History 110 Dr. Stephen P. Sayles

United States History and Cultures Tel: (909)593-3511 ext. 4226

University of La Verne FAX: (909)392-2793

Course Description:

This course deals with the development of the United States from its colonial origins to contemporary times. Topics discussed herein include freedom and slavery, war and peace, racism, conquest, industrialism, and urbanism. Integral to these themes will be the concept of America as Athe nation of nations,@ and the contributions of immigration to the development of American culture and institutions. In order to develop those themes, the course will be interdisciplinary in nature, drawing analytical insights from historical, political, and economic perspectives.

As presented in this course, the United States becomes less Athe great exception@ to Old World decadence and decay and more a rising and established member of the world community. In this sense, the American Revolution is seen through the lens of the Enlightenment (1687-1789) and the Age of Revolution (1763-1826); the Amanifest destiny@ days of the 1830's and 1840's within the context of liberalism, nationalism, and romanticism of that era; the Civil War (1861-1865) in the perspective of a world-wide trend toward unification, centralization, and modernization; America=s rise to world power by 1900 within the context of western imperialism, and American participation in two world wars within the context of the twentieth century=s struggle between totalitarianism and freedom.

Assessment Plan:

The course grade will be based on the following work:

a. Two midterm examinations.

b. Three written book reviews.

c. A written critique of a major library or museum.

d. A term paper.

The final grade will be computed as follows:

450 - 500 = A

400 - 449 = B

350 - 399 = C

300 - 349 = D

299 and below = F

Extra credit is available in the form of a written book review.