New Introductory Courses in History (200-0-22)
Topic
Hamilton's America
Instructors
Geraldo Cadava
847/491-3152
Harris Hall - Room 210
Caitlin Fitz
847/467-2906
Harris Hall - Room 205
Meeting Info
Harris Hall 107: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
In this course we will explore the life and times of Alexander Hamilton—both the man and the musical. Easily among the most polarizing figures of a famously polarized generation, Hamilton was a Caribbean-born immigrant who became an American revolutionary, a "bastard brat" who became Treasury Secretary, a man who helped to lead thirteen of Britain's American colonies in a violent independence war only to advocate a financial plan and a foreign policy that presented Britain as a role model. If Hamilton helped to revolutionize his country, meanwhile, Lin Manuel Miranda's musical has revolutionized the genre of the Broadway musical and become a national sensation. Why has it captured so many people's imaginations? Where does the show diverge from the history, and what does that say about our memory and use of the past? Taught during the 10th anniversary of the show and the 250th of the Revolution, this course invites us to explore how our national origins resonate in our present.
Learning Objectives
Learn about Alexander Hamilton's life and times: the tumultuous world of revolutionary and early national America; Identify where and why the musical diverges from the history; Consider the Hamilton musical's contemporary cultural resonance and how it relates to such themes as race, immigration, current politics, and arguments about U.S. history writ large; Ponder the difference between history, art, and memory; Engage in reasoned and respectful discussion and construct thoughtful, evidence-based arguments from course readings and lectures
Class Notes
History Major Concentration(s): Americas
History Minor Concentration(s): United States
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Only History majors and minors can currently enroll in this class.
Associated Classes
DIS - TBA: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - TBA: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - TBA: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - TBA: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - TBA: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - TBA: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - TBA: Thurs 2:00PM - 2:50PM
DIS - TBA: Thurs 2:00PM - 2:50PM
DIS - TBA: Thurs 3:00PM - 3:50PM