Dr.
Kimberly Alexander
Spring 2012
W 5:10–7:00, HORT 445
772/872 STUDIES IN
REGIONAL MATERIAL CULTURE
The course features intensive examination of specialized
topics in American History and introduces the theory and methodology of
material culture: the study of
history through the analysis of buildings, human-created landscapes and
artifacts made and used in the United States. Emphasis will be on readings that
reflect fresh trends in research strategies or interpretive directions. In
addition to methodology, practical experience will be discussed. Exploration of current methodologies
and "best practices" employed by those involved in the study,
interpretation, and display of material culture objects both within and outside
a contextual setting. In addition
to lectures, focus will be on specialized readings from contemporary periodicals and guest lecturers in
archaeology, building preservation, costume history, maritime trades, print
culture and more.
For further information on
course design, see www.matcultmuse.blogspot.com
Three lecture hours per week.
This course may be repeated for additional credits.
Prerequisites: A minimum of
nine hours of previous course work in History and permission of the Department
Chairperson.
REQUIRED TEXTS
(Available in the college bookstore and online)
Jaffee, David. Material Culture of Early America. Bethlehem, PA: Elibron Classics, 2005. ISBN
978-0-81224257-7
Nylander, Jane. Our Own
Snug Fireside, Images of the New England Home, 1760-1860. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1993. ISBN 0-394549884-8
Sloane, Eric.A Museum of
Early American Tools. New York: Funk
& Wagnalls, 1964.
BLACKBOARD
Additional materials will be posted on Blackboard
COURSE POLICIES
Office Hours:
Before
class and by appointment
Attendance and
Assignments
• Students are expected to
attend all classes and to take extensive notes on all lectures, videos,
discussions, etc.
• To get the maximum
benefit out of lectures and class discussions, complete readings before a new
topic.
• Grades will be based on your demonstration of what you
have learned in the course. You
will want to be sure to incorporate into your assignments and examinations the
knowledge and skills you have learned in readings, lectures, and discussions.
• An excessive number of
absences will reduce your grade.
• Grades will be reduced for
late assignments.
STUDIES IN REGIONAL
MATERIAL CULTURE
COURSE SCHEDULE
Week of:
1. Jan 25
Introduction
Discussion Overview of readings and assignments
In
Class Exercise: application of various methodologies to the study of material
culture
Lecture: Alexander,
Balance & Beauty: Georgian Design in Early America
Readings: Jaffee,
Introduction, Ch. 1
Recommended: Additional readings will be provided as handouts or
downloaded to blackboard
2. Feb 1 Guerilla
Research: Writing Material Culture Today
Discussion How do we write about material culture and why?
Current
trends and applications
Lecture Alexander:
Case Study: The 1793 Montgomery Store Daybook Blog
Readings: Jaffee,
Ch. 2
Nylander,
Preface & Chapter 1
3. Feb 8 The Social History of Books
Lecture Professor Dane Morrison, Salem State University
Discussion In class exercise: books, prints + almanacs
Readings: Jaffee,
Ch. 3
Nylander,
1-2
4. Feb 15 Bits
of Old China: Archaeology and Ceramics
Lecture: Sheila
Charles, Staff Archaeologist, Strawbery Banke Museum
Tara
Vose, Curator and Collections Manager, Strawbery Banke Museum
Readings: Jaffee,
Ch. 4
Nylander,
3
5. Feb 22 Using
Objects in a Museum Setting
Readings: Jaffe,
Ch. 5
Nylander,
4
NO CLASS MUSEUM VISIT ON YOUR OWN
6. Feb 29 The
Cooper, His Work and His Tools
Lecture & Demo Ron
Raiselis, Raiselis Cooperage
Readings: Jaffee,
Ch. 6
Nylander,
5-6
Sloane
7. Mar 7 What
Buildings Tell Us
Lecture James Garvin, Ph.D. NH State Architectural Historian
(ret.)
Readings: Jaffee,7
Sloane
Chapter
assignments from Garvin, A Building History….
DUE EXHIBTION
CRITIQUE I
8. Mar 14 NO
CLASS SPRING BREAK
9. Mar 22 NO
CLASS MUSEUM VISIT ON YOUR OWN
10. Mar 29 Brocade & Paste Buckles: The Shoe Trilogy
Lecture: Alexander
on current research
Nylander,
7-8
11. Apr 4 Visit to UNH Museum: Behind the Scenes Tour
Roundtable : with
Embellishments exhibit team.
Nylander,
9-10 + backmatter
12. Apr 11
Roundtable : Discussion,
student projects
DUE
EXHIBTION CRITIQUE II
13. Apr 18 Beyond the Gallery: Using Public and Local
History in Exhibits and Education
Lecture Alexander “Fitz John Porter: Hero or Coward”
Social
Media and extending your reach
In class exercise Writing for all audiences: the label
14. Apr .25 STUDENT
PRESENTATIONS
15. May 2 STUDENT
PRESENTATIONS
16. May 9 PAPERS/PROJECTS
DUE
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