American History to 1877: Columbus to Civil War

This course will examine a selection of key historical periods between 1607 and 1877. Introducing students to the significant events that went on to shape 20th Century America, it will engage with influential historical, political and social works to present a pattern of national development leading from the Puritans through the formation of the Republic and the divisions caused by the Civil War, to the turmultuous political struggles during Reconstruction. The course will address theories of democracy, of state power, and will critically investigate arguments concerning race, gender and identity as a whole.

• To encourage students to understand, appreciate and critically engage with American history in the period from 1607 - 1877 by means of the examination of key periods focusing on specific as well as general historical texts;


• Students will develop the primary reading, research and interdisciplinary skills needed for examining a selection of historical documents (eg. narrative chronology; critical analysis; biographical; public and constitutional);


• To develop students' research skills and their ability to work independently (researching chosen topics for essay and examination assessment);


• To promote skills of written and verbal expression, of critical and analytical thinking, and of deploying evidence that will form a coherent and lucid argument appropriate to Level 1.

 

At the end of the course unit the successful student will have demonstrated:

• A knowledge of American social and political history from 1620-1900, together with a basic comprehension of the cultural and literary influences that have shaped key stages of American development during that period;


• An awareness of the interdisciplinary approach to American Studies;


• An ability to explore the dominant themes of identity, expansion and renewal within the American experience, and the confidence to understand, compare and contrast the contested terrain that these themes have and continue to operate in;


• Skills in written expression and in critical and analytical thinking appropriate to Level One.

Exam (on campus)- 60%

Essay- 40%