America in the Cold War and Consensus
(see last
week's assignments)
Reflections on the Cold War
and History. Postmodernism.
Finish reading John Lewis Gaddis, Landscape of History
in preparation for class discussion.
When reading Gaddis, evaluate his claims about the purposes and practice of history. How is the book a product of a particular historical moment? What arguments in the book are likely to be less time-bound than others? In what ways is history a "science," and in what ways is it not scientific in any precise sense of the concept? What explains his strong rejection of the social science approach to the past (and the future)? If you agree with him, why? If you disagree with him, which points do you still find most valid, even if the overall argument does not seem plausible to you? Which two or three examples from the book, and which two or three analogies, seemed most useful? As with our previous books, what would you imagine that their authors would say about this particular volume? Finally, consider how this book speaks to the other classes you are taking this term, either in the common questions they all share or in the ways that academic departments, disciplines, and teaching styles differ.
Before class, members of ALL discussion groups will need to post to the course discussion board some final reflections about how the course has broadened your thinking, improved your research abilities, or clarified your sense of America's place in the larger world.
Comprehensive Final Examination at 9:00AM.
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Note: The instructor reserves the right to change any provisions, due dates, grading percentages, or any other items without prior notice. All assignments on this schedule are covered under the university's policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. See the syllabus statement for further details. This page was last updated on 12/3/2007.