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Courses Taught Fall 2008

FS 101—America's First Ladies

From Martha Washington to Hillary Clinton, Presidents' wives have played an important role in American life. Objects of both public adoration and vilification, their lives have reflected the conflict and controversy that surrounds the undefined, unofficial job of America's "First Lady." While some have embodied the American public's views about women's proper role, others have served as role models for change. This seminar explores the history of the presidential couple and its evolution as an "ideal" in American life.

History 560—Witchcraft in Colonial New England

This seminar investigates the social, political, economic, and religious reasons for the witchcraft trials in seventeenth century New England. The religious and fold beliefs of the Puritans and the culture they created in North America will be explored. The structure of the Puritan family and gender relations will also be studied as factors influencing the outbreak of witchcraft accusation in New England. Historians' interpretations of the witchcraft trials at Salem, Massachusetts will be analyzed and discussed.

History 600—Senior Project I Section 1 and Section 2

This seminar will prepare students for the successful completion of their senior project in the following semester. Students enrolled in History 600 will study the use of proper form and citation and develop the ability to identify and evaluate sources. They will learn to write logical and convincing arguments and develop an understanding of historical interpretation. Course work will combine class discussion, writing assignments and presentations organized around the two major writing components of History 600---the Senior Project Proposal and Outline. In addition, students are expected to devote a significant amount of time outside of class researching their Project. By the end of the semester, students will have made significant progress in conceptualizing their Senior Project, completing the necessary research, and formulating an effective strategy for carrying their project to its culmination. Please note: If you fail this course, you will be required to re-enroll in History 600 next semester.

Other Courses

FSHist 201—Fact, Fiction and Film in American History: This course explores how America’s history has been portrayed by historians and film makers. Students will view films and read historical accounts of events in our nation’s past. They will compare fictional and film sources to more conventional historical interpretations using some of the basic skills of the historian. Written and oral assignments will focus on evaluating the historical accuracy of filmed accounts. Students will be introduced to the methods of research and writing required of historians: They will be trained in methods of quotation, paraphrasing and citation, and they will learn to evaluate sources and identify interpretations in the works they read and the films they view.

History 230—American History, 1585-1865: This course examines the forces that have shaped the experiences of the American people from the age of discovery through the Civil War. The course focuses on the development of Anglo-American colonial society, the foundations of the new nation, the reforms of the Jacksonian Era, the causes of sectionalism, and the crisis of the Civil War.

History 326—The American Revolutionary Era: This course explores the development of the American nation from the French and Indian War through the ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Students will explore the social, economic, political, religious, and military history of this important era. Special attention will be paid to the Revolutionary War itself, and the impact of that war on the daily lives of men and women. The experiences of native Americans and African Americans, both slave and free, will also be discussed. The course is topical in organization and assumes a fundamental understanding of the chronology of American history.

History 324— Life in Colonial America: An exploration of the development of Anglo-American society and culture in North America. The transfer of English ideas and institutions to the new world, the conflicts between native, white, and African cultures, the development of distinctive social, economic, and political differences in the colonies, and the emergence of an American identity are studied.

History 336—Women in American History: This course explores the social, political and economic history of women in America from the colonial period to the present. Special attention will be paid to women's changing role in the American family. The effects of race, religion and ethnicity on women's experience in America will be analyzed. The impact of the nineteenth century women's rights movement and the modern feminist movements on women's lives will also be discussed.

History 562—The Family in American History: In this seminar, the evolution of the American family as a social, economic and political institution will be explored from the colonial period to the present. The impact of wars, industrialization, immigration, and feminism on the family will be analyzed. Attention will be paid to how the family has evolved over time, and how its definition and purpose have changed. Finally, the "ideal" of the American family will be compared and contrasted to the realities of family life.