HIST 488R:
Uncovering
Emory’s Past

Description: This seminar will provide an opportunity for students to master and apply the techniques of historical research and writing through an exploration of the history of Emory University from its founding as Emory College in 1836 to the present. Questions we will consider will include: What challenges has Emory faced in its transformation from a small southern college into a major American university? How has the university been shaped by its religious roots? What impact has the university had—both intellectually and institutionally—on the City of Atlanta, the nation, and the world? How have major benefactors and international figures like former president Jimmy Carter influenced Emory’s development? How has the university responded to the issue of academic freedom? What has been the experience of various minority groups at Emory and how have students, faculty and administrators confronted issues of difference and diversity? How have students and student organizations (including fraternities and sororities) both reflected and challenged prevailing social patterns on campus and in the wider world?

Particulars: In the first half of the course, students will gain a framework for exploring these issues through the reading of secondary sources and a number of original historical documents from the Emory Archives. Students are expected to prepare answers to the questions listed with each week’s readings and will be called on for their answers. In addition, for one set of readings they will answer the questions more fully in a 5-page essay. There will also be a document-based assignment in which students will craft a paper of at least 5 pages with an original thesis based on a packet of original documents. During the second half of the course, students will complete major research papers (15-20 pages) on topics of their choice that are related to the theme of the course. Students will have to turn in bibliographies, outlines, drafts, and other components of their final papers at various points during the writing and research process, and there will be opportunities for sharing and peer-review work during class sessions. The grade on the research paper will not only take into consideration the final product, but also how the student performed the various steps along the way. Final course grades will be composed of the following:

— Attendance and participation: 20%
— Short assignments: 30%
— Final paper: 50%

Texts:
Available in the bookstore for purchase:
– Gary Hauk and Sally Wolff King, Where Courageous Unquiry Leads:
The Emerging Life of Emory University (2010)
– Helen Lefkowitz Horowitz, Campus Life
– Other readings will consist mainly of book chapters and articles placed on on-line reserve, as well as copies of original historical documents provided by the instructor.

For the class schedule, click here.