Course Description
A survey of major social economic and political developments in the United States from 1877 to the present.
This course will give students an understanding of the history of the United States as a nation from Reconstruction to the twenty-first century. History 1302 is designed to acquaint students with the basic concepts, events, and interpretations of the American historical experience. We will touch on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual developments that helped shape the nation’s history. The goal for this class is for you to learn how to think historically and critically about the past and for you to gain a better understanding of American history.
History courses by nature are reading and writing intensive, and 1302 is no exception. Students will learn to interpret and analyze information. The goals of exams and other assignments are the acquisition of information and the development of writing and analytical skills.
Within this time span of roughly one hundred and fifty years, we will examine such topics as Reconstruction, the Indian Wars, Progressivism and Prohibition, the World Wars, and 9-11. However, we will also examine a range of topics you may not have studied in high school, as I encourage you to see history as important in the present, as well as interesting and fun. In addition, a major emphasis of this class will be upon critical thinking: the ability to listen actively and questioningly to anything you are told, and to intelligently decide for yourself whether you accept it.
Course Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
- Examining social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social structures, and cultures.
- Analyzing the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on the area under study.
- Comprehending the origins and evolution of the United States with a focus on the growth of political institutions, the U.S. Constitution, federalism, civil liberties, and civil and human rights.
- Understanding the evolution and current role of the United States in the world.
- Differentiating and analyzing historical evidence and differing points of view.
- Recognizing and applying reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social research.
- Identifying and understanding differences and commonalities within diverse cultures.