HSY3995 - Dissent, revolution and freedom: Inventing the United States to 1850

Leader(s): Mark Peel

Offered

Not offered in 2009

Synopsis

As for HSY2995

Objectives

Students successfully completing HSY3995 will be expected to demonstrate a comprehensive historical understanding of the origins, nature and development of the major political, cultural and social institutions of the North American colonies and the United States before 1850; a thorough knowledge of the context, European origins and subsequent impact of the most significant ideas, debates and principles that shaped the discovery, exploitation and settling of early America, the American enlightenment, the American Revolution and Constitution, and the development of national and sectional institutions; and a critical understanding of the various interpretations and representations that inform early American history, and of the ways in which that history has been contested and shaped from different perspectives. In addition, they will be expected to show enhanced skills in the critical and analytical reading of a variety of texts, including contemporary documents, religious and polemical literature, historical scholarship and visual representations; the capacity to work with others in a collaborative research project and presentation; enhanced skills in the critical use of on-line resources, especially the various forms of historical data and documentary evidence available on the web and the ability to formulate and develop an independent research project based upon documentary sources.

Assessment

Research essay proposal (500 words): 10%
Class test (1 hour): 20%
Collaborative project report (500 words): 20%
Research essay (2500 words): 50%
Students completing HSY3995 will be expected to demonstrate in their research essays a greater critical understanding of the nature of historical debates on key themes in early American history.