AMH 4935: The Fifties

SCHEDULE

                       

 

Part I:  Choosing topics and finding primary sources.

 

M 8/27           

Introduction

 

M 9/3: No class: Labor Day

 

 

M 9/10           

We will begin by getting a library orientation at 4pm.  Please meet in the lobby to the main library on the Boca campus at 3:55pm. 

Read and discuss David Halberstam, The Fifties, pages 1-242. 

Primary Source Assignment.

 

 

M 9/17

Read and discuss David Halberstam, The Fifties, pages 243-486. 

Primary Source Assignment.

 

           

M 9/24

Read and discuss David Halberstam, The Fifties, pages 487-733. 

Primary Source Assignment.

 

M 10/1           

Individual Research. No class meeting.

           

 

Part II:       Preparing a Research Paper. 

 

M 10/8           

Research Prospectus due. 

Present prospectuses to class. 

Research Prospectus Assignment.

 

M 10/15         

Read A Pocket Guide to Writing History, chapters 2, 4-6, and 7a-c.

           

Read Victoria W. Wolcott, “Recreation and Race in the Postwar City: Buffalo's 1956 Crystal Beach Riot,” Journal of American History (June 2006), Vol. 93 Issue 1, p63-90. 

 

  • Pay special attention to the first and last 3-4 pages of the article, noting how she introduces and concludes her study.

 

  • Answer these study questions for homework:
    • Where in the article does her introduction begin and end?
    • What is her thesis, and where is it located in the article?
    • Does she tell us why her research is important?  If so, where and how does she do so?
    • Where does the conclusion begin and end? 
    • What does she do in the conclusion?
    • Make a short and simple outline detailing how her article is organized.  Refer to key organizational sections by page number. 

 

(Note:  Please print the article and bring it to class.  The article is available online via the FAU library’s catalog.  You probably can only download it from computers on-campus or by using EZ Proxy.  A link to the article is here, but if it is broken, search the FAU library catalog for “Journal of American History,” then follow links for electronic resource, connect now, EBSCOhost Academic Premier Search.  If you have trouble, ask a reference librarian for assistance.) 

 

  • We will use these readings to discuss the following:
    • parts of a research paper
    • using quotes and evidence
    • writing introductions

                       

 

Part III:  Continuing research and individual consultations. 

 

(Note: You must schedule a time to meet with me to discuss your progress on either -- or both -- of the following dates.  Set up meeting via email.)

 

M 10/22         

Individual consultations by appointment.  No full class meeting

 

M 10/29         

Individual consultations by appointment.  No full class meeting. 

 

 

Special Date:  Friday 11/2, Draft introductions due via email, 4pm.  Explanation of introductions assignment is here.

 

M 11/5             

Read all the draft introductions circulated by email. 

Come prepared to discuss introductions.

 

Special Event:  Thursday 11/8, John O’Sullivan Memorial Lecture by Nancy Cott, 2-3pm, Live Oak Pavilion.

  • Required event: you must attend. 
  • (In other words: rearrange your work schedule, cancel your wedding, and keep your relatives healthy).

 

Part IV:  Writing drafts.

 

 M 11/12         

Individual research.

No full class meeting.

 

Special Date: Wednesday, 11/14, Complete rough drafts due in History Department office at 4pm. 

 

M 11/19         

No full class meeting. 

Thanksgiving week.

 

M 11/26         

Presentations. 

Explanation of presentations requirements is here.

 

M 12/3           

Presentations.

 

M 12/10         

Final paper due in History Department office at 4pm.  Electronic copies also must be submitted via Blackboard.

 

 

Go to course syllabus.

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