2 – United States Society and Culture Since 1877

A survey of United States history beginning with post-Civil War expansion into the trans-Mississippi West, tracing political, economic, social, and cultural development to the present, emphasizing the emergence of a dominantly urban-industrial society, the expanded role of government, increasing government in the lives of individuals, and the increasing involvement of the United States in the world. (Normally offered each spring semester.)

History 137 – History of Women in the United States

Introduction to the experiences of women in the United States from colonization to the present, with an examination of cultural meanings attached to gender; various social inequalities in access to institutions, activities, and resources; and women’s status, well being, and power in American society. The course investigates the lives of women from various social, ethnic, and racial groups, analyzing the ways that they affected one another. The course emphasizes sexuality, reproduction, and maternity, and also covers politics, law, work, education, and other issues in women’s lives.

History 154 – African-American History

A review that treats the contributions made to the United States historic experience by persons of African ancestry. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing. (Normally offered each fall semester.)

History 157 –  World War Two: The American Experience

The course provides an overview of U.S. involvement in World War II including major diplomatic and military decisions. Its main emphasis is on home front developments including an increase in the number of married women workers, the dichotomy between gender norms and new roles for women, Japanese American internment, the nascent black civil rights movement and conflict across ethnic lines. The course also focuses on servicemen's combat experience in the European and Pacific theatres and its effect on notions of masculinity.

History 207 – Gilded Age and Progressive Era

A study of the growth of the United States from 1877 to World War I, emphasizing the emergence of industrialism and big business and their impact on social, political and intellectual life. The course will also deal with the U.S.’s adaptations to industrialization and urbanization including social reform and social legislation, the changing role of the family, immigration patterns, religious movements, developments in education, the economy, and entertainment.

Prerequisite(s): History 2.

History 208 – The United States in the Inter-War Years

A study of society and politics during the early 20th century emphasizing the transformation of the United States from a rural to an urbanized society. The course begins with an overview of World War I, emphasizes the inter-war period—the 1920s, the Great Depression, and the New Deal—and concludes with the U.S. entry into World War II. Prerequisite(s): History 2.

History 209 –  The United States since 1945

A study of society and politics from World War II to the present emphasizing the atomic age and the Cold War, domestic issues of the fifties and sixties, the United States’ involvement in Vietnam, and concluding with contemporary issues. Prerequisite(s): History 2.