Meets the following requirements: HS HY   

This is the literature component of an integrated two-credit course program in U.S. History:  Establishing Community and Disestablishing Oppression.  The program introduces some of the principle types of historical narrative (e.g. ecological, diplomatic, political, economic, social, religious, intellectual, autobiographical, quantitative, pictorial, graphic) and uses them to survey factual claims and alternative interpretations of U.S. history from 1491 onwards.  To practice interdisciplinary study and historical interpretation we look, in particular, at ways different methods of historical narrative can illuminate (and be illuminated by) case studies of individuals and groups.  We also focus on peoples attempts to establish sustainable communities and their struggles to overcome oppression.  The team that is teaching this course is especially interested in the relationship  in a variety of kinds of texts/narratives  between textuality and truth.  Readings for the literature component include:  Classic American Autobiographies; Last of the Mohicans (Cooper); Ragged Dick (Alger); The Bread Givers (Yezierska); The 42nd Parallel (Dos Passos); The Dispossessed (LeGuin); Typical American (Jen); additional selections highlighting Native American and African American experience; and short stories.  There will also be several major narrative films viewed during the lab sessions.  Students will complete a series of weekly methodological exercises and a major community history project.  The total program lab fee of $100 is intended to cover a series of field trips during which we can investigate local and regional  historical resources. 

Level:  Introductory/Intermediate.  *HS* *HY*