Syllabus

American Dreams/American Realities

History 196S.07
Spring 2007
Gerald L. Wilson
04 Allen Building
684-2865
gwilson@asdean.duke.edu

I. Focus of Seminar
This seminar examines the role of such myths as “success, “agrarian”, “city on the hill”, “frontier” and the “foreign devil” in defining the American character and determining the hopes, fears, dreams and actions throughout American History. Attention will be given to the surface consistency of these myths as accepted by each immigrant group versus the shifting content of the myths as they change to reflect the hopes and values of each of these groups.

II. Methodology
As a seminar, student participation lies at the core of the classroom experience. Each student will be expected to contribute to class discussions daily and to lead the seminar on the day his or her paper is presented.

III. Required Reading

Deparle, Jason, American Dreams
Hellman, John, American Myth and the Legacy of Viet Nam
Miller, Arthur, "Death of a Salesman"
Moody, Anne, Coming of Age in Mississippi
Potter, David , People of Plenty
Rosenbloum, Robert and Gerald Wilson, The Value of Myth (course pack)
Schlesinger, Arthur M., The Disuniting of America

Additional readings as assigned:
Weekly readings, including select papers from former seminar participants, will be placed on reserve in Perkins Library.

Specific reading assignments for each week will be made the preceding week.

IV. Paper and Class Presentation
Each student will prepare a paper of about 20 pages either individually, or as part of a team, to be presented to the class on a designated day, examining the life of a historical or contemporary person or examining a movement or policy as that person or subject embodies and perpetuates American myths.

Please note the following:

(1) The paper/presentation topic must be approved in advance by the instructor.
(2) On the day of the presentation, each presenter will present an outline of the paper to the instructor and class at the beginning of the class.
(3) The paper is due by the last day of classes of the semester. It should be revised taking into account class criticism comments and it should contain a section of at least 1 page at the beginning or the end responding to these criticisms (eg. Indicating how you revised, the paper or why you did not). If you wish to have a copy returned to you with the instructor comments, you must turn in two copies of the paper.

V. Class Attendance
Since this is a seminar, students are expected to attend all class sessions unless compelling reasons prevent attendance.

VI. Evaluation of Performance
Final evaluation of a student's performance in the class will be based on two factors:

(1) Participation in class discussions (50%)
(2) Paper and class presentation (50%)

VII. Questions/Problems
Dean Wilson will seek to be available to students for discussion of matters pertaining to the course. Please call 684-2865 or come by 04 Allen Building to arrange an appointment. Since priority will be given to class members, please identify yourself as a member of the class.