History 111.01
United States History to 1865
OVERVIEW
This course is a survey of U.S. political, diplomatic, economic, social, and cultural history through the end of the Civil War. The class is designed to illustrate that the past is distinct from the present (“the past is a foreign country”) yet provides context for understanding our own time.
We will pay particular attention to the development of, changes over time in, and varied interpretations of the nation's expressed ideals, such as liberty, equality, and representative democracy. While most Americans have expressed and continue to express a belief in these concepts, at least in theory, the accepted definitions of these terms have changed over time. In addition, even during the same periods different people have interpreted these ideas differently. We will attempt to explore how these changes and varying interpretations have affected the nation over time and still have relevance today.
PURPOSE/GOALS
By the end of the course, you should have a demonstrable understanding of United States history from pre-colonial times through 1865.
More generally, as a Social Science course, History 111 should help you to do at least some of the following:
- conduct social science research
- think analytically about social phenomena
- understand and apply social science theories, concepts, and categories
- read and analyze works dealing with social science issues
- write a clear, concise, and organized paper
- present ideas orally in a clear, concise, and organized fashion
- understand and evaluate evidence related to social issues
- demonstrate a knowledge of the history and theory of social thought
- demonstrate a knowledge of major historical periods and social trends
- demonstrate an understanding of various cultural perspectives
- comprehend the social origins and significance of the diversity of human behavior
PAPERS
Paper Guidlines are available here.
Paper #1: Sep 9
Paper #2: Oct 14
Paper #3: Nov 11
Paper #4: Dec 2
EXAMS
First Exam: Sep 23 (Review Sheet)
Second Exam: Nov 18 (Review Sheet)
Final Exam: Dec 14, 7:30 AM (Review Sheet)
OUTLINES
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