HIST 432-01, Seminar on Colonial North America, Fall 2008

Abstract

The colonial antecedents of what became the United States cover as much chronological time as all of U.S. history -- over 200 years -- and embrace very diverse cultures, economies, value systems, political organizations, and interpersonal relationships. Without a doubt, colonial America is both the most foreign and the most fascinating of all American history courses. This course will follow a rough chronological arrangement, but within those parameters, we will study themes and controversies over interpretation rather than simply tracing events as they unfolded. The social and intellectual world of 17th-century Europeans underwent significant change as these adventurers mingled with indigenous peoples and with Africans. The result was a richly diverse colonial America. By the 18th C, this diversity reflected and absorbed imperial reshaping. The colonies mimicked Old World culture while also creating unique political, social, and religious institutions. The course ends with the triumph of British Imperialism in the French and Indian War. We will employ a variety of resources to help us understand the colonial experience: historical narrative, film, primary documents, biography and historical fiction. We will learn both about the period itself and about the various ways of interpreting the colonial experience. Reading, writing, thoughtful processing and discussion are critical components in mastering this seminar.