History 135
America, Origins to 1877
Fall 2003

Instructor: K. Chavigny
Office Hours, Tu 4-5:30, W 1-2, Th, 1:30-2:30, Or by appt. x6234

Contact information: kchavigny@sbc.edu
On campus: x6234 Off campus: 946-9795

This course explores the origins and development of the American nation from the pre- colonial period through the end of Reconstruction. We will begin with the rationales behind colonization and European interpretations of native American cultures and end with the emergence of industrialization and the aftermath of the Civil War. In between we will explore the nature of colonial society, the varied meanings of the American Revolution, the spread of capitalist social and economic relations, and the rise of slavery as a labor system.

GRADES will be assigned in this manner: Class participation, 25%. Analysis of primary document: 10%. First of three 5-7 page take-home essay-exams on a choice of questions: 15%. Second and Third essays, 25% each. Major writing assignments will fall in approximately week 2, 6, 10 and 14, so plan ahead. To pass this course, all major written assignments must be received by 4 p.m. Wednesday of exam week (December 12). That's right--if you neglect to turn in a written assignment, you will fail the course.

SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN: How to distinguish a primary historical document from a secondary historical interpretation, how to read documents and understand them in relation to a broader historical context; how to craft a written historical argument based on evidence; when to cite historical evidence.

This is a discussion course, not a lecture course. You must come to class having read, and having taken notes on, the assigned readings. Students who are reticent about speaking should visit me during office hours and should try to contribute to the proceedings. From time to time there will be assigned discussion questions. You all will be expected to prepare your thoughts on these questions and offer them in class.

Preparation for class: Once again, you must have read, and have taken notes on, the readings for the day. You must bring the readings for the week with you to class. We will refer to passages in the reading in the course of discussion.

I sometimes change the order of the readings, or replace one reading with another. Even if you miss class, you are responsible for keeping track of such changes by consulting the syllabus on my website. Please e-mail me and I will bring you up to date.

Policy on absences: It is college policy that students must attend all classes. I do take attendance, and I do penalize students for absences. Showing up for class is the easiest way to improve your overall grade. Class discussions are designed to prepare you to answer the essay questions that constitute the writing requirements for this course. You will benefit from attending class.

Policy on late papers: Only under extraordinary circumstances may you turn in a paper after the deadline. Late papers will be penalized.

Required texts, available at bookstore:

James Davidson, et al., Nation of Nations: A Narrative history of the American Republic, to 1877 (2000).
Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography
Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776)
Linda Brent [Harriet Jacobs], Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (1861); internet version at http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/JACOBS/hjhome.htm
The Federalist Papers internet version at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/const/fed/fedpapers.html (text also available at bookstore)
Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America [1834] internet version at http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/home.html
(text also available at bookstore)

Schedule of Classes, Readings, and Assignments

INTRO to COURSE: Thursday, August 21

Week 1 (August 26, 28): Euro-Aboriginal Encounters in the New World
Textbook: Davidson, et al., et al., Nation of Nations, prologue, ch. 1 (pp. 2-50)

TU) Christopher Columbus, Journals, "Discovery of the West Indies"
Bartolomé de las Casas, The Devastatation of the Indies (excerpts)
Th) Phillipe Le Jeune, Relations (excerpts): We will not meet this session, but you will have a short writing assignment on this reading

Week 2 (Sept 2, 4): Pursuits of Happiness: Virginia through Bacon's Rebellion
Textbook Reading: Davidson, et al., Nation of Nations, ch. 2

Tu) Robert Beverley, History of Virginia, Chap. 1& 3 through c. 21
John Smith, A MAP OF VIRGINIA, WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTREY, THE Commodities, People, Government and Religion. At http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/jamestown-browse?id=J1008
Beverley, History of Virginia, finish ch. 3 and sections from ch. 4.

Th) Documents on Nathaniel Bacon's Rebellion (1675) and Civil Unrest in Virginia

Handout #1: Colonial Virginia through 1669

Tu) John Winthrop, "A Modell of Christian Charity," (1629)
Lawes and libertyes of Massachusetts Colonie
"The Trial of Anne Hutchinson" (1637) [transcript]

Th) John Winthrop, "Speech to the General Court" (1645)

Week 4 (Sept 16, 18): Colonies in Crisis
Textbook Reading: Davidson, et al., Nation of Nations, ch. 3, pp. 94, 98-110

First ESSAY-EXAM #1 (4-5 pages) – Will be handed out on this week

T) Cornelius van Tienhoven, "New Netherlands" (1650)
Robert Calef, "More wonders of the Invisible World," (Part V)
Samuel Parris "Christ Knows How many Devils..." [sermon]
Witchcraft testimony

To view the complete documents arising out of the Salem Witchcraft crisis please consult http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/texts/ for texts; http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/ for maps.

Th) John Miller, "A description of New York, 1695"