You'll cover major events and developments in the U.S. from the end of the Civil War to the present. Topics include Reconstruction, industrialization, the Progressive Era, World Wars, the Great Depression, Civil Rights movement, Cold War, and modern political and social issues. You'll analyze how these events shaped American society, culture, and politics.
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 the dots between events and understanding their long-term impacts. If you're good at remembering dates and names, you'll have an easier time. The workload can be heavy, but most students find the material interesting enough to keep them engaged.
United States History to 1865: Covers American history from pre-Columbian times to the Civil War. You'll learn about colonial America, the American Revolution, and the early republic.
World History: Provides a broad overview of major global events and civilizations. This course helps you understand the context of American history within the larger world stage.
African American History: Explores the experiences and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. You'll delve into topics like slavery, emancipation, civil rights, and contemporary issues.
American Foreign Policy: Examines the evolution of U.S. foreign relations and its role in world affairs. You'll study key diplomatic events, international conflicts, and the development of America as a global power.
History of the American West: Focuses on the expansion and development of the western United States. You'll learn about frontier life, Native American relations, and the myth of the Wild West.
20th Century American Culture: Analyzes social and cultural trends in modern America. You'll explore topics like popular culture, consumerism, and changing social norms.
History: Focuses on studying and interpreting past events, societies, and cultures. Students develop critical thinking and research skills while gaining a deep understanding of how the past shapes the present.
Political Science: Examines government systems, political behavior, and public policy. Students analyze political theories, institutions, and processes, often with a focus on American politics.
American Studies: Combines history, literature, and cultural studies to explore the American experience. Students examine various aspects of American society, including popular culture, social movements, and national identity.
Sociology: Studies human society, social behavior, and group interactions. Students analyze social structures, institutions, and processes, often with a focus on American society and its development.
Teacher: Educate students about American history in middle or high schools. You'll develop lesson plans, lead classroom discussions, and help students understand the significance of historical events.
Museum Curator: Manage and interpret historical collections for museums or cultural institutions. You'll research artifacts, design exhibits, and develop educational programs to engage the public with American history.
Journalist: Report on current events with a historical perspective. You'll use your knowledge of American history to provide context and analysis for news stories and feature articles.
Policy Analyst: Work for government agencies or think tanks to research and analyze public policies. You'll apply your understanding of historical trends and events to inform policy decisions and recommendations.
How much writing is involved in this course? Expect to write several short papers and possibly one longer research paper. Writing assignments typically focus on analyzing primary sources or discussing the significance of specific historical events.
Are there any field trips or hands-on activities? Some professors organize visits to local historical sites or museums. You might also participate in reenactments or role-playing exercises to bring historical events to life.
How does this course relate to current events? You'll often find connections between historical events and contemporary issues. Many professors encourage students to draw parallels between past and present, helping you understand how history shapes our current political and social landscape.