HI 215 History of American Thought

This last unit considers one of the most fundamental of all American stories: that we are a nation of immigrants. It is focused on the “big ideas” of cultural pluralism and the “melting pot” that arose in the context of the huge wave of (mainly) European immigrants during the era of Ellis Island from the 1890s to the 1920s. Although we are confining ourselves to debates over immigration and assimilation that took place a century ago, I am sure you will see the relevance to our current moment of unsettled public debate over immigration and belonging.

Tues 4/15 Confronting the “Other” in the 19th century City. Discussion leaders: Kat B., Ryan M. Reading: Jane Addams, Chapters 8 and 11 from Twenty Years at Hull House, and Jacob Riis, How the Other Half Lives (pick 4 chapters to read, they are short). “Big Idea” Research Precis is due.

Note on the Research Precis: I am looking for a 3-4 page document containing the following:

• 1-page discussion of your current/revised “big idea,” what connections you are making between the 4 thinkers, and the format you plan to use to present your research
• a research log or annotated list of what you’ve read so far in your research, and what remains yet undone in your research. If you’re lost or need help, signal it.
• a complete and correctly formatted Chicago Style bibliography of *all* your paper’s sources

The precis will be graded mainly as a check-off, but if I identify potential problems with sources or framing of the paper, I may award only partial credit and come back to you with comments or suggestions for improvement.

Thurs 4/17 Democracy v. the Melting Pot. Discussion leaders: Jon H-L., Angela M. Reading: Horace Kallen, “Democracy versus the Melting Pot” (1915) [pdf here]

Journal Prompt #8 – due Thurs 4/17 Write a 350+ word journal response that describes a time when you have encountered or confronted a person or group you experienced as “other” and connect it to our recent readings. In what ways have you felt like an insider, or an outsider, to the American experience? Alternatively, going back to our discussion of manifestos on Thursday the 10th, you can use Journal #8 to write the manifesto you wished you’d had time to finish in class.

Tues 4/22 Cultural Pluralism. Discussion leaders: Thomas K., Max L. Reading: Randolph S. Bourne, “Trans-National America” The Atlantic (1916), and T. Aleinikoff “Essay: A Multicultural Nationalism?” The American Prospect (2001)

The perfect clip for today:

Thurs 4/24 Film Day: In-class screening of The People Speak. No assigned reading. Your “Big Idea” paper is due.