First-Year Seminar--American History (102-6-1)
Topic
Where Do You Come From?
Instructors
Geraldo L Cadava
847/491-3152
Harris Hall - Room 210
Professor Cadava teaches courses on Latino, immigration, and borderlands history. He has been at Northwestern for 15 years (!!), after spending his earlier decades in Arizona, California, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, and Connecticut. He's the author of two books about Latino history, and is a huge fan of the Arizona Wildcats basketball team.
Meeting Info
University Hall 318: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
The past decade has seen an explosion of Ancestry-DNA tests--all over the world, but particularly in the United States. This first-year seminar will explore the reasons for the recent explosion, but will also examine the long history of Ancestry-DNA testing and genealogical research broadly. Now and in the past, the inclination to want to learn more about our personal pasts has been full of cultural and political meaning. Writing assignments will require you to analyze the larger history of Ancestry-DNA testing, as well as your own personal history. Getting an Ancestry-DNA test is certainly not required, but is certainly permissible, if you're interested. We will discuss the other ways you can do genealogical research besides spitting in a tube!
Learning Objectives
Critical reading and thinking skills; writing analytically and clearly; learning how to have thoughtful discussions, grounded in evidence, about important cultural and political issues.
Evaluation Method
Three five-page essays (60 percent of grade, 20 percent each); Participation (40 percent, and participation includes reading, preparation, discussion, and your engagement with editing and revision exercises)
Class Materials (Required)
All the assigned readings will be uploaded on Canvas
Class Notes
History Area(s) of Concentration: Americas
Class Attributes
WCAS First-Year Seminar
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required