Matthew Dennis, Department of History
357 Grayson Hall; mjdennis@darkwing.uoregon.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, 11:00-12:20

Introduction Not all history is academic. This research seminar will focus on “the history that people carry around in their heads” (to quote the Progressive historian Carl Becker)—the history that common people observe during holidays, or when they visit historical monuments, sites, even theme parks. We will study history and popular memory through an examination of commemorative practices in America, both the observation of annual or less frequent commemorative occasions (like centennials) and the construction and maintenance of monuments, memorials, and historic sites. Such a focus can yield insights about the complex nature of American nationalism, patriotism, and identity.

Common readings and weekly discussions will probe these themes, while individually students will define their own research projects, conduct research in primary sources, write an original historical essay, participate in critique sessions, and revise and rewrite their work.

Student will have the freedom to examine a wide range of topics, which can center on any period or place in American history, as long as they relate to key sites or moments of commemoration—places or occasions when Americans remember, celebrate, or redefine their past and construct a sense of who they are as Americans.

Assigned Readings:

John R. Gillis, ed., Commemorations: The Politics of National Identity (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1994). Mike Wallace, Mickey Mouse History and Other Essay on American Memory (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1996). Cecelia Elizabeth O’Leary, To Die For: The Paradox of American Patriotism (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1999).   Norman Rockwell's "Freedom from Want," from his "Four Freedoms" series (1943).

This books are available at Mother Kali’s Books, 720 East 13th Avenue (343-4864), two blocks from campus. Additional short readings may be assigned and made available via links from this site.

Format and Requirements

This is a seminar and, as such, it requires full attendance and participation by all its members. Students will be evaluated based both on the quality of their weekly participation (approx. 25%) and their final essay (approx. 75%). There are no examinations.

Weekly Schedule of Reading and Written Assignments

[assignments due on day they appear on the schedule below.]

Week 1 (April 3): Introduction

Week 2 (April 10):
Read Gillis, ed., Commemorations, pp.

Week 3 (April 17):
Read Gillis, ed., Commemorations, pp.

Week 4 (April 24):
Read Wallace, Mickey Mouse History, pp.
Preliminary paper prospectus due.

Week 5 (May Day):
Read O’Leary, To Die For, pp.
Paper Outlines due.

Week 6 (May 8):

Week 7 (May 15):
Rough drafts of papers due. Paper critiques begin.

Week 8 (May 22):
Paper critiques.

Week 9 (May 29):

Week 10 (June 5):

Final Papers Due Friday, June 8, 2001.