LEARNING TO LOOK: Micro to Macro Meanings of a Visual Artifact

 

The purpose of this exercise is to get you thinking, researching, writing and ready to speak publically before the class. To accomplish this, you will perform a close group analysis of a single artifact from the 1920s in an attempt to illuminate the many possible connections between the artifact and the issues, questions, concerns and values of its day. This method of focusing on a discrete moment in the past to help explain larger historical forces at work -- moving from the micro to the macro level of analysis -- is a staple of the historian's craft.

At first glance, this task might mystify: "How can I possibly make multiple links between this one advertisement and the larger culture? Help!" In response, I have taken the liberty of selecting several topics for you to explore in small working groups with your peers (and my guidance). After you have researched your topic sufficiently, and brainstormed with your group about its relevance to the advertisement below, you will present your findings as a group to the class.

When designing your presentation, feel free to be as creative as you wish -- but also feel free use our discussion of the WWI propaganda posters as a model. I encourage you to adopt a conversational approach when you teach us about your topic -- ask questions, encourage comments, use handouts, refer to other groups' findings, etc.

Each group should meet with me to discuss their presentation. You will also present, as a group, a written summary of your presentation and findings to me. This will constitute part of your class participation grade.

 

1923 Lifebuoy AdUrbanization

Jazz Age Chicago: http://www.suba.com/%7Escottn/explore/mainmenu.htm

Transit and the American City: http://www.nbm.org/Exhibits/current/Transit.html

Eugenics

Cold Spring Harbor Lab: http://www.eugenicsarchive.org/eugenics/

American Eugenics Society: http://www.africa2000.com/ENDX/aepage.htm

 

Advertising

John B. Watson: http://www.marketers-hall-of-fame.com/1-john-watson-marketing.html

Hartman Center (Duke): http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/eaa/

"Typhoid Mary" & Immigration

Immigration Restriction http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/article_display.cfm?HHID=446

Typhoid Mary http://history1900s.about.com/library/weekly/aa062900a.htm

Physician's Report: http://www.assumption.edu/users/McClymer/his394/TyphoidMary

Public Health & Influenza Epidemic 1918

American Experience: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/influenza/

Photographs:

http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/collections/archives/agalleries/1918flu/1918flu.html

Stanford site: http://history1900s.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stanford.edu%2Fgroup%2Fvirus%2Fuda%2F