May 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Course Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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HIST 2041 - Myths in U.S. History

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 0
Internship hours per week 0
Course Description: This course focuses on the politics of United States history, exploring how and why the documented history of the nation often diverges from the way it is popularly remembered. It uses case studies from controversial or widely mythologized topics in American history to help students better understand the nature of history and its differences from historical memory.  Recurring themes include historical memory, colonialism, racism, democracy, capitalism, and exclusion. 
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science, 9 Ethical/Civic Responsibility

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1020  with a grade of C or higher or ENGL 1021  with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content
  1. The Contested Politics of U.S. History
  2. What is History, Myth, and Memory?
  3. The Role of Myths in Nationalism
  4. Myths about Native Americans
  5. Myths about the Founding, Constitution, and Democracy
  6. Myths about Slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction
  7. Myths about the American West and the Frontier
  8. Myths about Immigration, Assimilation, and the Border
  9. Myths about Capitalism, Class, and Social Mobility
  10. Myths about Race, Segregation, and the Civil Rights Movements
  11. Myths about Gender, Sexuality, and the Family
  12. Myths about American Empire, Wars, and Interventions

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. differentiate between myths and history in the context of the United States.
  2. articulate the effects that historical myths have had on contemporary American politics, society, and culture. 
  3. contrast multiple interpretations of United States history that have been produced by diverse peoples operating within different contexts and perspectives. 
  4. apply the standards of historical evidence and credibility while using diverse sources.
  5. formulate a historical argument.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC): Goals and Competencies
Competency Goals (MnTC Goals 1-6)
05. 01. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
09. 01. Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
09. 02. Understand and apply core concepts (e.g. politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.
09. 04. Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.



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