United States History to 1865

This online course explores United States history from 1492 to 1865. Students will engage with foundational documents and a myriad of other texts which showcase a wide range of perspectives. By examining the social and political contexts surrounding the creation of these texts, students will develop a more nuanced understanding of United States history.

Learning Objectives/Outcomes

Learning Objectives:

• Use the principles of historical thinking to understand past human societies, specifically through an introduction to American history before 1865.
• Demonstrate basic skills in the comprehension and analysis of selected sources and their relevance in the context of historical knowledge.
• Analyze major events, developments, and themes of American history before 1865.
• Recognize the differences between original historical source material (primary sources) and later scholarly interpretations of those sources (secondary sources).
• Develop interpretive historical arguments drawing on primary and/or secondary sources.