The University Year 2 (Sophomore) U.S. History to 1877 course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of early American history; from pre-colonial societies through Reconstruction. This course emphasizes critical analysis of political; social; economic; and cultural developments that shaped the nation. Students will engage with primary and secondary sources to develop historical thinking skills; including contextualization; causation; and argumentation. By examining key events such as colonization; the American Revolution; westward expansion; and the Civil War; students will gain insight into the complexities of America’s founding and growth. The educational benefits of this course include strengthening research and writing abilities through structured assignments such as essays; document analyses; and research projects. Students will learn to construct evidence-based arguments and communicate historical interpretations clearly. Class discussions and collaborative activities encourage active participation; fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives in historical narratives. The course also highlights the experiences of marginalized groups; including Indigenous peoples; enslaved Africans; and women; to provide a more inclusive understanding of the past. By the end of the course; students will be able to identify major themes and turning points in early U.S. history and assess their long-term impacts. The curriculum aligns with academic standards to ensure a rigorous yet accessible learning experience. This foundation prepares students for advanced history courses and cultivates skills applicable to careers in education; law; public service; and beyond. The course ultimately aims to develop informed citizens who can critically evaluate historical legacies and their relevance to contemporary issues.
