I've written previously about the usefulness and necessity of examining conspiracy theories, and I also provided an outline of my conspiracy theories course. Several weeks ago, a student approached me asking for reading suggestions about conspiracy theories. The request provided a good opportunity to write a blog post that I've wanted to write outlining the essential … Continue reading Essential Readings on Conspiracy Thinking
Andrew Jackson, Southerner Available for Pre-Sale
Amazon.com has Andrew Jackson, Southerner listed at a pre-sale price of 29.80. That's 25% off of the list price of $39.95. I also plan to hold a contest of some sort to give away a handful of signed copies this fall.
An Open Letter on MOOCs and Social Justice
I try to confine my MOOC commentary to Twitter and Facebook, but this seemed important enough to break radio silence. The philosophy department at San Jose State University has written an open letter to one of their peers at Harvard, Michael Sandel, about his MOOC on social justice. The letter outlines the faculty's objections to MOOCs … Continue reading An Open Letter on MOOCs and Social Justice
The Founding Fathers Drop It Like It’s Hot
I'm speechless. Because nothing says "Founding Fathers" chic like fabric depicting them in A & F skin-revealing poses. And according to Urban Dictionary, the blog title might actually be appropriate. H/t @JennieGoloboy
Andrew Jackson, Southerner in LSU Press’ Fall 2013 Catalog
The Fall 2013 LSU Press catalog includes Andrew Jackson, Southerner. Here is the description: Many Americans view Andrew Jackson as a frontiersman who fought duels, killed Indians, and stole another man’s wife. Historians have traditionally presented Jackson as a man who struggled to overcome obstacles and helped create a more democratic United States. In his compelling new … Continue reading Andrew Jackson, Southerner in LSU Press’ Fall 2013 Catalog
Conspiracy Theories in the Aftermath of Tragedies
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston. As I kept up with the news about the bombings yesterday via Twitter and Facebook, two thoughts came to mind. The first was the unreliability of reports circulating right after a tragedy such as this one. I can't even imagine what the immediate post-9/11 rumor … Continue reading Conspiracy Theories in the Aftermath of Tragedies
Cha-ching!
After nearly six years in print, here's the first payoff from Old Hickory's Nephew: I know what you're thinking: "Will Mark loan me some money?" Sorry-the money's already spent.
Summer 2013 Reading
Research commitments are going to require me to scale back this summer's casual readings, but I have a short list of childhood favorites that I want to revisit: John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn Johann David Wyss, The Swiss Family Robinson On the surface, it … Continue reading Summer 2013 Reading
Reflections on Robert V. Remini
As I noted earlier this week, Robert V. Remini passed away on March 28. Given his age, it wasn't unexpected news. In fact, I had just been wondering about the health of Remini and also Donald Cole, who turned 91 last Sunday, over the weekend. Last year, I included Remini among the historians who influenced … Continue reading Reflections on Robert V. Remini
R.I.P. Robert V. Remini
Tim Lacy has written a reflection about working with Jacksonian historian Robert V. Remini, who passed away last Thursday. I'll post my own thoughts about Remini later this week.
Jacksonian America: Society, Personality, and Politics 