Introduction-Understanding Early America
E Pluribus Unum?
This map illustrates how divided the new nation was over the 1787 Federal Constitution.
Helpful Resources:
Accessing sources from Livingston Lord Library.
There are two ways to access the Livingston Lord Library holdings from off campus. By clicking on this link you will be able to access and read any of the electronic media listed in this syllabus. Another alternative is downloading a piece of software call the "vpn client." Clicking here will take you to the IT site (scroll down to "Configuring and Using MSUM wireless and vpn client") where you can obtain this very handy tool. Just choose the correct operating system, download the software, and follow the set-up instructions and you will be able to access MSUM library holdings anywhere in the world.
Active Reading
Active reading is an important part of becoming a historian. In this class we will read a large amount of both primary and secondary sources and it is important for you to be able to read and understand the material so you can discuss it in class. Check out this Unversity of Pennsylvania Active Reading Page for guidance. Note that writing is central to helping you understand what you read--you should be taking notes and writing about the material you read--failure to do so means you won’t be able to contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way (should I say anything about your grade here too?!)
January 11: Course Introduction and a discussion of Early America. Read the following from the online textbook we will use to refresh your memory: The American Yawp: A New Nation
January 13: Mini Lecture on the end of the Articles of Confederation. Discussion of the following: Beyond the Founders: New approates to the Political History of the Early American Republic; “'The Cheese and the Words': Popular Culture and Participatory Democracy in the Early American Republic.”
January 18: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day--No classes, but keep reading ahead, you will be glad you did.
Conflict in the Early Republic
January 20: Mini Lecture on the problems surrounding the New Constitution and then discussion of the following selected readings: "Two
Visions of the Constitution", Drew McCoy, and "Matthew Lyon's Trial for Sedition", Aleine Austin.
Do not read this (or anything else assigned) passively. Instead, see the sidebar about active reading and come with questions and ideas about this material and how it relates to other material we have read to date.
January 25: Introduction and chapters 1 & 2 of The Early American Republic: A Documentary Reader (hereafter EAR).
January 27: EAR-Chapter 3.