American Civilization to 1877

Catalog description

An historical survey of the political, social, and economic development of America from colonial settlement through the Civil War and Reconstruction. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. HIST 20 provides a historical overview of change over time in North America before 1877 with a focus on the diverse experiences of different groups of Americans. Students will receive an overview of the most important historical developments in America History from the colonial period through Reconstruction, including the history of American slavery, the evolution of American political systems, gender roles, and regional differences, changes in immigration, economic development, and the American Civil War and Reconstruction. While "knowing the facts" is obviously important to historical understanding, this course helps students develop critical thinking skills. These skills include: close and thoughtful reading and analysis of primary and secondary sources; looking for a broader coherence or "order" to the material; independent analysis and effective articulation (both in writing and in class discussion) of well-reasoned, well-crafted conclusions and interpretations and arguments (conclusions/interpretations / arguments which are supported by specific factual evidence derived from a variety of sources). The three specific course objectives underscore its scholarly dimensions: (1) Students will gain a knowledge and understanding of the diverse histories of the peoples of the United States prior to 1877; (2) Students will gain an understanding and knowledge of the domestic, transnational and global political and economic processes that have shaped the lives, labor, institutions and cultures of the United States before 1877; (3) Students will learn how to "think historically" by placing documents written in the past in their historical contexts, and to consider the relationship of the past to the present. By the end of the course students will: Demonstrate an understanding of the chronology of American history prior to 1877. Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse experiences of different groups of Americans prior to 1877. Demonstrate an understanding of the economic, social, and political structures that emerged before 1877 and continue to shape the modern United States.