Unit 4 returns to fundamental questions about equality and political power in American democracy, focusing on political rights in relation to the ideals of the Declaration and the principles laid out in the Constitution. Readings and discussions center the experiences of people of color and women in 19th-century America and tie back to the Greeks in further exploration of the inevitability of war, as well as the ways in which conflicts around political power reshape democracy.
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Learning Objectives:
Understand the experiences of people of color and women in 19th-century America and how those experiences contradict the substantive ideals identified in Unit 1.
Consider the role and costs of war as a mechanism to maintain a democratic nation.
Understand how to read and interpret speeches as written documents, and how to compare and contrast varying interpretations of the same speech.
Readings
These are required readings that students complete the night before. The fellows review the readings in study groups on the morning of your seminar.
Douglass, Frederick. “What to the Slave is the 4th of July?” Rochester: Lee, Mann & Co., 1852.
Lincoln, Abraham. “Gettysburg Address.” In The Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, Vol. IX, edited by John G. Nicolay and John Hay. New York: Tany-Thomas Co.,
1905.
Lincoln, Abraham. “First Inaugural Address.” In Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States from George Washington 1789 to Richard Milhous Nixon 1969,
editor unknown. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1969.
Lincoln, Abraham. “Second Inaugural Address.” In Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States from George Washington 1789 to Richard Milhous Nixon 1969,
editor unknown. Washington, D.C.: U. S. Government Printing Office, 1969.
Stanton, Elizabeth Cady. “Seneca Falls Convention Declaration of Sentiments” (Seneca Falls Convention, Seneca Falls, NY, July 19-20, 1848).
Truth, Sojourner. “Women’s Rights Convention Speech” (Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. May 29, 1851).*
What Students Know:
In previous units, students explored the foundation of American democracy. Unit 1 delved into the ideals of democracy within the American Revolution, while Unit 2 focused on their implementation in the Constitution. Unit 3 provided historical context by examining conflicts in ancient Greece, prompting critical reflection on leadership, freedom, civic duty, war, and historical narratives. Through readings and discussions, students gained insights into the evolution of democratic principles and their significance in different historical contexts. Students also completed a unit on analytical reading taught by fellows.
Writing Assignment
Throughout the week, students will be working with writing instructors and tutors to develop a 3-5 page college-level academic essay. Students are expected to use assigned readings as primary sources and are encouraged to use study groups and seminar discussions to support their writing. You are welcome to highlight any topics during the discussion that you think might be relevant to their essay writing.
Your Role
Faculty provide a core service in our academic boot camps by ensuring that WSP participants experience a college-level course in a real-life setting. This experience helps to instill confidence and prompt motivation to pursue higher education. Your role is, ultimately, to be yourself; to share your expertise with participants and to run the class like you would with traditional college students. We highly encourage you to find ways to connect with participants and to share any advice you have for them as they transition from military service to higher education.
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