The Historian’s
Craft Syllabus and Survival Guide
History 301 – Spring 2004
Dr.
Thomas W. Devine
Office
Hours:
Teaching Assistant:
Darcy Bieber e-mail: dlb8364@hotmail.com
This
course will prepare you for further study in the field of history and introduce
you to the methods historians employ in their research and writing. We will also be asking some of the “big
questions” that educated, intelligent human beings have long pondered: What value is there in studying the
past? Are there “lessons” to be learned
from history? Should historians try to
remain “objective” or should they allow their political or ideological
commitments to shape the history they write?
Secondly, we will be working to develop skills
that will serve you well not only in upper division history courses, but in the
world outside Sierra Hall – the ability to think critically, to construct a
logical and compelling argument, to evaluate and interpret evidence in order to
reach a conclusion, and to convey information to others who may have no prior
knowledge of a subject. Whether you
choose a career that relates directly to the study of history or not, such
skills are invaluable.
Finally, you will learn to write in clear,
lively, and concise prose (whether you like it or not). Particularly during the second half of the
semester, we will be editing each others’ writing, re-writing poorly written
work, mastering the art of constructing topic sentences, and banishing passive
voice, lifeless verbs, and long, boring, run-on sentences [like this one.] You will leave here a better writer than when
you entered.
The following books are available at the
Matador Bookstore. Any other reading
assignments will be provided to you in class.
I highly recommend purchasing David R.
Williams, Sin Boldly! Dr. Dave’s Guide to Writing the College Paper. This is the most useful and least expensive
“How to…” book available, and, in a genre that is usually dreadfully dry and stiflingly
serious, Sin Boldly! is fast paced and funny.
–
Regardless of these percentages, all students must complete the research paper,
the book review, and the midterm examination to pass the class.
Attendance
Since active student participation is crucial
to the class’s success, you
are expected to be at every meeting. Frequent
absences will dramatically lower your course grade. If you are a person who rarely attends class
and relies on copying notes from a friend, you would be best served by
registering for another section of History 301.
Common Courtesy
Since
I assume your parents have taught you good manners, most of this should go
without saying, but I put it in writing here so that there will be no
misunderstanding. Please turn off all
cell phones and pagers while you are in class.
Please arrive on time and do not walk out in the middle of class unless
it is an emergency or you have spoken to me about it ahead of time. Do not speak when others are speaking.
Academic Honesty
This, too, should go without saying, but,
unfortunately, academic dishonesty is a fact of life. Do
not lie to me about why you missed class or failed to turn in an assignment. It
is unnecessary and it insults my intelligence.
Do not plagiarize from written sources or from the web. Since plagiarism is always obvious and easily
caught, it is better to hand in your work and get a C- than someone else’s and
get an F. Any and all plagiarized
assignments will receive a grade of zero and put you in jeopardy of failing the
course. If you are unsure what
plagiarism is, please consult with me or the teaching assistant BEFORE handing
in an assignment.
Problems
If
you are feeling overwhelmed, find yourself falling behind, or are having any
problems outside of class that are adversely affecting your performance in
class, be sure to let me know. Do not
wait until the end of the semester when it will be too late. I am more than willing to work with you to
insure you “survive,” but I need to know you are having difficulties. Do not assume I will allow you to withdraw
from class late in the semester simply because you are doing poorly. Come to see me or send an email as soon as a
problem arises and we can work something out.
If you are struggling academically, I will gladly give you extra help.
Tues. 3 Feb. Introduction: An explanation of course objectives,
mechanics, and procedures.
BEGIN READING GEORGE ORWELL, 1984
Thurs. 5 Feb. Telling True
Stories or… What is “History?”
Mark Lewis, “Don’t Indict ‘Popular History’”
Robert F. Worth, “Historian’s Prizewinning
Book on Guns Is Embroiled in Scandal”
Tues. 10 Feb. What do historians
do? What should they be doing?
Gaddis, The
Landscape of History, Chapter 1
Thurs. 12 Feb What should I
be doing?
Tues. 17 Feb. The Importance of
the Past
Discussion of
George Orwell, 1984
Thurs. 19 Feb. The Importance of
the Past II
Continue Discussion of Orwell, 1984
Tues. 24 Feb. Doing Research
Class will meet at Oviatt Library
Thurs. 26 Feb. Thinking like a
Historian
Henry Steele Commager, “Should the
Historian Make Moral Judgments?”
Tues. 2 Mar. Interpreting
Evidence – Advertising
Thurs. 4 Mar. Interpreting
Evidence II – Statistics and Stories
Statistics (to be provided in class)
Gar Alperovitz, “Why
We Dropped the Bomb”
J. Samuel Walker, “
Edwin M. Yoder,
“Historians and the Enola Gay Exhibit”
Tues 13. April Historical
Methods II: History from the “bottom up”