Course Description

Instructor: Michael McDavid

One of Cole Porter’s most enduring songs, You’re the Top, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the 1930s. It catalogs a “list” of people, places, and things that were in the news, on people’s minds, or newly introduced. Some of the “tops” remain well known today while others were ephemeral and are long forgotten. If you’re interested in a fun look at life in the ‘30s in the US and want to know more about Irene Bordoni or what was that moon over Mae West’s shoulder, come join us for this nostalgic romp into another time and era.

BIO: Michael McDavid has been interested in history since the second grade. Over the years his primary focus settled on European history, although if it happened in the past it was of potential interest. Michael majored in history as an undergrad at Furman University, then received masters degrees in European history and library science from Emory University. To earn money he was a library manager at Equifax Inc and Georgia State University. During this same time to satisfy his historical itch Michael taught history at Georgia Perimeter College as an adjunct faculty member. Now after retiring from the Boston Consulting Group, he is privileged to offer courses at OLLI on favorite topics such 19th century Europe and his favorite “sub-specialty”, the role of monarchy past and present.