HST 201 History of the United States

Survey of United States history focusing on the creation and development of the country socially, economically, politically, and culturally. Native America, European colonization, colonial development, origins of slavery, Revolution, early Republic.

Credits

4

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior. Understand European exploration and settlement of North America; Native American responses; origins of racism & slavery; the implications of religious diversity; the effects of the Declaration of Independence, the Revolution & Constitution on American peoples; the early Republic & nationalism
2. Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live. Understand the diversity of peoples in the Americas before and after exploration and colonization. Develop a greater awareness and understanding of contemporary developments such as human rights & civil rights relative to the past
3. Understand the role of individuals and institutions within the context of society. Demonstrate the communitarian nature of early American societies; understand the ideas of the Enlightenment such as the concept of "individualism;" focus attention on the experiences of various Americans, famous and non-famous; examine formation of social groups
4. Assess different theories and concepts, and understand the distinctions between empirical and other methods of inquiry, and philosophical points of view. Reading, writing, and discussion of primary sources; learn comparative history and the interpretative nature of history
5. Utilize appropriate information literacy skills in written and oral communication. Learn basic historical terms; learn the tools of historical investigation – how to ask historical questions; learn how to access information for research; develop ability to formulate a problem statement and to argue critically
6. Understand the diversity of human experience and thought, individually and collectively Learn about individuals and social groups focusing on class, race, ethnicity, & gender 7. Apply knowledge and skills to contemporary problems and issues. Focus on connection between the past and the present; understand responsibilities of citizenship