This interdisciplinary course focuses on the relationship between history and culture, specifically US history and the ways in which we narrate that history to ourselves. We will examine four time periods in the history of US development: 1) the colonial era (17^th century); 2) the age of slavery 3) the Gilded Ageand Progressive Era (late 19th-early 20^th century); and 4) the age of globalization (the late 20^th century). In each case, we will examine the ways that people have employed stories about the meaning of America in order to gain, maintain, or redistribute power and resources. For example, we will trace the history of the concept of "rugged individualism" in order to learn how this concept, which has been held up as an unchanging and timeless expression of what makes us American, is in fact variable. We will ask how people have used individualism to justify their use of the land and its resources. We will also consider how the concept holds up in the contemporary context, which is characterized by global integration and interconnection. Is rugged individualism a viable concept in a complex, interconnected world? Is it a viable concept in a world where identity is increasingly defined through consumer choice? Assessment for the course will consist of 15 short on-line responses, two mid-term exams, one final exam, and one web project on globalization (don't worry, I will help you learn the skills needed to do well on this assignment).

John Demos, The Unredeemed Captive: A Family Story From Early America
Harriet Jacobs, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
Walter LaFeber, Michael Jordan and the New Global Capitalism
Electronic reserve readings

• Books can be purchased at the student union bookstore.
• Electronic reserve readings will be available in the "Course Materials" Folder of Blackboard.

On-Line Comprehension Exercises: You will be asked to post a brief response to the reading materials on the virtual discussion board at least 15 times during the semester. The assignments will be posted in the “Discussion Board” section of the Blackboard (http://blackboard.okstate.edu). Each assignment will be worth ten points, and together they will comprise 15% of your course grade. . There will be no late postings accepted.

Exams (2 Mid-Terms, 1 Final): Exams will consist of identifications, short-answer responses, and/or essay questions and will cover the course readings, lectures, and discussions in equal measure. Check the course schedule to determine exam dates. There will always be a study guide offered for the exams; it behooves you to use it. Make-up exams will be given only in cases of documented emergency and only if I am notified of said emergency before the scheduled dat and time of the exam. If you contact me after you miss an exam, I will be unable to help you, and you will receive a grade of zero.

Web Project Assignment: I will provide a handout explaining the assignment as it nears, but basically, it will require you to explore a connection between your personal world and the global economy. For example, you could trace the production process your Nike shoes or Levi jeans followed, or you could discuss how the Port of Catoosa fits into global trade,or you could examine the causes and effects of Hispanic immigration in Tulsa county, and so on. You will be paired with a partner for this assignment and the two of you will be responsible for selecting a topic that falls within the parameters of the assignment. What you will produce is a single web page (minimum, though you make additional pages if desired) that displays your research into thechosen topic in a multimedia format (including text, graphics, music and/or streaming video). We will dedicate time in-class to the development of this project, including several skill workshops that will help you learn how to build a web page. DO NOT FEAR THIS PROJECT!! IT WILL BE FUN AND WILL GIVE YOU SOME BASIC WEB SKILLS THAT WILL BE MARKETABLE IN YOUR FUTURE LIVES.