HIST 361
Revolutionary America (US) (WI)
Catalog Entry
HIST 361
Revolutionary America (US) (WI)
Three hours lecture: (3)
Prerequisite: Three hours of History at the 100 level.
Study and analysis of the causes of the Revolution, the War for Independence, the
Confederation period and the impact of the war.
Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The course chronologically traces the rising conflict between the American colonies
and England, the war itself, the successes and failings of the Confederation Period.
Military strategy and the battles of the war for independence receive substantial
treatment but a greater stress is placed on the political, economic, social and religious
developments during the period.
Specific Topics for the Course Include the Following:
1. The American Colonies and the British Empire, 1750-1763
2. The French and Indian War
3. British Colonial Administration from 1763-1776
4. Major Acts, 1763-1776 and American Reaction
5. The Beginning of Revolution, 1774-1776
6. Military Independence: Lexington and Bunker Hill
7. Political Independence and the Declaration of Independence
8. New York to Saratoga
9. War in the South to Yorktown
10. Life of the common soldier
11. Diplomatic relations with the French and Native Americans
12. The American Navy
13. The Articles of Confederation
14. State Constitutions and Governments
15. Impact of the war on women and blacks
16. The Economic and Social impacts of the war
17. American culture during the Revolutionary Period
18. The Loyalists
19. Foreign Affairs
20. Western Lands
21. The Constitutional Convention
22. The Ratification Battle
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course combines a variety of strategies to investigate the American Revolution
and its aftermath. The term paper requires student analysis, organization and interpretive
development. The readings provide background information and require, at times, substantial
critical analysis and evaluation. Class projects involving the use of primary sources
expose students directly to the events and thinking of the period.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Students will understand why and how the American Revolution occurred.
Students will understand to social, economic, and political impact of the American
Revolution.
Students will practice thinking critically and analytically about historical issues,
acquire a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of pertinent historical events
and processes, and cultivate a familiarity with the concepts of historical argument
and interpretation.
Students will develop disciplinary research skills by designing strategies to locate
and analyze primary and secondary source evidence, processing and organizing the resultant
data, and composing proper citation and bibliographical entries.
Students will apply their critical thinking, research, and compositional skills to
the creation and presentation of thesis driven essays that discuss, for example, historical
social, economic, political, and/or cultural developments and that address issues
such as the causes and consequences of historical change and continuity.
Assessment Measures
Knowledge and understanding of the material covered in this course will be measured
using an array of assessment tools that may include, among other things, class attendance
and participation, written examinations, formal writing assignments of various types,
and informal writing assignments. All exercises are designed to expand the student's
ability to evaluate historical events and to develop his or her ability to compose
persuasive arguments.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
October 2010 Reviewed and Approved by Sharon Roger Hepburn
04/2011
March 01, 2021