Course Description:
The course provides the knowledge of the early part of the History of the United States in terms of political, social, economic, and cultural aspects. Special focuses are given to such periods as the colonial era, the revolutionary era, the national growth and westward expansion era, the gradual development of the sectional interests and rise of tention, the Civil War, and the reconstruction era.
Required Readings:
John M. Faragher, Susan H. Armitage, Mari Jo Buhle, Daniel Czitrom. Out of Many, Vols.1.
Paul S. Boyer, et al. The Enduring Vision: A History of American People: Volume I: To 1877.
Course Objectives:
At the end of the semester, you should be able to recognize the major periods, figures and issues of the US history.
Grading:
Attendance------------------ 5 %
Writing Assignment-------- 25 %
Mid-term Exam------------- 30 %
Final Exam------------------ 40 %
The gradings depend on your attendance, writing assignment, mid-term exam, and final exam. You are required to come to class. Writing assignment and exams are essays.
Writing Assignment:
Watch historical movies such as the Gettysburg, Gangs of New York, and Gods and Generals. Write 3 to 5 page review on the movie. Include your opinion on the Hollywood view of the historical events vs the facts.
Week 1 Introduction to the class
Native Americans and the beginning of the colonial period
Week 2 Colonial Period and Rise in Tension between the Colonists and the British Government
Week 3 Minorities in the Colonial Period
Week 4 The Revolutionary War
Week 5 The Establishment of the US government and the Question of Slavery
Week 6 18th Century Back Countries
Week 7 Jeffersonian Republicanism and the Small Farmers
Mid-Term Week
Week 8 Jacksonian Democracy
Week 9 The Native Americans
Week 10 National Growth and Westward Expansion
Week 11 Rise in Sectional Interests and Tension
Week 12 The Beginning of the Civil War and the Course of War
Week 13 Lincoln and the Question of Slavery
Week 14 Reconstruction
Week 15 Final Exam Week