You'll cover the major events and themes that shaped America from pre-colonial times to the Civil War. Topics include Native American societies, European colonization, the American Revolution, the Constitution, westward expansion, slavery, and the lead-up to the Civil War. You'll analyze primary sources, debate historical interpretations, and get a solid grasp on early U.S. political, social, and economic development.
It's not usually considered one of the toughest classes, but it does require a fair amount of reading and memorization. The real challenge is connecting all the dots between events and understanding the big picture. If you're good at remembering dates and names, you'll have an easier time. The workload can be heavy, with lots of reading and writing, but most students find it manageable with good time management.
Introduction to Historical Methods: This course teaches you how to analyze primary sources, evaluate historical evidence, and write historical arguments. It's a great foundation for tackling more advanced history courses.
World History to 1500: This class gives you a broader context for understanding early American history. It covers major civilizations and global trends that influenced the development of the Americas.
United States History since 1865: This course picks up where U.S. History to 1865 leaves off, covering Reconstruction to the present day. It explores themes like industrialization, world wars, civil rights, and America's rise as a global superpower.
Native American History: This class dives deep into the diverse cultures and experiences of indigenous peoples in North America. It covers pre-colonial societies, interactions with European settlers, and ongoing struggles for sovereignty and rights.
Colonial Latin America: This course examines the history of Central and South America from pre-Columbian civilizations through the colonial period. It offers interesting comparisons to the development of British North America.
African American History to 1865: This class focuses on the experiences of African Americans from the colonial period through the Civil War. It covers topics like the Atlantic slave trade, slave resistance, and the early abolitionist movement.
History: Students study various periods and regions, developing critical thinking and research skills. Graduates often pursue careers in education, research, or public history.
American Studies: This interdisciplinary major combines history, literature, and cultural studies to examine American society and identity. It prepares students for careers in journalism, politics, or cultural institutions.
Political Science: Students analyze political systems, theories, and behaviors, often with a focus on American government. Graduates commonly work in government, law, or public policy.
Education: Many future history teachers take this course as part of their content area preparation. Education majors learn teaching methods and theories alongside their subject specialization.
High School History Teacher: Educate students about American history in a classroom setting. Develop lesson plans, grade assignments, and help students understand historical concepts and their relevance to today.
Museum Curator: Oversee collections of historical artifacts and develop exhibitions. Research and interpret historical objects, plan educational programs, and work to preserve important pieces of history.
Historical Consultant: Provide expertise on historical accuracy for media productions or heritage sites. Review scripts, advise on set designs, and ensure that historical representations are as accurate as possible.
Archivist: Organize and maintain historical documents and records. Work in libraries, government agencies, or private institutions to preserve and provide access to important historical materials.
How much writing is involved in this course? Expect to write several short papers and possibly one longer research paper. Writing assignments usually focus on analyzing primary sources or comparing different historical interpretations.
Are field trips part of the curriculum? Some professors organize visits to local historical sites or museums, but it varies by school and instructor. These trips can really bring the material to life and are usually pretty interesting.
How does this course relate to current events? While the course focuses on early American history, many issues from this period (like voting rights, federal vs. state power, and racial justice) are still relevant today. You'll often draw connections between historical events and current political debates.