History 334L
The American Revolution and Founding of the United States, 1763-1800
Fall 2010 George Forgie
Unique #39190 forgie@mail.utexas.edu
M & W 3:30-5:00 Garrison 3.212 (475-7231)
JGB 2.218 M & TH 11:30-1:00
OVERVIEW. This course studies the history of the thirteen colonies and the United States during the last third of the eighteenth century, with a concentration on the origins, nature, process, and effects of the American Revolution. Specific topics include: American colonial society in the mid-eighteenth century, the French and Indian war, the collapse of the colonial system in British North America, the War for Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution, the launching of the national government, and the beginnings of American party politics.
BOOKS. The following paperbacks should be purchased:
Gordon S. Wood, The American Revolution: A History
Woody Holton, Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia
Pauline Maier, American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence
Joseph J. Ellis, Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation
CLASSES. Each class will consist of a lecture of 50-60 minutes, followed by discussion among those students who wish to stay. You may record the classes if you wish, but no laptop computers may be used or open during the lecture. The use of phones, including texting, in class is not permitted.
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES.
Wednesday, August 25
Introduction
Monday, August 30
The Rivalry of Empires
Wednesday, September 1
The Relevance of the "Seven Years' War" (1756-1763)
Monday, September 6
Labor Day
Wednesday, September 8
The Road to the Stamp Tax of 1765
Monday, September 13
The Stamp Act Crisis (1765-66)
Wednesday, September 15
Second Crisis: The Townshend Duties and Their Effects, 1767-1770
Monday, September 20
Tranquility and Then Renewed Crisis, 1770-1774
Wednesday, September 22
The Showdown at Lexington and Concord
Monday, September 27
First Examination
Wednesday, September 29
The Improvised War: 1775
Monday, October 4
A New Goal: Independence
Wednesday, October 6
The Campaign of 1776
Monday, October 11
1777 Changes Everything
Wednesday, October 13
The Articles of Confederation
Monday, October 18
Challenges to Washington’s Leadership
Wednesday, October 20
The Twisting Road to Yorktown
Monday, October 25
The Treaty of Paris
Wednesday, October 27
Second Examination
Monday, November 1
The Trials of Peace
Wednesday, November 3
The Constitutional Convention (I)
Monday, November 8
The Constitutional Convention (II)
Wednesday, November 10
The Constitutional Convention (III)
Monday, November 15
The Constitutional Convention (Concluded)
Wednesday, November 17
Ratification?
Monday, November 22
The New Government Begins
Wednesday, November 24
TBA
Monday, November 29
The Development of Political Parties
Wednesday, December 1
Was the American Revolution a Revolution?
EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING: In addition to the final examination (which will be comprehensive) on Friday, December 10, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., there will be two midterm exams--on Monday, September 27, and Wednesday, October 27, at the class period. Each of the midterms will count 25% of the course grade. The final examination will count 50% of the course grade. The exams will consist of short-answer and essay questions on the material from the classes and readings (including any handouts that may come your way from the instructor). Enrollment in this course constitutes a commitment on your part to be present at all of these examinations. Exams will not be given ahead of schedule, nor will any make-ups be given, for any reason.
COURSE Grading Scale:
93-100% A
90-92% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C-
67-69% D+
63-66% D
60-62% D-
Below 60% F
READING ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignment for the first exam, Monday, September 27:
(1) Gordon S. Wood, The American Revolution: A History, to page 52.
(2) Woody Holton, Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia (all)
Assignment for the second exam, Wednesday, October 27:
(1) Gordon S. Wood, The American Revolution: A History, pp. 52-109
(2) Pauline Maier, American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence (all)
Assignment for the final exam, Friday, December 10:
(1) ALL OF THE ABOVE, plus
(2) Gordon S. Wood, The American Revolution: A History, pp. 113-166.
(3) Joseph J. Ellis, Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation (all)
Teaching Assistant:
Kyle Shelton kylekshelton@gmail.com
Office Hours: Mondays 12:00-3:00 p.m., at the Cactus Café
Services for Students with Disabilities:
Students with disabilities may request appropriate academic accommodations from Services for Students with Disabilities at 471-6259 (voice) or 232-2937 (video phone) or http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd
This course contains a Cultural Diversity flag.