Reading the American Landscape

History 615, section 5. George Mason University. Spring 2007

Thursday, 7:20 – 10 pm. Krug Hall 19

Professor Zachary M. Schrag

Robinson B 375C. Tel. 703/993-1257.

E-mail: zschrag@gmu.edu (please include “615” in subject header).

Office Hours: Thursdays, 3-5 pm, and by appointment. No office hours on March 29.

Course website: http://readingthelandscape.pbwiki.com

Course discussion board: http://schrag.s4.bizhat.com

General advice: http://www.schrag.info/teaching

This graduate reading seminar will explore the ways that historians and other scholars have studied America's built environment to understand the nation. It will emphasize the variety of methodologies used to explore the American landscape: urban history, architectural history, environmental history, cultural geography, and historic preservation prominent among them. Books will cover topics ranging from the colonial period to the late twentieth century. Each student will also visit one museum or historic site, chosen to fit her interests and schedule.

Supplemental Readings

Exhibits (TBA)

Ten Ways to See a Landscape