Jeffrey McClurken Course Description<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n This course examines historically oriented motion pictures as both primary and secondary sources of information about the past.\u00a0 It starts from the premise that the content in films, as with written sources, can (and should) be critically analyzed for its perspectives, interpretive choices, biases, and reliability.\u00a0 The course examines the relative successes or failures that major films have had in portraying the past, and analyzes how present events, cultures and attitudes shape our view of the past.\u00a0 As historians we typically analyze and use traditional primary and secondary sources (e.g., historical documents and scholarly articles and monographs); it is possible and helpful to apply many of those same skills (and much of the same skepticism) to our approaches to non-traditional sources, such as these films. This course counts in the History major and the American Studies major, as well as the Honors Program. It also counts for the Digital Intensive General Education requirement.<\/p>\n Departmental Learning Objectives<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Honors Program Objectives<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n As part of the Honors Program, this course also will help students to formulate an academic argument with appropriate research documentation; articulate the value of the goals of the honors program as it relates to the liberal arts as an multidisciplinary, systematic approach to knowledge; apply specific academic solutions to broader, interdisciplinary fields of study; integrate multiple viewpoints involving different cultures and\/or perspectives.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Course Requirements<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Students are expected to attend classes (virtual or otherwise), read all assigned texts, watch all assigned films, and participate in class (including posting to the course wiki).\u00a0 They are also expected to create a digital research project and complete mid-semester and end-of-semester assignments.\u00a0 Projects and other assignments are due at the start of class on the day they are due.\u00a0 [Note that learning in a pandemic means that there may be times when you are feeling ill.\u00a0 Stay away from class on those days and let me know what is going on so we can talk through options for catching up.]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Films<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Each week we will be discussing a particular movie.\u00a0 The movies are available to rent from various streaming services<\/a> (justwatch.com is a good place to find where they are available currently since they often shift from one service to another). They will also be on reserve at the library as DVDs<\/a> that can be checked out.\u00a0 Streaming will likely be your most convenient option. Regardless, you will have to make arrangements to see the movie somehow, including borrowing my copy as a last resort.\u00a0 Watching these movies is your responsibility, so don\u2019t wait until the last minute to figure out how you will watch it!\u00a0 \u00a0Even if you have seen one of these movies before, you should watch it again. You will see new things about it when you are watching with a critical eye.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Discussions, Wiki, and Class Participation<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Students are expected to participate in all discussion classes (generally on Thursdays) having watched the movie for that week, having read the material, and having prepared 2-3 questions, comments, links to sources or clips, or potential debate topics.\u00a0 These should be posted to the appropriate week in the class wiki no later than 5 AM on the day of the discussion (McClurken Class Wiki<\/a>). The questions\/comments\/topics should be aimed at provoking class discussions on the reading and the movies.\u00a0 [Since the goal is to prepare you for class discussion, late postings will not be accepted.]\u00a0 Class participation requires actively <\/strong>participating in these discussions, watching the movies, submitting questions\/comments\/topics, and co-leading one of those discussions<\/strong>. Bonus participation points will be available if you post to IG\/Bluesky\/X reactions while watching the movies with the hashtag #HIST329 (and let me know that you are doing so).<\/p>\n Final Grades\u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Final grades will be determined based on class participation, including wiki posts, discussion participation, and leadership of class discussion (35%), on performance on the mid-semester and end-of-semester assignments (15% each), as well as on the WordPress-based, research-sourced historical analysis of a film (35%).\u00a0 [Unsatisfactory mid-semester reports will be reported for anyone with a grade of D or below on work completed at that time as a way to let you know that you need to reach out and talk to me to help you figure out how to succeed in the class.]<\/p>\n A note about this semester and this class<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/u>This class is not the most important thing in your life.\u00a0 It’s not the most important thing in mine. Don’t get me wrong, there’s much to learn here and I love and have so much fun exploring these topics with you and your classmates.\u00a0 But take care of yourself.\u00a0 Reach out to me if there are things in your life that end up taking precedence over this class.\u00a0 Let’s talk about them.<\/p>\n Texts<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Our written texts will be available via the readings page linked<\/span> to from here<\/a>. No cost for those readings.<\/p>\n Of course, our texts are also the films we are examining each week.\u00a0 These films are available for streaming, but often with a rental fee, and not from any single streaming service.\u00a0 Here are links to places that you can rent them<\/a>, though Justwatch.com <\/a>is a good place to see the current options that exist.\u00a0 DVD copies of the films will also be on reserve at the library.<\/p>\n Generative AI Policy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Use of AI is approved and encouraged in this course<\/strong>; however, students should refer to individual course assignments for instructions regarding how to use and\/or document use of AI, if applicable to the assignment. When in doubt, always cite what and how you have used to get to an answer\/project\/result.\u00a0 And ask me each time if you have the least doubt.\u00a0 We are all learning how these tools can, and ethically how, they should be used.\u00a0 It will take us some trial and error to figure all of that out.\u00a0 But in this class that should always take place in conversation with me.<\/p>\n Although AI use is permitted in this course, you should keep the following points in mind:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Research Project Assignment<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n You must create an original online research project analyzing a particular film dealing with a United States History topic.\u00a0 Much as we will do in class each week, your project should analyze the portrayal of the past in the film, exploring the perspective (including biases or objectives) of the filmmakers, the historical accuracy of the portrayal (in a detailed and a broad sense), and the relative success and reliability of the film as a primary and secondary source of historical information.\u00a0 You should use a combination of primary and secondary sources for your evidence.\u00a0 You must cite all images, clips, facts, ideas, paraphrasing, and quotes, in footnotes and bibliography, using either Turabian (9th<\/sup> edition) or the Chicago Manual of Style <\/em>(17th<\/sup> edition), including the movies themselves and any reviews of them that you have used.\u00a0 Be explicit about every use of AI in the process of every stage in the project, even if you haven’t used AI at all.<\/strong> [For more details on Turabian\/CMS<\/em> citations, see the Library resource page<\/a> — and this one for AI<\/a>. ]<\/p>\n 1) Your project must be presented online as blog pages in a WordPress site created within your Domain of One\u2019s Own<\/a> account or within a Sites@UMW<\/a> site [Do not create your own WordPress.com site.<\/em>]\u00a0 Let me know where it is located–in other words, what is its URL\/web address?\u2014by the start of class on Thursday,<\/strong> Sept. 12<\/strong>.\u00a0 [Don\u2019t have a Domain of One\u2019s Own account or Sites@UMW or need a refresher on using them? See here<\/a>.\u00a0 Or the\u00a0Digital Knowledge Center<\/a> can help you get started.]<\/p>\n 2) Your historical film choice and bibliographic citations of ten or more significant (non-encyclopedic) sources are due by the start of class on Thursday, September 19<\/strong>\u00a0for my approval.\u00a0 [Since I will only approve one person to work on a particular movie, you should probably request approval for your movie via Canvas message before September 5<\/strong>.]\u00a0 There is a list of potential choices and the list of movies already taken at the course blog at http:\/\/courses.mcclurken.org\/329\/films-for-research-project\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n 3) The research project (1,500-2,500 words, not including citations and bibliography, with at least 3-5 minutes of \u201cgreen-screened\u201d or otherwise digitally annotated video clip(s) with your commentary\/critique<\/em><\/strong>) is due at the start of class on Tuesday, November 12<\/span><\/strong>. [Worth 35% of overall class grade.]\u00a0 The Honor Pledge and your name should be clearly visible.\u00a0 Projects will be graded on content (including originality and the quality and use of evidence), historical analysis and quality of your video clip(s), additional multimedia features (images, GIFs, use of movie clips), overall site presentation, grammar, and proper formatting for historical writing (including footnotes and bibliography).\u00a0 [Again the DKC<\/a> can help with technical aspects of these projects, including the video clip<\/a>.] Any uses of AI should be clearly marked and cited on the site and the video(s).<\/p>\n 4) By Thursday, November 21<\/strong> everyone needs to have looked at the other projects.\u00a0 The class will vote on the top 5 projects and top 5 videos.\u00a0 These will join the 20+ projects picked from the 2008-2022 classes in an online US History in Film site.\u00a0 More on this later in the semester<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Honor Code<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n I believe in the Honor Code as an essential, positive component of the Mary Washington experience.\u00a0 You should know that if you cheat or plagiarize in this class, you will fail, and I will take you to the Honor Council.\u00a0 So, do not do it.\u00a0 On the other hand, I also believe that having friends or family read and comment on your writing and projects can be extremely helpful and falls within the bounds of the Honor Code (assuming the writing and work itself remains yours).\u00a0 If you have questions about these issues (such as if and when something should be cited — the answer is almost always “yes” and “often”), then you should talk to me sooner rather than later.\u00a0 Please, please talk to me before and about using AI in this class.<\/p>\n Accommodations<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n The Office of Disability Resources has been designated by the university as the primary office to guide, counsel, and assist students with disabilities. If you receive services through the Office of Disability Resources and require accommodations for this class, please provide me a copy of your accommodation letter via email or during a meeting. I encourage you to follow-up with me about your accommodations and needs within this class. I will hold any information you share with me in the strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise.\u00a0 If you have not made contact with the Office of Disability Resources and have reasonable accommodation needs, their office is located in Seacobeck 005, phone number is (540) 654-1266 and email is odr@umw.edu<\/a>.\u00a0 The office will require appropriate documentation of disability.<\/p>\n Title IX Statement<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n University of Mary Washington faculty are committed to supporting students and upholding the University\u2019s Policy on Sexual and Gender Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence. Under Title IX and this Policy, discrimination based upon sex or gender is prohibited. If you experience an incident of sex or gender-based discrimination, we encourage you to report it. While you may talk to me, understand that as a \u201cResponsible Employee\u201d of the University, I MUST report to UMW\u2019s Title IX Coordinator what you share.<\/strong> If you wish to speak to someone confidentially, please contact the confidential resources found below. They can connect you with support services and help you explore your options. You may also seek assistance from UMW\u2019s Title IX Coordinator, their contact information can be found below. Please visit http:\/\/diversity.umw.edu\/title-ix\/<\/a> to view UMW\u2019s Policy on Sexual and Gender Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence and to find further information on support and resources.<\/p>\n Ruth Davison, Ph.D. Confidential Resources<\/strong> Off-Campus<\/em> Recording Policy Statement<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n In this class, students may not make audio or video recordings of any course activity unless the student has an approved accommodation from the Office of Disability Resources permitting the recording class meetings. In such cases, the accommodation letter must be presented to the instructor in advance of any recording being done and all students in the course will be notified whenever recording will be taking place. Students who are permitted to record classes are not permitted to redistribute audio or video recordings of statements or comments from the course to individuals who are not students in the course without the express permission of the faculty member and of any students who are recorded. Distribution without permission is a violation of educational privacy law. This policy is consistent with UMW\u2019s Policy on Recording Class and Distribution of Course Materials.<\/p>\n Basic Needs Security<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Learning effectively and engaging wholly in class is dependent upon our basic security and having our fundamental needs met: having a safe place to sleep at night, regular access to nutritious food, and some assurance of safety. If you have difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or if you lack a safe and stable place to live, please contact Chris Porter, Assistant Dean of Students, at cjporter@umw.edu<\/a>.\u00a0 Additionally, the Gwen Hale Resource Center is a free resource on campus, providing food, toiletries and clothing to any member of our community. It is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 1pm to 6pm, on the 5th<\/sup> floor (floor A for Attic) of Lee Hall, or resource@umw.edu<\/a> . Finally, you are always welcome to talk with me about needs, if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable me to provide any resources I may possess.<\/p>\n Student Support<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The Digital Knowledge Center (DKC), located in HCC 408, provides UMW students with peer tutoring on digital projects and assignments. Any student at the University can take advantage of the Center\u2019s services by scheduling an appointment to work one-on-one or in a group with a student tutor. You can schedule a tutorial through\u00a0http:\/\/dkc.umw.edu<\/a>; while appointments are not required, they are recommended. Tutorials cover a wide range of topics related to common digital systems, technologies, new media, and tools used in courses at UMW. DKC tutors adhere to the UMW Honor Code during all appointments. They are available to provide guidance and advice, but they cannot create, produce, or edit work on a student\u2019s behalf.<\/p>\n If you are having difficulties with Canvas or connecting to online University resources, seek assistance from the Help Desk:<\/p>\n The Simpson Library provides access to important physical and online resources and spaces.\u00a0 Computers, printers, scanners, and study rooms are available for students, faculty, and staff.\u00a0 Research librarians are available to assist you via phone, email, chat, or face-to-face.<\/p>\n Online databases, research guides, and e-books are accessible off-campus by using your network ID and password.\u00a0 An online interlibrary loan service is also available so that students can request books and articles not available at the Simpson Library.<\/p>\n The Speaking and Writing Center, located in the Hurley Convergence Center 429, supports oral and written communication skills development through one-on-one or group consultations that address every stage of the composing process from brainstorming to final presentation and editing. UMW students can schedule 30- or 60-minute appointments, in-person or online, by visiting our webpage<\/a> and clicking on \u201cSchedule an Appointment\u201d or going directly to our appointment scheduler<\/a>.<\/p>\n We are committed to aiding development of written and oral skills aimed towards effectively communicating a diversity of views. The Speaking and Writing Center adheres strictly to the Honor Code; consultants will not compose any portion of a paper or presentation for a student, nor will they do research for a student.<\/p>\n For more information, please contact Dr. Leah Schweitzer, Director of the Speaking and Writing Center, at lschweit@umw.edu<\/a> or 540-654-1347 or visit our website at academics.umw.edu<\/a>\/swc\/.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n US History in Film (Honors) Fall 2024 HIST 329 9:30-10:45 TR HCC 329 Jeffrey McClurken Office: GW 105 Office Hours:\u00a0 By appointment (x1475 or through Canvas message) SM: @jmcclurken (Twitter\/X,\u00a0Bluesky,\u00a0Instagram) Course Description This course examines historically oriented motion pictures as both primary and secondary sources of information about the past.\u00a0 It starts from the premise … <\/p>\n
\nOffice: GW 105
\nOffice Hours:\u00a0 By appointment (x1475 or through Canvas message)
\nSM: @jmcclurken (Twitter\/X<\/a>,\u00a0Bluesky<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n
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\nTitle IX Coordinator
\nLee Hall, Room 401
\n1301 College Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22401
\nPhone: 540-654-5656
\nE-mail: rdavison@umw.edu
\nWebsite: http:\/\/diversity.umw.edu\/title-ix\/<\/p>\n
\nOn-Campus <\/em>
\nTalley Center for Counseling Services Lee Hall, Room 106, 540-654-1053 Student Health Center Lee Hall, Room 112, 540-654-1040<\/p>\n
\nEmpowerhouse 24-hr hotline: 540-373-9373
\nRappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault (RCASA) 24-hr hotline: 540-371-1666<\/p>\nDigital Knowledge Center<\/h5>\n
Help Desk (Computer Issues)<\/h5>\n
\n
Simpson Library<\/h5>\n
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Speaking and Writing Center<\/h5>\n
\nReadings and class schedule<\/a><\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"