History of the Present (219-0-20)
Instructors
Lauren K Stokes
847/467-3086
Harris Hall - Room 235
Kathleen C Belew
847/467-2305
Harris Hall 242
Meeting Info
Swift Hall 107: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This course takes a reverse approach to the study of history, defining issues relevant to the current moment—some determined by the students—and exploring the long stories required to understand the present. Each week we will examine a different issue with the help of guest lecturers and selected readings. Topics might include climate change, abortion, global pandemics and their aftermath, racial justice, economic inequality, labor activism, transgender rights, immigration, and the global far-right. We will look at current events and develop the skills to place them in historical context; consider the use and misuse of historical analogies; and understand ourselves as people within history and shaped by the historical context around us. We will also try to think about what the future might find significant about our own time.
Students will learn historical thinking skills, critical reading, and argumentation, and will complete a final assignment geared towards providing historical context for an ongoing debate in the public sphere.
Learning Objectives
Students will learn historical thinking skills, critical reading, and argumentation, and will complete a final assignment geared towards providing historical context for an ongoing debate in the public sphere.
Evaluation Method
Attendance and Participation (20%); Three Short Papers (50%); Final Project (30%)
Class Notes
Concentrations: Americas, Global
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Associated Classes
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-331: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Locy Hall 110: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - University Library 4670: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - University Library 5746: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Harris Hall L04: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - Harris Hall L04: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - Harris Hall L05: Thurs 2:00PM - 2:50PM
DIS - 555 Clark 230: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM