This class expands on the past two summers’ study of Philip Roth’s American Trilogy that focused on “The Human Stain” and “American Pastoral.” While the third book in the set is “I Married a Communist,” this class will focus on another Roth book “The Plot Against America.” Although both books are worthy additions to the Roth canon,  the latter has more relevance in today’s present times. The story follows Roth and his family as he is grew up in his beloved Newark, New Jersey during the pre-World War II period. But then it departs from a sort of personal history to an alternative history in which Charles Lindbergh defeats Franklin Roosevelt for president in 1940. Roth skillfully draws out themes of anti-Semitism, demagoguery and fear in a compelling way that a New York Times review called “creepily plausible.” Creepily relevant, too.

Over four weeks, “The Plot Against America” sets up for a lively discussion.