THIS IS A TWO-SEMESTER COURSE.

This course focuses on American history from 1500 to 1900. Students will examine the European colonization of the North American continent and the social, economic, and environmental changes that occurred during the early colonial period. They will learn about the Atlantic slave trade and how the institution of slavery shaped the North American landscape and history.

The students will then go on to explore the events and ideas of the American Revolution and the history of the early American republic. They will study the westward expansion of the United States and the events that led up to the American Civil War. Finally, they will learn about the period of Reconstruction and the aftermath of the American Civil War.

In addition, the students will study the transformations to social, political, environmental, and economic life that occurred in North America from the beginnings of contact between Indigenous North Americans and Europeans to the foundations of twentieth-century American society.

Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Fall Semester: September 9 – December 16, 2026
Spring Semester: January 13 – May 12, 2027

Student Expectations: Students are expected to participate during in-class discussions and activities and will have regular reading and writing assignments for homework.

Student Support: The instructor is available via email.

Feedback/Assessment: Students will be assessed on the quality of their written work and their in-class participation.

Materials: All reading materials will be available on the internet.