"HIST 197B American Stories: Exploring History Through Magazines Rowley" by Sarah Rowley
 

Document Type

Syllabus

Publication Date

Fall 9-1-2024

Course Description

As historians, we don't know all the answers--our work is not about memorizing stale, objective facts. Instead, we enter into conversations with other scholars and with people from the past (through the "primary sources" they created) to try to understand the past. Doing history is a project of asking questions, researching context, marshalling evidence, and rethinking our interpretations. Popular magazines are rich sources for doing history, and in this class, students explore modern U.S. history (focusing on the mid-20 century) by reading old magazines, from glossy lifestyle publications to women’s magazines to radical underground publications. By taking time to carefully analyze editorials, advertisements, articles, and photo spreads, students learn how to place a historical object in its context and how to ask questions for further research.

Student Outcomes

Analytical Skills: Students will be able to evaluate historical arguments, historiographical debates and develop and frame historical arguments in their own work. Writing and Oral Communication Skills: Students will be able to communicate complex historical analysis in written form with appropriate scholarly attribution and communicate effectively in class discussions and presentations. Breadth of Historical Knowledge: Students will be able to understand the past with respect to diversities of culture, geography, and chronology.

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