HIST 20 American Thought and Culture to 1865

This course examines major ideas, figures, and movements from the establishment of the colonies of British America to the nation’s fragmentation in the Civil War. There is an emphasis upon Puritanism, Enlightenment, and Romanticism as dominant patterns of thought. The course also explores antebellum reform as a case study. Topics to be considered include the migration of ideas from Europe and their subsequent modification in America; the conflict between ideals and actualities in social, political, and cultural life; and the conceptual significance of equality and difference in the construction of American subjectivities. Open to all classes.

Degree Requirement Attributes

Dist:TMV; WCult:W

The Timetable of Class Meetings contains the most up-to-date information about a course. It includes not only the meeting time and instructor, but also its official distributive and/or world culture designation. This information supersedes any information you may see elsewhere, to include what may appear in this ORC/Catalog or on a department/program website. Note that course attributes may change term to term therefore those in effect are those (only) during the term in which you enroll in the course.

Department-Specific Course Categories

Class of 2023 and Before Major Dist: US, pre-1800; Class of 2024 and Beyond Major Dist: US, premodern.