They’re People, too: La Salle Course Explores History
Through Biographies of Leading American Figures

What would People magazine have written if it were published during Benjamin Franklin’s lifetime, or even in Abraham Lincoln’s day?  Would the magazine have published private details of their lives, the way it covers today’s celebrities? 

The interest with private details of famous people is now an approach used by La Salle University in its History 155 Course, which uses the biographical details of the history-makers to provide students with a context to examine their accomplishments. 

“This is why people read People magazine” says Fran Ryan, Director of the American Studies program at La Salle, who is teaching the course this semester. “There is a high interest today in the U.S. around people’s lives,” he said. 

“History 155: Themes in American History, “was developed by the History Department as an innovative, exciting way to teach U.S. history,” says Department Chair Stuart Leibiger. “Teaching history through biography is very ‘state of the art’-- it has been the subject of recent articles in newsletters and magazines for professional historians.” 

The course uses biographies for a wide range of subjects, from Abigail Adams to Elvis Presley. 

“Instead of jamming everything into a semester, I build around the theme to provide the students with a snap shot of American history,” says Br. Edward Sheehy, F.S.C., who’s teaching the course. “We’re not as interested in what they did, but the impact they had on the country at that time.” 

“It’s a very good way to approach a class for non-history majors,” says Sheehy. “Biographies offer flexibility. By teaching the course this way students learn a lot about several figures and themes as apposed to the traditional way of teaching history where students learn a little about many topics.” 

The History Department created the course after canvassing high schools locally and regionally.  “Many Pennsylvania students only had one year of American history in high school. Some hadn’t been taught the Constitution since sixth grade,” says Ryan, who was a high school teacher for 18 years 

“Like other U.S. History courses, this course covers major events in a chronological/topical format,” says Leibiger. “This course is unusual in that all of the readings are biographical, and are grouped into paired biographies that give contrasting viewpoints of each era.” 

“These paired biographical readings are designed to bring the complexity of the past to students in a personal and human way,” said Leibiger.  

“I greatly enjoy this class,” says Lacy Bruno, who is in her first year at La Salle. “It's definitely a different approach to learning history and I think it's very beneficial. I like the fact that the focus of a chapter or lecture is on one person, but then there are multiple topics and people incorporated. 

“I would definitely recommend this course to other students whether they are interested in history or not,” says Bruno, who is majoring in both Special and Elementary Education and History. “It definitely has something to offer and intrigue everyone.” 

-- Bernadette McPherson