During this time period, the United States grew from a small republic nestled along the eastern seaboard of central North America to a vast empire that spanned the continent, exerted substantial influence in the Caribbean Basin, and reached across the Pacific Ocean to the edge of Asia. Accordingly, the central theme of the course is American territorial and commercial expansion. Lectures and readings will introduce you to historical controversies and conflicting interpretations, which you will be expected to analyze critically in writing and discussions. The following books are required reading and should be available at the bookstores.
Attendance is mandatory at all class meetings.
Attendance will be taken five times, at random, during the quarter, and you will earn one point for each time you are recorded present. All students must be officially enrolled in the course by the end of the second full week of the quarter. No requests to add the course will be approved by the department chair after that time. Enrolling officially and on time is solely the responsibility of the student. Both exams will cover material from lectures and assigned readings and will consist primarily of essay questions.