United States History

In this course, students will explore the figures, processes, and events that contributed to the development of the United States of America. Students will analyze primary and secondary documents, develop historical arguments, and make connections. Topics covered include Native societies of the Americas, European exploration and colonization, colonial America, the revolution and early federal period, slavery and freedom, Westward expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, industrialization and democracy, the world wars and American empire, the Civil Rights movement, the Cold War and contemporary American society.

Completion of this course requires regular access to a laptop or desktop computer with working microphone and webcam, as well as a reliable internet connection.

This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.