The Social, Historical, and Scientific Worlds of Childhood

Professor Ellen Herman
Department of History
University of Oregon

Tuesday/Thursday, 8:30 - 9:50
105 Esslinger Hall
office: 321 McKenzie Hall
phone: 346-3118
e-mail: eherman@uoregon.edu
office hours: Monday, 1:30 - 2:30 pm; Thursday, 10:15 - 11:15 am

Brief Description

This course grapples with the social meaning and experience of childhood by introducing students to both classic and contemporary perspectives on that topic drawn from a wide range of fields, including history, psychology, anthropology, law and social policy, journalism, and creative literature. It will address issues ranging from work and development to fictional and visual representations of childhood. The course will also include a special 4-week unit examining child adoption. Although the primary emphasis will be on children and childhood in the modern United States, the course will also consider how childhood varies across time and culture.

We will begin by addressing directly one of the fundamental challenges facing anyone interested in childhood studies: the fact that it is an enterprise defined and conducted almost entirely by adults. During the term, we will explore such topics as: the logic of development and the growth of a science of childhood; cross-cultural and historical perspectives; children's rights and children's needs; ethical dilemmas associated with childhood.

Format: This course will include some lectures to provide basic background and context. A significant emphasis in the course, however, will be on reading and discussion. Students are expected to come to class prepared to talk. Active participation is a very important part of the course

Writing Requirements

There will be one 5-page essay, a 3-page assignment based on The Encyclopedia of Children and Childhood, and a take-home final exam. Please remember to double-space and type all of your assignments in a 12-point font. Do not forget to include page numbers. For additional writing tips and resources, please consult the section of my website titled "Writing."

1. The essay will take the form of a 5-page book review. You may write about either of Coming of Age in Samoa or Pictures of Innocence. I have posted some guidelines for writing book reviews. Those students who would like more options may select another book from the list of recommended readings. Students are expected to make final decisions about their book reviews by week 3, when they will hand in a paragraph-long statement explaining their choice. The review itself is due at the beginning of week 6, before class.

2. The 3-page assignment based on the new Encyclopedia of Children and Childhood requires you to go to the library and locate an entry in that 3-volume reference. It is located in the reference section, call number HQ767.84 .E53 2004. Choose a person, organization, idea, or any other subject that is related to adoption history and the reading your are doing from The Adoption History Project. For example, you might choose to read about child labor during the colonial era, Sigmund Freud, child abandonment in medieval Europe, or illegitimacy. Explain concisely 1) what you learned about the subject you chose, and 2) what it adds to our understanding of child adoption in the modern United States. This assignment is due at the end of week 9. (Note: You may not choose to write about the entry on “adoption,”although it is perfectly fine to read it.)

3. The take-home final exam will consist mainly of essay questions that cover the readings and synthesize the main themes of the course.

Please notice that the bulk of written work is due during the second half of the term. Plan your time accordingly.

Reading Requirements

Required reading does not mean required buying. You can find all of the texts below on reserve in Knight Library as well as at the UO Bookstore.

Paula S. Fass and Mary Ann Mason, eds., Childhood in America (New York: New York University Press, 1999).

Margaret Mead, Coming of Age in Samoa: A Psychological Study of Primitive Youth for Western Civilisation (New York: American Museum of Natural History, 1928).

Anne Higonnet, Pictures of Innocence: The History and Crisis of Ideal Childhood (New York: Thames and Hudson, 1998).

Barbara Kingsolver, Pigs in Heaven (New York: Harper Perennial, 1993).

Dorothy Roberts, Shattered Bonds: The Color of Child Welfare (New York: Basic Books, 2002).

Course Packet [noted on the Course Calendar as CP]

Rules

Academic Honesty
If this course is to be a worthwhile educational experience, your work must be original. Plagiarism and other forms of cheating are very serious infractions and will not be permitted. Students who are uncertain about what plagiarism is, or who have questions about how to cite published, electronic, or other sources should feel free to consult with the instructor. You can also consult the section of my website titled "On Writing," which includes material on plagiarism and citation, and read the UO Policy on Academic Dishonesty.

Lateness Policy
No late assignments will be accepted and no makeup exams will be given. Students who miss deadlines will be given an F for that assignment.

Accommodations
If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please arrange to see me soon and request that Disability Services send a letter verifying your disability.