HIST 244-01, History of Childhood in America, Fall 2009

Abstract

All societies seek to transmit their values, traditions, expectations, and skills to the rising generation. We can study this process and how it has changed over time by examining the lives of American children and the institutions created to train them. “The History of Childhood in America” is a survey of the ways in which the concept of childhood has been defined and valued throughout the course of American history, as well as an examination of the historical experiences of children and teens. Every effort will be made to include the experiences of children both within and outside of middle-class white America. This course is organized chronologically and concentrates on three major themes in the history of childhood: (1) parenting/discipline/ teaching values (2) child-focused institutions (schools, courts, social welfare agencies) (3) material culture (furniture, books, games, movies, TV, advertising) Class time will be divided between discussion of readings (with all students expected to participate), lectures providing historical context and theoretical interpretation, and reflections on the work at Hope & Healing. This course includes a required community-based learning component at the Hope and Healing Center. Students who do not have independent transportation should tell the Service-learning Fellow immediately so that car-pooling can be arranged.