American History, 1600-1865
Fall 2013
This introductory survey course is designed both for prospective majors and non-majors. It will trace the relationships between social, economic, and religious change and the development of American political institutions. There will be two 75-minute lectures and a mandatory discussion section each week. The primary text for the course is Norton, et al., A People and a Nation, ninth edition. In addition, there will be supplementary readings from primary sources (sources written by figures in the past that describe their experiences or views). Readings will average 100 pages a week. Grades will be based on class participation and on three written assignments: a midterm exam; an 8-10 page term paper; and a comprehensive, take-home final examination.
