HIST 120 Syllabus

Course Description:  This course examines the major political, economic, intellectual, and social forces at home and abroad that shaped American life from the colonial period through the Civil War. The course meets the California State University requirements for United States History. We will pay specific attention to intercultural encounters among indigenous Americans, Africans, and Europeans, as well as the ideas of Americanism and freedom, politically and materially, within different subsets of populations in the United States, and how this concept changed over time. We will also examine the idea that land is freedom, and what this looks like. You will be required to work in assigned groups on a regular basis, participate in presentations and discussions, and be an active learner in this class. Some assignments, mostly writing, will be ungraded, but are still required. Being able to convey your thoughts verbally and in essay format is a skill that takes time and practice thus you will have ample opportunity to practice. Come prepared to participate: we meet early in the morning and we all need to be physically and mentally present!

Textbook Information: 

The required course texts are:

SALTWATER SLAVERY: A MIDDLE PASSAGE FROM AFRICA TO AMERICAN DIASPORA by Stephanie Smallwood

ISBN: 978-0-674-03068-8

WEST OF THE REVOLUTION: AN UNCOMMON HISTORY OF 1776, by Claudio Saunt

ISBN: 978-0-393-35115-6

Student Learning Objectives: 

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Critically analyzeand interpret primary documents and secondary sources, and will be able to interpret qualitative and quantitative data in order to evaluate historical events;
• Develop communicationskills through oral and written exercises, and develop analytical skills by critically interpreting historical events;
• Analyze howlocal, national, and international policies and practices developed in the past continue to impact their contemporary lives.

Meet Your Instructor: 

Megan Lange           714.564.6543          

lange_megan@sac.edu OR saclangemegan@gmail.com

Office Hours:            D-407

Mondays:       6:30-7:30pm

Tuesdays:     3:30-5:30pm

Wednesdays:1:00-3:00pm

Thursdays or early a.m. by appointment

www.langemegan.com

Course Syllabus:  Hist 120_FA17 Syllabus.pdf