07:20 PM to 10:00 PM R
Innovation Hall 330
Section Information for Spring 2018
Saying that something is “etched in stone” is a way of expressing its permanence. In commemorating the past, modern societies have literally etched memories in stone in public memorials, yet interpretations of past conflicts vary among social groups and have changed dramatically over time. This is especially true of how social groups "remember" war, which often plays an important role in the construction of the nation, masculinity, and other forms of identity. In this course, we will examine some of the literature of war and collective memory, in particular how Americans have constructed memories of war and how those memories have been expressed in literature, popular culture, memorials, museums, consumer goods, and commemorative activities. We will also address various methodological approaches to the study of public or collective memory. As a seminar, class time will be spent entirely engaged in discussion of projects or the week's readings. Students will also conduct an original research project on a US history topic of their choosing. This topic will consist of either a traditional research paper on some facet of war & collective memory or a curated museum exhibit and attendant discussion. Skills developed in the course include formal and informal writing, textual analysis, public speaking, framing questions, and critical thinking. Assessment will be based on crafting discussion questions, participation in in-class discussion, book reviews, and an original research project. Through their written work, students will be able demonstrate the ability to: identify, discuss, and evaluate a book's argument, sources, and methodology; frame discussion and research questions; conduct research in relevant primary and secondary sources; evaluate the quality, credibility, and limitations of the arguments presented by scholars working on similar topics; situate findings within the scholarly literature of the topic; craft a historical argument that is appropriately supported by evidence compiled through research; connect issues in the weekly readings and project research to larger intellectual or social concerns; and effectively communicate ideas orally and in writing. 3 credits. This course fulfills the 1914 to the present distribution requirement in US history.
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Credits: 3
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
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