American History to 1865

This examination of American history reviews the major historical developments from the experiences of the indigenous peoples, the colonial regimes, and nation-building, through the sectional crisis, and concludes with the Civil War. The course employs social, cultural, and transnational history, as well as the more traditional political and economic approaches. In addition, to building historical knowledge, this course introduces students to historical methodology and the use of primary sources. Students will have the opportunity to engage with history like a historian, as they ask historical questions, apply historical thinking, and develop their own interpretations of the past.