Covers major themes and events in American history from domestic and global standpoints, including exploration of the New World; the colonial period; causes and results of the American Revolution; the development of the federal system of government; the growth of democracy; early popular American culture; territorial expansion; slavery and its effect; reform movements, sectionalism; causes and effects of the Civil War.

MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:

1. Identify the principal features of the periods of United States History and determine their significance.
2. Analyze the effect of the geography and ecology of the continent on the roots of American Civilization.
3. Examine the on-going encounters among European, African, Asian and American Indian cultures.
4. Describe the role of religion in American life in relation to spiritual awakenings, denominational diversity, reform movements, and family life from earliest time through the Civil War.
5. Describe the forging of American nationalism from the Revolutionary Era through Reconstruction.
6. Trace the rise of democratic politics and the emergence of a mass party system from the Federalist Period through the Jacksonian Era.
7. Examine the transformation of American society from rural agriculture to urban industrial culture.
8. Analyze the emerging crises of slavery and sectionalism culminating in the Civil War and Reconstruction.
9. Reflect on American historical issues and themes and form coherent, defensible interpretations about their domestic and global impact.

COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -  

• First Americans
• European exploration and colonization
• The American Colonies
• The Developing New Nation
• The Revolutionary War Era
• The Reform Movements
• Westward expansion
• Jacksonian Era
• Slavery and the impending crisis
• The Civil War
• Reconstruction