Students will specialize in a city of their choice and the entire class will focus on Paris as a case study. This seminar will focus on political cartoons as primary sources of the late 19th century. Viewed at face value, much of what the cartoonists drew would be offensive by today's standards. The serious analytical study of their works, however, offers a unique opportunity for insights into the conflicts, issues, values and mindsets of a bygone era, the residuals of which are still with us. Oral reports, class participation, short written analyses and a research paper will be the bases for evaluation.
Attendance is required.
This course will examine the historical roots of the present crises in our evolving multiracial society through the experiences of those who have been traditionally marginalized. Through historical events and analysis as well as several autobiographical works, we will look at how these diverse experiences have shaped the United States of America that we have today and discuss implications for the future. Students will be encouraged to not only develop an understanding of the historical processes but to think of themselves as shapers of history to create a future where social justice and unity in diversity prevail. This undergraduate seminar will be an exploration in comparative U.S. history. Students will read the secondary literature on the law of antebellum slavery and recent studies of Exclusion.