With over half the semester already passed, the American History Project is well on its way. I originally joined this extended learning opportunity because my background in American history was quite frankly lacking. Subsequently, I found it fortunate that the McConnell center would be addressing this area throughout the year. As a freshman, this has been my first ELO and has made quite the mark. Thus far the seminars and the trip to Williamsburg in particular have been filled with engaging, enriching opportunities that have had what I am sure are lasting effects. That is not to say, however, that it is what I expected.
I have come across a wealth of knowledge in the form of enlightened speakers who have passionately unfolded the tale of American history, but I have gained more than simply textbook knowledge. While answering questions during seminars and elaborating on moments in history, many of the speakers have bridged the past to the present to show the profound prevalence of American history to modern times. From Andrew Cayton's discussion of the roots of power in persuasion to the Williamsburg discussions of regionalism with Albion's Seed, it is clear that American history is still a living part of our day to day lives.
On the McConnell binders we received at the beginning of the year, it had a quote on the back cover by President Truman stating that "leaders must be readers." At first I was uncertain what this meant because I unsure at how reading pragmatically affected leadership. After being exposed to scholarly seminar leaders as well as the texts associated with them, however, it has become clear to me from the American History Project that by reading and studying the texts of American history, one can confidently meet the challenges of our country's future.
Arsh Haque
Class of 2015
I have come across a wealth of knowledge in the form of enlightened speakers who have passionately unfolded the tale of American history, but I have gained more than simply textbook knowledge. While answering questions during seminars and elaborating on moments in history, many of the speakers have bridged the past to the present to show the profound prevalence of American history to modern times. From Andrew Cayton's discussion of the roots of power in persuasion to the Williamsburg discussions of regionalism with Albion's Seed, it is clear that American history is still a living part of our day to day lives.
On the McConnell binders we received at the beginning of the year, it had a quote on the back cover by President Truman stating that "leaders must be readers." At first I was uncertain what this meant because I unsure at how reading pragmatically affected leadership. After being exposed to scholarly seminar leaders as well as the texts associated with them, however, it has become clear to me from the American History Project that by reading and studying the texts of American history, one can confidently meet the challenges of our country's future.
Arsh Haque
Class of 2015