There are many different ways to learn (passively absorbing material in a classroom is one of the WORST ways to learn); among the best ways that researchers have found for people to learn about a subject includes active involvement and experiencing as many different methods of communication about a concept as possible. To help you learn a bit more about the things we are studying and force you from your humble places of residence, this assignment requires that you visit and report back about a museum exhibit.

The world is a wide and interesting place, and only through different types of exposure will you (as human beings) get an idea of how amazing, immense, varied and diverse it is.

Parts of your assignment: (all required)

1.      visit a museum (covering the time period we are studying)

2.      provide a photo of you in front of the sign for the museum (smiling, of course!)

3.      provide a piece of literature from the museum you attended (museum name should be easily visible)

4.      a paper of at least two (2) full pages covering the following subjects:

a.      why you chose this particular museum

b.      what exhibit you saw, and why you chose it

c.       your favorite object in the exhibit (a hat, crown, song…)

d.      why that was your favorite part of the exhibit

e.       what you learned

5.      turn in the paper along with parts 2 and 3 first class session ONE WEEK BEFORE the last exam.

We are very fortunate that there are many museums in the greater Washington area. Here are a few in DC itself that would have exhibits covering subjects from this class. You may certainly go to a museum not on this list, provided you get approval from the professor PRIOR to visiting the museum.

Museums not requiring prior approval

The Presidency

Pre-Columbian

Africa and Slavery

American Revolution

Founding Documents

Native Peoples

Important Americans

American History

Dumbarton Oaks

National Museum of African Art

Daughters of the American Revolution

National Archives

National Museum of the American Indian

National Portrait Gallery

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