Course Description
Native American, African, and European interactions; warfare, labor systems, cultures, and societies; empire building and colonial political structures; the American Revolution and the formation of the United States.
Athena Title
COLONIAL REV AMER
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course will survey together early American history from the pre-contact period through the Revolution, providing a chronological account of the encounter of diverse peoples, the development of colonial institutions, and the movement toward American independence. The readings correspond to the lectures. In our discussions we will link topical themes to chronological narrative. Grades will be based on two hour examinations with multiple choice and short essay questions, and a final essay question examination. Informed and regular participation in class discussion can raise a borderline grade. A principal objective of the course is to teach students to think critically for themselves about the relationships between the past and the present, to learn to ask questions of the past that enable them to understand the present and mold the future, and to become attuned to both the limitations and possibilities of change. The course seeks to acquaint students with the ways in which past societies and peoples have defined the relationships between community and individual needs and goals, and between ethical norms and decision-making. In general students will be expected to: 1. read a wide range of primary and secondary sources critically. 2. polish skills in critical thinking, including the ability to recognize the difference between opinion and evidence, and the ability to evaluate--and support or refute--arguments effectively. 3. write stylistically appropriate and mature papers and essays using processes that include discovering ideas and evidence, organizing that material, and revising, editing, and polishing the finished papers.
Topical Outline
The problem of defining early America Native Americans European and African backgrounds Spanish America Empire in the North Southern colonies A New England Middle colonies Critical period Empires Colonial people and places Colonial cultures Colonial economies French and Indian War Revolutionary crisis.
Syllabus