HIST 362

HIST 362
The Early American Republic (US)

Catalog Entry

HIST 362
The Early American Republic (US)
Three hours lecture: (3)

This class explores the social, cultural, and economic changes in the early United States from the conclusion of the American Revolution in 1783 until the deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams in 1826. Students will explore themes of American identity, democracy, race and citizenship, expansion, globalization, and the changing status of women and Africans, both free and enslaved, who fought for their place in the new nation. Students will unpack the complex origins of the United States in which, in the words of Thomas Paine’s 1776 pamphlet Common Sense, Americans had it “in our power to begin the world over again.”

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course; Writing Intensive designated.

 

Detailed Description of Content of Course

This course will give students a chance to learn the history of the early United States, helping them to acquire knowledge and understanding of the country’s foundational decades. The course will attempt to create awareness of how and why the United States developed as it did socially, economically, and politically.

Major topics include:

1. Creation of American Nationalism & Postcolonial Identity
2. Global Commerce
3. Westward Expansion & War with Native Americans
4. Race, Citizenship, and Immigration
5. Expansion of racial slavery
6. Political challenges to slavery and the American Colonization Society (1816)
7. The First Party System & Origins of Two-Party Politics
8. Participation of Women and Black Americans in First Party Politics
9. The Impact of the French Revolution and Haitian Revolution on the United States
10. The Election of 1800
11. Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson’s Embargo, and the War of 1812
12. The Era of Good Feelings
13. Religion, missionary activity, & early years of the Second Great Awakening
14. Memory of the American Revolution & Visions for the Nation’s Future

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course may combine lectures, class discussions based on assigned readings, media presentations, diverse writing assignments, and in-class exercises. In all cases, the course will be learner-centered. The course will also offer research opportunities, as students will be able to explore in greater depth topics of special interest through secondary and primary source readings. The course will provide the academic support services that students need in order to succeed.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will practice thinking critically and analytically about historical issues, acquire a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of pertinent historical events and processes, and cultivate a familiarity with the concepts of historical argument and interpretation.
2. Students will develop disciplinary research skills by designing strategies to locate and analyze primary and secondary source evidence, processing and organizing the resultant data, and composing proper citation and bibliographical entries.
3. Students will apply their critical thinking, research, and compositional skills to the creation and presentation of thesis driven essays that discuss, for example, historical social, economic, political, and/or cultural developments and that address issues such as the causes and consequences of historical change and continuity.
4. Students will acquire a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of key issues, themes, personalities, and events in the early history of the United States.

 

Assessment Measures

Knowledge and understanding of the material covered in this course will be measured using an array of assessment tools that may include, among other things, class attendance and participation, written examinations, formal writing assignments of various types, informal writing assignments, and classroom discussion responses. All exercises are designed to expand the student's ability to evaluate historical events and to develop their ability to compose persuasive arguments.

 

Other Course Information

N/A

 

Review and Approval

February 21, 2024