Assignment for November 23 HIS 4104 - Historical Epistemology CRN 81180

Atomic Bomb www.us-history.com/photos

Readings:

Handout	All
After the Fact, "Jackson's Frontier -- and Turner's"	Pages 70-94
After the Fact, "Huey Generis"	Pages 254-274
After the Fact, "Decision to Drop the Bomb"	Pages 275-302

Written Assignment:

1. How would you say that the new methodologies of history are tied to the revisions in the "search for objectivity"? Can anyone be totally objective in her/his analysis of history? How do your own biases affect your reading of history? How do you feel you should compensate for these biases in both the reading and research of history?

2. From the reading "Jackson's Frontier -- and Turner's": In a broad (and brief) sense, how do you feel the frontier theory affected the study of US history? How did it promote ethnocentrism when applied by US historians to other areas than the US West? (Think about this both in the 19th and 20th centuries when you answer this question.)

3. From the reading "Huey Generis": Do you believe it is the "great men" or the "little 'men'" who actually make history? Explain your decision, using examples of why this is so?

4. From the reading "Decision to Drop the Bomb": Explain how you see models used in the study of history. Do you think history fits in models? Why or why not? Use examples to explain your answers.

Additional Assignment:

We will discuss problems and successes you are having with the oral history project. Please come to class prepared to discuss your interview and progress on your website.

Every student must meet with Dr. Kent between November 23 and December 1 to deliver his/her disk containing the website for the oral history project. E-Mail or call Dr. Kent to set up this appointment. For any problems, please contact Dr. Kent so that she can work with you to get images scanned, resolve link problems, etc., etc.