Introduction to Early American History

3 Units

This course offers an introduction to American history through a thematic survey of colonial British North America and the early United States, from the first permanent English settlements of the early seventeenth century to the onset of the American Civil War. It focuses on (1) the emergence and development of contrasting social systems in the various colonies; (2) the causes and consequences of the American Revolution; and (3) the political, religious, and economic transformations of the period 1790 through 1860. Readings include a mix of primary sources (historical documents) and secondary sources (books and articles written by modern scholars). Students will examine a variety of historical methods and approaches but will particularly explore past social experiences and values through the personal (or autobiographical) writings of individual Americans of varying backgrounds. Particular attention will be paid to the experiences of women and African Americans. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Counts as a Human Diversity & Commonality course.