B.A., English, History, University of Washington
Ph.D., History, 1991, University of Washington
Office: UW1 142
Phone: 425.352.3461
Email: gmccoy@u.washington.edu
Mailing: Box 358530, 18115 Campus Way NE, Bothell, WA 98011-8246
In my teaching I aim to help students to become their own teachers and produce new knowledge for themselves through a close and critical examination of their texts. By acquiring academic skills and knowledge, I hope they will come to realize that education is more than acquiring a degree. An interdisciplinary liberal arts education can open the door to a life-long discovery of diverse points of view and cultural traditions that will enrich their and their families' lives. I attempt to adapt each class, whatever the course content, to the needs and interests of the particular class members. In this way, and through lectures, course papers, and class and small group discussions, I try to encourage them to become active participants in their education and in their country's democratic process and in the construction of a peaceful and equitably prosperous world.
BIS 300 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies
BIS 332 & 321 U.S. Politics and Culture Sequence
BIS 393 Special Topics: Religion and American Culture
BIS 393 & 493 Special Topics: Science and Religion in the U.S.
BIS 425 Topics in U.S. Social & Political History: Origins of the U.S. Constitution
BIS 493 Special Topics: Revolution in History
In my research, as in my classes, I like to explore ultimate human questions that are often framed in religious terms. How did the universe and the human species emerge? Why do so many people believe in God and an afterlife? Why is there evil in the world and can humans ever overcome it? In answering these questions both modern science and religion provide authoritative and meaningful answers, but the answers of both have limitations that also must be explored, I believe.
As an intellectual historian, my research reflects some of my interests: in American Calvinist theology, Pacific Northwest history, and dance history. I expect to continue with this diverse research agenda for I believe that working in multiple fields gives one a broader view of and more creative approach to one's specialty. It is also a constant source of new challenges, insights, and questions.
"Fanny Elssler's Reception: Gender, Class, and Republicanism in the United States, 1840-1842," Proceedings of The Society of Dance History Scholars 2002 Conference, Fall 2002.
"'Raising up a Native Ministry' in Theory and Practice at Henry and Eliza Spalding's Lapwai Mission" Presbyterian History 77 (Fall 1999) 181-94.
Co-author of Building Washington: A History of Public Works in Washington State, (Washington Chapter of the American Public Works Association, November, 1998).
"'Reason for a Hope'": Evangelical Women Making Sense of Late-Edwardsean Calvinism" in Stephen J. Stein, ed., Jonathan Edwards's Writings: Text, Context, Interpretation, (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1996).
