This course is a survey of the social, political, economic and racial development of America from its European roots to the Civil War.

Bentley, Jerry, Herbert Ziegler, and Heather Streets.  Traditions and Encounters:  A Brief Global History, Volume I:  From the Beginning to 1500. (condensed version) ISBN 978-0-07-320702-5

1. To examine how the history of the past influences the political and social institutions of the present.
2. To ascertain the origin and basic structure of the U.S. constitutional system, with specific emphasis on the relationships between federal, state and local governments
3. To strengthen and sharpen the student’s ability to think and analyze various historical situations critically.
4. To examine the prevalent themes in U.S. History and delineate between fact, myth, and interpretation.
5. To enable the student to gain insight into the integral role played by diverse and minority populations in the creation and development of the United States.