Course Description
Focuses on selected important episodes in American history from the sixteenth century to the present. The instructor introduces the historical period and pertinent texts and then, as gamemaster, assigns individual roles with victory objectives. In order to achieve their objectives, students must speak persuasively in group forums, using provided texts and independent research and their own writing. Students run sessions, with the instructor guiding and grading oral and written work.
Athena Title
React to the Past: Amer Hist
Non-Traditional Format
Through role-playing, students investigate large questions of historical causation and deepen their understanding of critical episodes and vital ideological and social currents in American history from the earliest periods of European contact to the present. The class is constructed as a set of games that unfold unpredictably. Assignments include primary and secondary sources and interpretive essays. Students run all game sessions; instructors advise factions and grade oral and written work.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. to provide a setting in which students can explore ideas 2. to promote the habit of active learning 3. to promote integrative thinking about culture and history 4. to develop public speaking skills 5. to develop the habit of writing clearly and persuasively 6. to promote working effectively with others 7. to promote problem solving skills 8. to develop student civic-mindedness as participants in a political community 9. to promote an understanding of the dynamic interplay in American history between individual action and the constraints of economic, cultural, and social forces More information on Reacting can be found at these websites: http://www.barnard.edu/reacting/ http://www.classics.uga.edu/reacting
Topical Outline
Topics will vary, but below is representative outline: MASSACHUSETTS, 1637 I. Introduction to "Reacting to the Past" and to puritan Massachusetts Expectations of students in this pedagogy II. Setup of Ann Hutchinson Game Puritanism and English background The Massachusetts social order and religious tolerance Assignment of roles Meetings of factions III. Meeting of Boston Church Introduction to Massachusetts congregationalism Ministers’ sermons Role of lay people Massachusetts standards for church membership; applying for church membership (these church meetings happen intermittently throughout game) IV. Meeting of General Court, John Winthrop presiding Structure of General Court Appeals to General Court: Petitions from friends of Anne Hutchinson Trial begins issues include: theology, religious tolerance, economics, government and liberty, and form of government, role of women in church V. Post-mortem: real outcome versus outcome in class ` REVOLUTIONARY NEW YORK, 1775-1776 I. Revolutionary New York: Historical and Ideological Background The crisis in the British/American relationship Liberalism and Republicanism Social structure and tensions in New York The coming of the Revolution Assignment of roles II. Meeting of the provincial congress Arguments of loyalists and patriots Petitions from women and slaves Mob activities and reactions Response to Lexington and Concord Debate on Paine’s Common Sense Vote on independence III. Post-mortem: real outcome versus outcome in class
Syllabus