History & Nothingness @ GMU

You can get a clear idea of why the knowledge of American history has hit rock bottom by looking at the curriculum at most universities.

Consider, for example, the historical offerings at George Mason University:

HIST 364 – Revolution and Radical Politics in Latin America
Credits: 3

During 20th century, Latin America has witnessed both peaceful political movements and violent revolutions aimed at achieving social justice. Considers several of these movements in comparative perspective: Mexican Revolution, Arbenz government in Guatemala, Allende regime in Chile, Cuban and Nicaraguan revolutions, and Brazilian Worker’s Party.

HIST 366 – Comparative Slavery
Credits: 3

Examines systems of slavery from ancient world to modern world, with special emphasis on Atlantic slave trade and slave societies in Latin America and Anglo America. Considers impact of slaves and slavery on cultural, economic, and political systems in Africa and Americas from 16th to 19th centuries.

HIST 342 – The African American Experience in Modern Sport
Credits: 3

Examines the history of African American athletes and their experiences with the sporting world from the late nineteenth century to the present. Explores African Americans’ relationship to various sports against the backdrop of important historical moments in the U.S. Studies scientific racism and black athletic superiority, the experience of African American women in sport, and sport and celebrity culture.

HIST 343 – Gender and Modern American Sport
Credits: 3

Examines the history of the gendering of U.S. sport from the late nineteenth century to the present. Explores how masculinity and American sport became wedded in the nineteenth century; women athletes’ efforts to compete against the backdrop of changing American attitudes toward gender, femininity, and sexuality; and contemporary gender and sport issues.

HIST 340 – History of American Racial Thought
Credits: 3

Introduces history of American racial thought, with particular emphasis on relationship between social theory and social practices of racism in American life. Examines origins.

 

Spencer Irvine is a staff writer at Accuracy in Academia.
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