SmithsonianX: Objects that Define America
SYLLABUS
About this Course:
This course, produced with The Great Courses, will look at four key themes in the History of America as presented by Dr. Richard Kurin, Undersecretary for History, Art and Culture at the Smithsonian.
· American Icons – from the Star Spangled Banner to the Statue of Liberty – how have these become iconic symbols for Americans? What do these icons represent in a global context?
· Rights and Liberties – from the Declaration of Independence to the Greensboro Lunch Counter, how have Americans defined, and continue to define, their rights and governance?
· America the Beautiful – from evidence of the continent’s first inhabitants to the conservation efforts of the Smithsonian’s scientists, how have the American people – both native and settler – envisioned, explored, worked and protected the land and its resources?
· Spirit of Invention – from the Model T to the space program, how have America’s pioneering inventions changed the world?
In this course you will gain a unique perspective on American history and culture by learning the stories behind objects that were, and continue to be, an essential part of U.S. history. Most importantly, you will reflect on what objects have personal meaning to you, and the role that symbolic objects play in your own histories.
This course is adapted from the video lecture series produced by Smithsonian and The Great Courses, Experiencing America: A Smithsonian Tour Through History.
Learning Objectives:
You will learn why specific objects – from our nation’s distant past to its near present – are essential parts of U.S. history and critical elements of the Smithsonian's collection
You will discover unusual and surprising stories behind these objects
You will identify themes in American history that unite these objects across time up to the present day
You will create your own original exhibit that applies the core themes of the course, from Rights and Liberties to the Spirit of Innovation, to the objects of today’s world
Estimated Effort: 1–2 hours per week/section
Course Schedule:
|
|
Videos |
Readings |
Quizzes |
Notebook |
Discussion |
|
Week 1 |
10 |
optional |
3 |
4 slides |
√ |
|
Week 2 |
9 |
optional |
3 |
4 slides |
√ |
|
Week 3 |
9 |
optional |
3 |
4 slides |
√ |
|
Week 4 |
9 |
optional |
3 |
4 slides |
√ |
Course Requirements (Certificate Only): Final Project - Submission of your "Proposed Exhibit"
Supplemental Readings:
Recommended readings will be listed for each week.
These readings are not required to complete the course. However, if you would like to further explore the objects, events, topics, and people discussed in the videos, these are an excellent place to start.
For the course overall, we would recommend:
Kurin, Richard. The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects. New York: Penguin, 2013. The book that inspired this course, it includes many of the same objects (although often examined from a slightly different perspective) and a number of others not covered. Full of rich photographs and insider stories about the Smithsonian and its history.