United States development from European settlements clinging tenuously on the Atlantic coast, or wayward outposts in the Southeast and Southwest, to a large, relatively unified nation between two oceans. We will examine the people of North America, Europe and Africa before colonialism and then address the social, cultural, economic and geographical determinants for colonization. We will explore how colonists began to see themselves separate from the mother country and how this resulted in revolution and a new nation. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)
Prerequisites
Eligibility for or completion of ENGL& 101
Course Outcomes
- Demonstrate a "historical mindedness"- understanding the historical context of ideas, events, and issues.
- Identify and recognize events that are uniquely American.
- Place American history within the larger context of World and Regional history.
- Critically and aesthetically evaluate the development of a uniquely American culture.
- The student will develop written communication skills, and the ability to express opinions via discussions and short papers.
- The student will develop specific critical thinking skills: to consider multiple perspectives and values, to synthesize and integrate information and ideas, to separate opinion from factual information, and to recognize the patterns in which historical information is organized.
- Last, the student as a more informed citizen will be better prepared to act in accordance with his or her own beliefs.