Logistics

LEADR

The Lab for Education and Advancement in Digital Research (LEADR) is a space where students develop innovative digital research in collaboration with other students, faculty, and colleagues. LEADR is a student-centered joint project of History, Anthropology, and MATRIX. Visit leadr.msu.edu for more information.

LEADR is located in 112 Old Horticulture. Lab hours for Fall 2019 are Monday-Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm and 10 am to 1 pm on Fridays. If students need extra help with a digital project, they should reach out to the Graduate Assistant working with their class. Students can also email leadr@msu.edu to set up an appointment or drop by during lab hours. Laptops and equipment are available to check out on a short-term basis.

Learning Goals

By the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the historical thinking skills necessary to interpret digital materials and data
  • Define data and differentiate between types (metadata, received, and derived)
  • Identify the information communicated by historical data
  • Identify the ethical concerns that accompany working with different kinds of historical data
  • Interrogate the assumptions and claims embedded within visualizations about history (maps, graphs, charts, etc.)
  • Discuss and critique common digital history methods
  • Use data and digital history tools to make arguments about the past

Grading Scale

  • 4.0: 100-92
  • 3.5: 91-86
  • 3.0: 85-80
  • 2.5: 79-74
  • 2.0: 73-68
  • 1.5: 67-62
  • 1.0: 61-56
  • 0.0: 55-0

Required materials

  • Calvin Schermerhorn, Unrequited Toil: A History of United States Slavery (Cambridge UP, 2018).
  • Tiya Miles, Dawn of Detroit: A Chronicle of Slavery and Freedom in the City of the Straits (The New Press, 2019).
  • Reclaim Hosting Account: https://reclaimhosting.com/

Laptop with software installation privileges and the following programs:

Please bring the assigned text and your laptop to every class meeting.

Academic Policies

Attendance Policy

Much of the required work for this course will take place during regularly scheduled class times, including planning, training, and discussions crucial to the project. Because of that, grades will be heavily impacted by unexcused absences.

Schedule Changes   

Note: this syllabus is subject to change and adjustment during the semester as necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the course. Changes will be made in consultation with the students and communicated in a timely and clear manner.

Plagiarism

Do not attempt to pass off another person’s work as your own. In accordance with Michigan State University’s policies on “Protection of Scholarship and Grades” and “Integrity of Scholarship and Grades,” students are expected to honor principles of truth and honesty in their academic work. Academic integrity means, amongst other things, not plagiarizing. Plagiarism includes submitting someone else’s work (words, ideas, etc.) as their own or knowingly permitting another student to copy and submit their work. Additional discussion of academic integrity is available on the Ombudsman’s website: http://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/dishonestystud.html.

Mandatory Reporting of Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct

Michigan State University is committed to fostering a culture of caring and respect that is free of relationship violence and sexual misconduct, and to ensuring that all affected individuals have access to services.  For information on reporting options, confidential advocacy and support resources, university policies and procedures, or how to make a difference on campus, visit the Title IX website at titleix.msu.edu.

Limits to confidentiality.  Essays, journals, and other materials submitted for this class are generally considered confidential pursuant to the University’s student record policies.  However, students should be aware that University employees, including instructors, may not be able to maintain confidentiality when it conflicts with their responsibility to report certain issues to protect the health and safety of MSU community members and others.  As the instructor, I must report the following information to other University offices (including the Department of Police and Public Safety) if you share it with me:

Suspected child abuse/neglect, even if this maltreatment happened when you were a child; Allegations of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual harassment; and Credible threats of harm to oneself or to others.

These reports may trigger contact from a campus official who will want to talk with you about the incident that you have shared.  In almost all cases, it will be your decision whether you wish to speak with that individual. If you would like to talk about these events in a more confidential setting, you are encouraged to make an appointment with the MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services.