This term I have started teaching my ten week MA module entitled The Atlantic World 1450-1800. This is the second year that I have run this unit,. not only giving…
New Year, New Challenges?
Having enjoyed a complete break over the Christmas period, it’s now time to turn back towards work and think about what future has to offer. The New Year naturally brings…
End of term at last!
I know that all academics and teachers are feeling relief at seeing the Christmas break approaching! It’s not that we don’t enjoy our jobs and can’t wait for a break,…
American History Reading Group
Sometimes Americanists can feel isolated in their departments because they are surrounded by American scholars of other disciplines in an American studies department, or other historians in a History department.…
American history scholarship: the European connection
Many scholars working on the history of the US while being based in the UK see their workig life as a series of transatlantic relationships. They go to the US…
Pros and cons of working outside America
I thought it would be interesting to think this week about the unusual position of being a scholar of American history living and working outside the US. Many academics consider…
Myths of American History
Many of the students I teach have never studied any American history before. It’s not something that comes up regularly on the school curriculum. Some have studied a little slavery…
Teaching American History with Visual Sources
Gone are the days when history was a subject researched and studied through textual sources only. Although text-based sources are still very important, the visual image also now has pride…
African History portal
At first glance it might seem odd that as an Americanist I am using my blog to promote a portal to African History websites, but as many of you will…
Large Academic Conferences: should I go?
As academics we are encouraged to join associations relating to our field and also to attend the conferences organised by these groups. In the field of American history and American…