History of the American Family (215-0-20)
Instructors
Michaela Kleber
Meeting Info
Locy Hall 111: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
Families are not ahistorical categories of population; they have a history that has been crucial to the colonization and development of the United States as a nation and they continue to shape social and political life. This course traces the evolution of family ideals and practices from pre-colonial through modern America, with a particular emphasis on the roles of gender, race, and class in shaping family experiences. Considering both how the state regulated families as well as the many functional families and kinships that existed without state sanction, this course highlights the importance of families in societies and political thought, as well as the lived experience of families in America. As we range over diverse family experiences, we will also follow specific families through time in order to understand how historical changes shaped their family structures. Moving chronologically, the course will touch on topics like gender, economics, political theory, religion, race, and class through the lens of the family.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be expected to understand the ways that ideals and practices of family shaped and were shaped by events in American history. Students will also learn to read and analyze primary and secondary sources through writing and speaking, as well as gain some practice in writing their own history.
Evaluation Method
Two papers, final exam, participation (including reading responses)
Class Materials (Required)
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Written by Herself, Harriet Jacobs, Jennifer Fleischner, ed., 978-1319169251, Bedford/St. Martin's.
Black, White, and Indian: Race and the Unmaking of an American Family, Claudio Saunt, 978-0195313109, Oxford University Press.
Class Notes
History Area of Concentration: Americas
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - University Hall 118: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - 555 Clark 230: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - University Hall 112: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM