LET-GESB961
Who built America? (1) Change and struggle in the social history of the United States (c. 1775 - 1877)
Course infoSchedule
Course moduleLET-GESB961
Credits (ECTS)5
Category-
Language of instructionEnglish
Offered byRadboud University; Faculty of Arts; History;
Lecturer(s)
PreviousNext 1
Lecturer
dr. C.J. van Bochove
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Contactperson for the course
dr. C.W. van Galen
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Lecturer
dr. C.W. van Galen
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Lecturer
prof. dr. J. Kok
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Lecturer
I. Plessius, MA
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Academic year2018
Period
PER 3  (04/02/2019 to 05/04/2019)
Starting block
PER 3
Course mode
full-time
Remarks-
Registration using OSIRISYes
Course open to students from other facultiesYes
Pre-registrationNo
Waiting listNo
Placement procedure-
Aims
After completing the course, students:
  • have gained insight in the lives and historical roles of common people, their conflicts of interests and their political and ideological representations in the history of the United States, in the period between the early 19th century and 1900;
  • are able to offer an analysis, both individually and in groups, of several relevant topics, including slavery and migration, using literature and online source collections;
  • are able to present the results of their research in written and oral presentations.
Content
The epic handbook Who built America? (American Social History Project) presents in two volumes the entire history of America (1492-2000) 'from below', or from the perspective of the experiences and social struggles of groups such as slaves, women, workers and migrants. How can we interpret the social tensions and contradictions these groups experienced on the plantations, during the Civil War, what effects did urbanization and industrialization have on their lives? We will analyze social struggles and ideologies, at times comparing American with European developments.
Assumed previous knowledge
Positive 'Bindend Studie Advies' (BSA).This doesn't apply to foreign exchange students, who may sign up.

Note for exchange students: you cannot take this course if your English proficiency level is not at least B2 (TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC or Cambridge). A statement from your home university won't be accepted.

Required materials
Book
Title:Who built America? Volume one: From Conquest and Colonization to 1877
Publisher:Third edition Boston/New York 2008
Edition:3
Websites
Title:Internet texts

Instructional modes
Seminar
Attendance MandatoryYes

Tests
Written Exam
Test weight80
Test typeExam
OpportunitiesBlock PER 3, Block PER 4

Minimum grade
5,5

Presentation
Test weight20
Test typePresentation
OpportunitiesBlock PER 3, Block PER 3

Minimum grade
5,5