Course unit details:
American History to 1877: Columbus to Civil War

Course unit fact file
Unit code AMER10211
Credit rating 20
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Offered by English and American Studies
Available as a free choice unit? Yes

Overview

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.

Aims

  • 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 • Students will develop the primary reading, research and interdisciplinary skills needed for examining a selection of historical documents (eg.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.

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Learning outcomes

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.

Employability skills

Analytical skills
Students taking this unit will be able to analyse and evaluate arguments and texts. Above all, committed students will emerge from this course unit with an advanced capacity to think critically, i.e. knowledgeably, rigorously, confidently and independently.
Group/team working
Students taking this unit will be able to work courteously and constructively as part of a larger group.
Innovation/creativity
On this unit students are encouraged to respond imaginatively and independently to the questions and ideas raised by texts and other media.
Leadership
Students on this unit must take responsibility for their learning and are encouraged not only to participate in group discussions but to do so actively and even to lead those discussions.
Project management
Students taking this unit will be able to work towards deadlines and to manage their time effectively.
Oral communication
Students taking this unit will be able to show fluency, clarity and persuasiveness in spoken communication.
Research
Students on this unit will be required to digest, summarise and present large amounts of information. They are encouraged to enrich their responses and arguments with a wide range of further reading.
Written communication
Students on this unit will develop their ability to write in a way that is lucid, precise and compelling.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 60%
Written assignment (inc essay) 40%

Exam (on campus)- 60%

Essay- 40%

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 2
Lectures 22
Seminars 11
Independent study hours
Independent study 165

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
David Brown Unit coordinator

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £29,200 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

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Learn more about student finance options for UK students .

Learn more about f ees and finance for international students .

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.

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