Research Seminar (395-0-20)

Topic

The World That Fossil Fuels Made

Instructors

Keith Mako Woodhouse
847/467-3776
Harris Hall 215

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L05: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This course will examine energy use in American history, focusing on coal and oil in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It will consider not only how human use of fossil fuels has affected the non-human environment but also what it has meant for the social, political, and material lives of Americans. This is a research seminar, and it will culminate in each student conducting a substantial and independent research project.

Learning Objectives

How human and nonhuman history are bound together.
How different energy regimes have shaped American history.
How to better analyze texts and construct arguments.

Evaluation Method

Three papers.

Class Materials (Required)

Readings will be a collection of articles, essays, and excerpts posted to Canvas. There will likely be no books for purchase.

Class Notes

Concentration: Americas

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Freshmen may not register for this course.