revisionist history

This class is called Literature of American Encounters, Revolution, and Rebellion and highlights key authors and writings from before the Civil War. There is no question that literature and history are part of the same entity, as they influence one another.

So what does “revisionist history” mean? It does not mean that we are revising or rewriting history, but, rather, we are looking at it through the eyes of a country hundreds of years removed from the events that took place, gathering information from sources that have not previously received attention or were not available, and reconsidering what “history” looks like and says to us today. 

We cannot change history—history has already recorded what has happened—but we can look critically at the points of view of its authors, consider their purposes in writing, and reinterpret history based on new facts and evidence.

It’s difficult to look at American literature without considering where our country is today, but it is an honor to live in a place where we have the freedom to share such diverse opinions. Because of this, the goal will always be to keep our discussions constructive and our responses respectful of one another despite our perceived differences.

This class is about reading and knowing, certainly; it is also about listening and understanding.

So as we begin, let’s discuss:

How might our “histories” have been distorted over the years?

Why should we study literature of the past?

What are the benefits and consequences of questioning or challenging our history?