Academic
American History I
American History offers one of the most unique and interesting portraits of a successful nation built from the humblest of beginnings. The first of 2 essential parts, American History I explores the evolution of the United States from native American origins and eventual colonial beginnings through to the end of the Civil War and Reconstruction, one of the most significant turning points in American History. Beginning with the conquering efforts of the Spanish, British and French, this course offers students an in-depth look at how the early settlers shaped the nation that exists today. Focusing then on the colonial experience of Americans under eventual British rule, the course takes students through the political difficulties posed by British colonial exploitation and the events that would cause the first Americans to push toward independence, eventually sparking the American Revolution. Students will explore the issues and problems that arose with the birth of a nation, how the early American leaders resolved these problems and set up a constitutional structure that would endure for centuries. Taking students through the emerging American political and party system, students will understand how and why the roots of sectionalism took hold that would eventually lead to a Civil War which would define American politics for decades to follow.
Offering students an in-depth look at the fascinating developments that make up American History, students will gain a fundamental understanding of the history that has led to a successful nation today, the roots of various difficulties that continue to test the United States and the basic foundations that have endured through history to guide decisions for years to come. This course delivers a broad survey of American history from New World exploration and settlement through the Civil War and students will be most benefited by adding this course to their general education studies.
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the peoples of North America between 30,000 B.C. and 1682 A.D.
- Label significant American historical events on a timeline
- Examine the diversity present in the seventeenth century English Colonies
- Examine the challenges faced by Colonial families in a growing and diverse America
- Analyze the causes and events of the American Revolution
- Explain republican culture
- Analyze the challenges of the new democracy
- Analyze the steps involved in creating a democracy
- Examine inequalities in race and gender and their impact on American society
- Evaluate the changing role of the family in Colonial America
- Explain the pre-war division between the North and South
- Analyze the reasons for and events of the Civil War
- Investigate issues related to post-war reconstruction