Union, Race and Nation: An ICH Seminar

The Institute for Constitutional History is has announced another Robert H. Smith seminar for advanced graduate students and junior faculty, "Union, Race, and Nation: Creating the Federal Republic, 1776-1801."  It will meet September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 25, and Nov. 1 (Thursdays) from 3-5 pm. The seminar will meet at the New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York City.  The instructors are Peter S. Onuf, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Professor in the Corcoran Department of History at the University of Virginia, and Annette Gordon-Reed, who is a Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, a Professor of History in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and the Carol K. Pforzheimer Professor at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.

The Institute explains:

This seminar will explore the origins of American constitutionalism from 1776 through 1801, the years of Revolution to the election of Thomas Jefferson. We will explore the problem of union: empire and federal republic, the ratification debates and the development of political parties, slavery and freedom, state building, geopolitics and foreign affairs, and the Revolution of 1800. The assigned readings will consist of secondary works--some that provide an overview of the period under consideration and others that focus on specific topics and themes. We will also consider critical primary documents from that time including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, The Northwest Ordinance, and Jefferson's First Inaugural Address.

The seminar is designed for graduate students and junior faculty in history, political science, law, and related disciplines. All participants will be expected to complete the assigned readings and participate in seminar discussions. Although the Institute cannot offer academic credit directly for the seminar, students may be able to earn graduate credit through their home departments by completing an independent research project in conjunction with the seminar. Please consult with your advisor and/or director of graduate studies about these possibilities. Space is limited, so applicants should send a copy of their c.v. and a short statement on how this seminar will be useful to them in their research, teaching, or professional development. Materials will be accepted only by email at MMarcus@nyhistory.org until June 1, 2012. Successful applicants will be notified soon thereafter.

There is no tuition or other charge for this seminar, though participants will be expected to acquire the assigned books on their own.

Hat tip: H-Law