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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

William J Rorabaugh
HSTAA 409
Seattle Campus

American Social History: The Early Years

Survey of American society and institutions from the colonial era through the Civil War, with special attention to reform, labor, immigration, education, law enforcement and the city.

Class description

This course examines US society and its values before 1865. It will consider economic structure, social processes, religion, and the stresses of change, lifestyles, and popular attitudes. The approach will be largely cultural. Most reading assignments are primary sources.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Lectures with Friday discussions of assigned reading.

Recommended preparation

US history survey or a good general knowledge of US history.

Class assignments and grading

Discussion of reading, essay midterm, and essay final exam. Books: Morgan, Puritan Dilemma; Franklin, Autobiography; Otter, History; de Tocqueville, Democracy in America; Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Discussions of reading (25%), Midterm Exam (25%), Final Exam (50%).

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.

Last Update by William J Rorabaugh
Date: 10/13/2005