#302 Secret Life of a Developing Country (Ours)

"Barroom Dancing" by John Lewis Krimmel (1786-1821). Wikimedia Commons.

Preparation:

• Read selections from “The Secret Life of a Developing Country (Ours)”
• Bring a copy of the reading (Foner and the Course Reader are not needed).

Discussion. We might explore a number of issues related to the selection we pulled out, including, but not limited to:

• The author himself appeared surprised at some of his findings. Was there any points raised that altered your view of nineteenth-century American life?
• What are some of the patterns you see emerging in this text? Do any themes tie together the various aspects explored by the author?
• How does this article compare to some of our readings from units 1 and 2? How is this a different type of history? If history is not just about wars, constitutions, and great men, what is the purpose of history?
• How do various social categories (gender, social class, or other identities) play out in this text?
• What facts from this document appear most useful for use in constructing a historical-fictional account of the period? Why?

Historical fiction exercise:

• With a partner, students select a nineteenth century identity. Spend about 5-6 minutes gathering and discussing relevant information from the reading related to the character you have chosen. Then, take 10 minutes to write a short description of that individual and her/his life (go ahead and be creative!). Please post in your shared folder.
  • New England Farmer
  • Tavern keeper
  • Protestant minister
  • British traveler
  • American traveler

Homework:

• Homework for sections HH250-09 and HH250-10: #303.
• Homework for sections HH250-01 and HH250-15: preview the Cemetery Project page.