Mark R. Cheathem Elizabeth R. Varon, Fugitive slave law, John L. Brooke, Jonathan Daniel Wells, SHEAR

SHEAR 2011: Fugitive Slaves

These posts are written from notes that may be incomplete or that may not contain the nuances that the presenters and commenters conveyed. I'm also trying to finish this post before I dash off to lunch, so caveat emptor, readers. At one of the 10:30 sessions, moderated by Michael A. Morrison, Jonathan Daniels Wells (Temple … Continue reading SHEAR 2011: Fugitive Slaves

Mark R. Cheathem SHEAR

SHEAR 2011: Off to a Fast Start

I made it to Philadelphia yesterday, but only by a whisker. Lines at Nashville International were packed; in fact, I've never seen an airport so busy during a non-holiday period. Thankfully, I made it on my direct flight on time. A pesky headache and plugged-up ears from the flight kept me from attending the plenary … Continue reading SHEAR 2011: Off to a Fast Start

Mark R. Cheathem Alexis de Tocqueville, Andrew Jackson, The Hermitage

The Hermitage’s Podcast Series: Commemorating Alexis de Tocqueville

This month's Hermitage podcast discusses one of my favorite Jacksonian-era individuals, Alexis de Tocqueville. July 29 marks the birth of Alexis de Tocqueville - a Frenchman who traveled to the United States and turned his observations on Democracy in America a landmark work. Join us as we talk to Dr. Aurelian Craiutu - Associate Professor … Continue reading The Hermitage’s Podcast Series: Commemorating Alexis de Tocqueville

Mark R. Cheathem Andrew Jackson, Kinship, Masculinity, SHEAR

Andrew Jackson’s Advice About Masculinity to His Male Wards

I'm looking forward to presenting at next week's Society for Historians of the Early Republic (SHEAR) meeting in Philadelphia, a conference, by the way, that does not suffer from many of these problems. I'll do my best to blog and tweet during the conference, in between attending panels and losing money to Jim Broussard and … Continue reading Andrew Jackson’s Advice About Masculinity to His Male Wards

Mark R. Cheathem Andrew Jackson, Election of 1828, Filson Historical Society, Slavery

My Week at the Filson

I had the privilege of spending five days at the Filson Historical Society last week. The Filson awards several fellowships and internships; I was the recipient of a one-week Filson Fellowship. If you're interested in history, you should check out the Filson's newsmagazine or become a member. At the very least, pay it a visit--you won't be disappointed. Before I recap my week, … Continue reading My Week at the Filson

Mark R. Cheathem Teaching

Is Historical Knowledge Declining?

The recent announcement of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores is adding to the angst that "another generation of ignorant voters" is being raised. (In a classic appeal to conspiracy thinking, Rick Santorum blames the Left.) Not everyone is buying the historical-hell-in-a-handbasket meme, though. Paul Burke points out several flaws in the exam, including … Continue reading Is Historical Knowledge Declining?

Mark R. Cheathem Liberal arts

Is The Liberal Arts Degree Still Valuable?

The recent Salon.com article "Is It Time to Kill the Liberal Arts Degree?" sparked an interesting discussion on my personal Facebook page. I argued that employers want graduates who can write well, think critically, and solve problems--all things a liberal arts degree prepares one to do. Others agreed but pointed out that it's not necessarily an … Continue reading Is The Liberal Arts Degree Still Valuable?

Mark R. Cheathem Books, Teaching

Books for Fall 2011 Early U.S. Survey Course

I'm using three new books in my Early U.S. survey courses this fall. I like to assign books that cover a mixture of topics and usually use two that include primary sources. Richard Godbeer, The Salem Witch Trials: A Brief History with Documents (Bedford/St. Martin's 2011) I've been waiting for a short B/SM book on the … Continue reading Books for Fall 2011 Early U.S. Survey Course

Mark R. Cheathem Academic dishonesty, Andrew Jackson, Augustus Buell

Wayback Machine: Beware of Augustus C. Buell: He’s A Fraud

I'm trying to finish off the Jackson manuscript and a SHEAR conference paper, so this week, I'm revisiting my post about Augustus C. Buell. From 6 January 2011: We hear far too often today about historians who plagiarize from their peers or who fabricate data. I've written here about Michael Bellesiles, but there are certainly plenty of … Continue reading Wayback Machine: Beware of Augustus C. Buell: He’s A Fraud

Mark R. Cheathem James Loewen, Lies My Teacher Told Me, Teaching

Revisiting Lies My Teacher Told Me

One of my former professors and current colleagues is retiring. He brought a present by my office last week: an e-mail that I sent him near the end of my first semester as a Ph.D. student at Mississippi State. The e-mail outlines my infatuation with James Loewen's Lies My Teacher Told Me and my plan … Continue reading Revisiting Lies My Teacher Told Me