History 661: American Material Culture

Kevin Sweeney

Fall 2006, Thurs. 2:30 - 5:00 pm

Synopsis:

This course introduces history graduate students to the study of material culture or the history of things. Class readings will draw upon the work of archaeologists, anthropologists, art historians, architectural historians, cultural historians, curators, folklorists, historical geographers, social historians and historians of technology. Assigned readings are chosen to introduce students to some of the significant scholars and scholarship in the field as well as the range of scholarly approaches to the historical study of artifacts. These readings are intended to convey an understanding of the methodologies employed and questions addressed by scholars in these varied disciplines. At the same time readings are included to show the ways in which more traditionally trained historians have sought to use artifacts in their work.

In addition to introducing students to readings about material culture, the course seeks to introduce students to reading material culture. Most classes will meet off-site at locations in Amherst, Deerfield, Hadley and Springfield where we will be able to analyze and discuss the kinds of artifacts in the assigned readings as well as the interpretive and methodological issues raised by the readings. The purpose of these exercises is to deepen understanding of the potential and pitfalls of using artifacts as historical evidence.

Syllabus: Not available

Course Website: Not available