1 History 615 – Spring 2005 "The Life and Times of George Washington" Prof. Peter R. Henriques
Office Hours: 6:30 – 7:10 p.m. on Mondays and by appointment. Home Phone: 703-743-1940 [Students may feel free to call me at home] E-Mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Tentative Course Outline
January 24 Introduction; Virginia during GW’s youth
January 31 The Emergence of GW
February 7 GW and the French and Indian War
February 14 GW: Love and Marriage
February 21 GW: The Complete Virginia Gentleman; Mount Vernon
February 28 GW and the Coming of the American Revolution
March 7 Special trip to Mount Vernon. Meet there at 7 p.m.
March 14 Spring Break
March 21 GW and the American Revolution, Part 1
March 28 GW and the American Revolution, Part 2
April 4 GW and the Move for a Strong Union
April 11 GW and Slavery; GW and Religion
April 18 GW as President: First term
April 25 GW as President: Second term
May 2 GW: The Final Chapter; Overview
May 9 Final Exam 2 This class will primarily be a reading and discussion course focusing on the life and career of George Washington, although through the study of Washington we shall hopefully gain insights into broader subjects such as slavery, republicanism and the meaning of the American experiment. There will be no large paper but rather a number of book reviews and small papers, normally one each week. It should be emphasized that all written reviews are to be done without any references to published book reviews or other sources, including the web, unless specifically authorized by the instructor. Students may do more extensive outside reading for extra credit. The goals of the course include strengthening the student’s knowledge of George Washington and the founding of the United States, and increasing both critical analytical abilities and writing skills.
The final grade will consist of class participation [25%], written work [50%], and an in-class final exam [25%]. Classroom participation is evaluated not primarily on the amount of participation but on the quality of participation. Obviously, one cannot participate if one is not in class. Papers handed in late are penalized with a letter grade for each week unless permission has been obtained. Papers are due even if the student is not in class that week.
Required Books
Thomas Lewis, For King and Country Marcus Cunliffe, Man and Monument Richard Brookhiser, Founding Father Paul Longmore, The Invention of George Washington David Hackett Fisher, Washington’s Crossing Don Higginbotham, editor, GW Reconsidered Joseph Ellis, His Excellency Henry Wiencek, Imperfect God Richard Norton Smith, Patriarch Peter Henriques, Realistic Visionary [on my website]
There will also be a number of articles that will be handed out in class or are available on the web. There will be a charge for the articles, depending on the number actually assigned, which will be collected near the end of the semester but will probably not be more than $5. Specific assignments shall be given each week and will be posted on my web site that will also carry a number of articles and other information pertaining to George Washington. The book reviews should not exceed five pages in length.
My website is: http://chnm.gmu.edu/courses/henriques/hist615/index.htm