Question 1

What were the results of the “crisis of knowledge” in western universities? Using the slide show and readings, use specific examples—such as the development of interdisciplinary programs of study or the establishment of new modes of inquiry through post-modernism, feminism, post-colonialism, queer theory, etc.—to demonstrate how traditional disciplines and theories were challenged beginning in the 1950s onward. Although you are not expected to include all of the examples presented to you for this response, be sure to discuss at least TWO in a minimum of 100-words.

Question 2

In this unit you gained some experience in thinking about curiosity collections and museum displays and the stories they tell about the past. Museums—and more specifically, the discipline of history—were also impacted by the new intellectual revolution that first gained momentum in the mid-20th century and continues to challenge and rethink disciplinary cannons of literature and forms of inquiry. The chapter entitled “The New History in an Old Museum” offers a concrete example of how the discipline of history has undergone an evolution of its own. In a minimum of 100-words, discuss the following:

• How did the history of Colonial Williamsburg undergo reconsideration and revision?

• What factors were taken into account?

• What obstacles did historians, museum curators, and administrators face?

Question 3

Using one of the autobiographical readings from this unit as an example, consider how a social scientist may be inspired to further inquire or develop a study to explore a particular issue. For example, in Alice Walker’s “Beauty: When the Other Dancer Is the Self”, she describes her siblings’ jealousy when she was chosen to go to the fair with her father.

This story might inspire studies of the following issues:

• the role of gender and birth order within large families

• Are younger children often favored by the fathers? In what contexts and why?

This study could involve the following research methods:

• surveying a large sample of people

• case study investigations of several families

• close readings of diaries written by individuals who were part of large families.

Your essay can focus on any issue related to identity. You must include the following:

• indicate which reading you are using

• refer specifically to the types of research methods you would use (it may help to revisit the previous unit to refresh your memory on different modes of social science modes of inquiry). (100-word minimum)