Words That Remade America (for Thurs 1/23)
by Prof. Hangen - January 20th, 2014
Prepare for Thursday’s discussion with the following readings:
Read the full text of the Gettysburg Address – note there are several versions
Read & prepare to discuss Gary Wills, “The Words that Remade America” from The American Idea: The Best of the Atlantic Monthly (PDF)
Read & prepare to discuss Ted Widmer’s opinion piece for the New York Times, “The Other Gettysburg Address” 19 November 2013 (why that date?)
If interested, take a look at Edward Everett’s speech and explore other related primary source documents in the National Archives
Bonus link: Lincoln was there, and so was at least one camera
Journal Prompt #1 – Your first journal entry is due on Thursday Jan 23, in the “My Learning Journal” section on Blackboard. It should be at least 350 words long and posted by 9:00 am. Journal #1 can comment on/connect any of our first week’s readings. You should also mention which current “American thought” forum(s) you will be following this term – choose from the “Today’s Thinkers” links in the course left sidebar. You may also use this initial journal entry to tell me a little about yourself and why you are interested in this class.
Metaphysical Club – start reading Part One, and you may begin writing in the club journal at any point. Posts/discussion on Part One should be complete by Thursday, Feb 6th. Remember, participation in the Metaphysical Club book discussion group is required if you are taking the class for Honors, and open to anyone else in the class for extra credit.
