HUM 2450.A01/A02 Assignments
5/24-5/28/04 (Week 3)


Assignments can be updated at needs/speed of the class; you will be notified of updates by e-mail, and are responsible for checking the page after notification. Click on links for online readings.

  • for MONDAY May 24 -- online lecture notes for this section available online now.
    -- Pohl. Ch.2 74-98, 104-112

  • for TUESDAY May 25
    -- Pohl. Ch.2 74-98, 104-112
    Online readings:
    -- Thomas Paine, "Common Sense [1776]. Paine's "pamphlet" influenced Jefferson and the other composers of the Declaration and Constitution. It remains one of the hallmarks of Enlightenment (and native-American)-influenced thought of the Revolutionary period.
    -- Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence [1776]. The biggie, wherein Jefferson and his Revolutionary chums break America's ties with George III, King of England, over the Taxation Without Representation issue (all matters of religious freedom & etc. aside). Herein, the leaders of the Revolution came to think of themselves as "Americans."

  • for WEDNESDAY May 26 --
    online lecture notes for this section available online now    .
    -- continue online readings

  • for THURSDAY May 27
    -- Pohl Ch.3 130-171

  • for FRIDAY May 28
    -- Pohl Ch.3 130-171
    Online readings:
    -- de Crevecour, "What Is an American?" [1782]. De Crevecour, citizen of France, attempts to encapsulate this odd new creature for both himself and those back in France as that nation dragged toward its own revolution. Often quoted for jingoistic purposes, de Crevecour's ideas cast "Americans" in probably the best light they've ever been seen in.
    -- Benjamin Franklin, "Information for Such as Would Remove" [1782]. Franklin's wry wit here attempts to discuss "Americans" and "America" to those thinking of joinging the new endeavor.
    -- Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy in America (excerpt) [1831]. De Tocqueville's discussions of the then-new "American-style" democracy has become a classic text of not only governmental portrayal, but also of equal keen critical insight and romanticization.
    »» Links:
    Schedule for Week 4
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