HIST& 146 US History I

5 credits

This course is a study of Early American history, covering pre-Columbian societies through the development of the American Republic of the early 1800’s. The course emphasizes the cultural development and the economic and political structures of this period, with major themes including indigenous societies, changes brought by European colonization, ethnic and religious diversity, slavery, the war for Independence, the formation of the U.S. Constitution and the beginnings of westward expansion.

This course meets the Humanities general education distribution requirement. This course can also satisfy the Social Science general education distribution requirement (though it cannot be counted towards both within the same credential).

Prerequisites: ENGL 99 (or placement into ENGL& 101 )

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Identify key movements, individuals, groups and ideas from the pre-Columbian era through the early 19th Century
Compare and contrast the culture of pre-Columbian North America with the society that evolved after the European conquest
Distinguish the social, economic, and religious uniqueness of the Northern, Middle and Southern colonies
Describe the significant events in the development of British North America, including the French and Indian War and the evolution of the British Empire
Analyze the issues and personalities responsible for the War for Independence and the significance of the Declaration of Independence
Identify and discuss the historical and philosophical sources of the American constitution
Analyze key social issues, including relations with Native Americans and the creation of a slave system
Describe the sources for and effects of the westward expansion through the presidency of Andrew Jackson
Analyze and articulate cause and effect relationships in past events and human interactions
Evaluate historical data from different sources in an effective and critical manner

General Education Distribution Area Outcomes
Students who successfully complete courses in the Humanities distribution area will be able to:

Discuss and explain methods of creative expression, social interaction, and aesthetic considerations employed by individuals and societies
Employ methods of intellectual and creative inquiry central to the selected Humanities course of study, using the vocabulary, concepts, historical perspectives and materials common to the chosen area
Dependent on the Humanities area selected, interpret specific artifacts from art, film, history, language, literature, philosophy, religious thought, or narrative form and develop one’s own viewpoint or artifact using the techniques common to that area

Students who successfully complete required courses in the Social Science distribution area will be able to:

Explain at least one social science theory
Analyze social issues and problems in the context of social science

Total Hours: 50 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 50