Instructions:
Part 1: Listen to a U.S. History podcast that relates to a topic of U.S. History between 1492-1870. Note that some podcasts tell stories of specific people (like a president) or events (a specific battle), some focus on topics (prohibition), while others summarize major events during a given time period. Some also focus on major themes (women’s rights), or tell stories of lesser-known moments in history (like lore stories).
Below are some suggestions for historical podcasts where you may find interesting topics related to this time period. Note that will still need to do some searching within the podcasts to find one that that is relevant to early American history. You may also use other podcasts not listed below, as long as you find one that is credible and that has an obvious connection to American History before 1870.
- The Way of Improvement Leads Home
- History That Doesn’t Suck
- American History Tellers
- More Perfect
- Presidential
- Throughline
- Uncivil
- The Reverb Effect (University of Michigan)
- The Memory Place
- BackStory
- Amended
- Hardcore History
- Lore
- BBC’s Witness History
- Revisionist History
- Ben Franklin’s World
- The Junto Cast
- Tides of History
Part 2: Write responses to the following questions:
- What podcast and episode did you listen to? Include a link to the podcast or website, if possible.
- In a paragraph or two, summarize the podcast. What was it about? What was the main message and story?
- If you had to pick out the one big idea (or thesis statement) of the episode, what would it be?
- What did you like about listening to this podcast? Why?
- Would you recommend this podcast to others? Why or why not?
- What is a question you have after listening to this podcast?
Part 3: Submit your answers into the discussion forum so others can learn from your podcast. After you have posted your initial post, read and respond to at least ONE of your classmates’ post.
Assignment Grading Rubric:
| Criteria | Poor | Good | Excellent | |
| Responds to prompt | Responses are superficial, lacking in analysis or critique. | Provides an accurate response to the questions, but the information delivered is limited or lacking in analysis. | Provides a thoughtful and clear response to each of the questions asked within the prompt. | __/10 |
| Podcast | Does not listen to an academically sound podcast related to an American history topic from 1492 to 1870, or the explanation is hard to follow. | Listens to an academically sound podcast related to an American history topic from 1492 to 1870. | Listens to an academically sound podcast related to an American history topic from 1492 to 1870. Demonstrates an understanding of the podcast through the answers shared. | __/4 |
| Summary | The summary is too minimalistic or does not clearly demonstrate an understanding of thesis statement and main idea. | Provides a summary of the podcast. Responds to another post. | Podcast summary is informative and clear, with sufficient details. The thesis statement is identified. Also includes at least one response to another post. | __/6 |
| Total | __/20 |