I've been working--both thinking and writing--on a term project for my fall class(es). I did this before, back in the high school, and it was mildly popular, but haven't yet tried it at either of the colleges. I don't remember when and why I came up with this.
It is based on the NCAA March Madness brackets. Back when, teaching high school world history, I chose 64 people, one for each bracket. I tried to seed them. Students were asked to recall what we learned of each and then voted/chose the "winners." They couldn't just pick a favorite. It was a little more difficult than that, but you get the idea.
I am trying to make this far more involved for the college students. I haven't yet decided what form it will take, but likely will be a replacement for a term paper or some other lengthy assignment I have. Perhaps students will be asked to write something of significance for each person, then will have to choose between the two in the brackets. Choices will have to be reasoned; no credit for a mere choice. Students will have to weigh accomplishments/importance for their selections. I anticipate five to ten pages per student, maybe more.
I'm stuck right now. Mostly lately I've been teaching US History, the first half, and, of course, Michigan History. It has been tough to come up with 64 names in the US History and even more difficult in Michigan History. I have 50+ for the US, but some are a little obscure. I have the #1 seeds: Lincoln, Madison, Washington, Jefferson. The #2 seeds are Franklin, J. Adams, Jackson, Hamilton. Those are subject to changes. I'm thinking of having 32 bracket slots. Calhoun, Grant, Webster, Clay, Lee, Davis, JQ Adams, Douglass, Tubman, Marshall, Taney, Whitney...... There is still some thinking to do.
Michigan History certainly would be at most 32 slots, but likely 16. Those of you not familiar with Michigan's history won't recognize many names: Cass, Mason, Astor, Cadillac, Chandler, Richard, Woodward, Young, Ford (two of them), Murphy, Durant, Williams.......
Both are still works in progress. But I am pretty excited about starting this at the colleges.
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About Me
- Ron Marinucci
- I have been married to Karen for 47 of my 73 years. I have two sons, Mike and Matt, both adults (at least in chronological age), and three grandchildren. I am retired, I suppose. I continue to teach college history, part-time; I still enjoy it, although the increasing amount of silly paperwork is grating and will likely be what drives me to fully retire. I have a BA in history from Amherst College and three graduate degrees. I do a little writing, too, some of which actually brings in some money.
2 comments:
I like this idea! I however, think you may get several one or two word answers from many students.. Would hope that this being something new that many would get into the change and really enjoy it. Try it for sure. I would take the class but, I do not think my (?)
would be in by than. I will fill in the blank later!
This seems like a really cool idea! I'm pretty sure my Dad had you in high school...he has mentioned your name before as one of his favorite teachers 😁 it's refreshing to see a teacher who seems so passionate about teaching (because we all know some teachers don't put in the same amount of effort as others). Anyway if you see this have an incredibly nice day!
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