Introduction

how to navigate website

maps

1st classes--profs want grand preview, get big ideas up front, prepare students for later reinforcement

What students get: sense of personalities, styles, expectations (how much work, what possible pleasures)

not try to do too much, and if it starts to feel that way, I'll refocus.

first historical period where readers feel connected, life like ours, continuity with present

names are somewhat familiar, or they will be the longer you study literature: Poe, Abraham Lincoln, Emily Dickinson

Generation after the Founders, e.g. Hamilton, George Washington, other early presidents

Declaration, Constitution > Lincoln, 13th-15th amendments

Maps of North America

syllabus is never finished but continues to be improved or developed--no big changes without warning

instructor has taught course at least a dozen times

doctoral training and dissertation in American Renaissance

but

course evolves with changing scholarship, changing students, changing times, changing minds

Classroom style

balance instructor's ancient knowledge with students' developing insights and fresh apps

instructor's ancient knowledge:

brief lectures and presentations

terms, objectives, themes linked through website

students' developing insights and fresh applications:

Discussion questions

Model Assignments

Student presentations & student-led discussions

• Reading Assignment

• Web Review