History

FS101—America’s First Ladies
From Martha Washington to Hillary Clinton, Presidents’ wives have played an important role in American life. Objects of both public adoration and vilification, their lives have reflected the conflict and controversy that surrounds the undefined, unofficial job of America’s “First Lady.” While some have embodied the American public’s views about women’s proper role, others have served as role models for change. This seminar explores the history of the presidential couple and its evolution as an “ideal” in American life.

HIST162—History of the United States to 1865
An examination of the forces that have shaped the experiences of theAmerican people from the age of discovery through the Civil War. The course focuses on the development of Anglo-American colonial society, the foundation of the new nation, the reforms of the Jacksonian Era, the causes of sectionalism, and the crisis of the Civil War.

HIST261—A Survey of American Women’s History
A survey of the social, political and economic role of women in American history from the colonial period to the present.  The family as a force in American history, the impact of the feminist movement on the major institutions of American life, the working lives of women, women’s sexuality, and the emergence of women on the political stage are among the issues that will be discussed.

HIST 324— Life in Colonial America
An exploration of the development of Anglo-American society and culture in North America. The transfer of English ideas and institutions to the new world, the conflicts between native, white, and African cultures, the development of distinctive social, economic, and political differences in the colonies, and the emergence of an American identity are studied.  Prerequisites: History 162 or permission of the instructor.

HIST 326—The American Revolutionary Era
An analysis of the evolution of the United States from the French and Indian War to the Constitutional Era.  The course is topical in organization.  Students explore the society, economy, politics and religion of the Revolutionary Era.  Special attention will be paid to the Revolutionary War itself, and the impact of that war on the daily lives of both women and men.  The experience of native Americans and slaves in the Revolutionary Era is also studied.  Prerequisites: History 162 or permission of the instructor.

HIST 339 – Problems in the History of American Women
A thematic study of major issues in the history of American women.  Topics may include: the experiences of women in the settlement process; the effects of war and revolution on women’s lives; the impact of the women’s rights and feminist movements on American women and men; how race, ethnicity, and class have shaped women’s lives; the history of women and work in American history.  Prerequisites: History 261 or permission of the instructor.

HIST 560—Witchcraft in Colonial New England
This seminar investigates the social, political, economic, religious, and literary interpretations of the Salem Village witchcraft trials of 17th-century Massachusetts Bay Colony.  The culture of Puritanism is explored.  Students are required to formulate their own interpretation of the events studied.  Prerequisites: History 324 or permission of the instructor.

HIST 562—The Family in American History
The evolution of the family as a social, economic, and political institution is explored from the colonial period of American history to the present. The impact of wars, industrialization, immigration, and feminism on the family is analyzed. Special attention is paid to the methodology of family history and the relationship of family history to other forms of history and historical writing.  Prerequisites: History 162 or 163 and permission of the instructor.