Topics in Latina and Latino History (391-0-1)

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? What might it teach us about early America—and about ourselves?

Learning Objectives

As part of this course, students will:
• 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

Teaching Method

LECTURE AND DISCUSSION SECTIONS

Evaluation Method

Class participation, writing assignments and/or projects

Class Materials (Required)

Ron Chernow, Alexander Hamilton: A Life (optional)
Lin Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter, Hamilton: The Revolution
Course packet

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - Annenberg Hall G31: Thurs 3:00PM - 3:50PM

DIS - Locy Hall 109: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Locy Hall 305: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - University Library 5746: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - University Library 5322: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Locy Hall 213: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Hall 121: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Thurs 2:00PM - 2:50PM

DIS - Harris Hall L04: Thurs 2:00PM - 2:50PM