CoursesHamilton’s America: US History 1776-1804
HIST 1110 Section 001, CRN 28952

Hamilton’s America: US History 1776-1804

In this course, students will learn about the political, constitutional, and social history of the United States from 1776 (the year the colonies declared their independence from Great Britain) to 1800 (the year Thomas Jefferson won the presidency in a heated partisan election for the presidency). Alexander Hamilton, an influential American statesman during this time, will be our guide to the many events and transformations that occurred during these years. The course is not, however, a biographical course about Hamilton. Topics covered include: the politics of independence, the Revolutionary War, the development of state and national republics, the creation of the U.S. Constitution, the role of ordinary people in the politics of the time period, the problem of slavery in the new nation, Native American power and loss, diplomatic affairs, and the rise of partisan politics.

In this course, students will learn about the political, constitutional, and social history of the American colonies and the United States from 1754-55 (the outbreak of the Seven Years War and the year of Alexander Hamilton’s birth) to 1804 (the year Hamilton died and Thomas Jefferson, one of his chief rivals, won re-election to the presidency). Hamilton will be our guide to the many events and transformations that occurred during this period. The course is not, however, a narrowly-focused biographical course about Hamilton. Students will read a wide range of primary sources, exploring the ideas and experiences of both famous and ordinary people. These sources will allow students to consider multiple perspectives on historical moments and transformations. Topics covered include: the Seven Years War and other events leading up to the American Revolution, the politics of American independence, the Revolutionary War, the development of state and national republics, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the role of ordinary people in the politics of the time period, the problem of slavery in the new nation, Native American power and loss, diplomatic affairs, the impact of revolutions in France and Haiti, the rise of partisan politics in expected and unexpected places, and the expansion of American sovereignty and settlement on the North American continent.

**Students should fill out this Google form before submitting a permission request.

Faculty: Sarah Gronningsater

Related Content

Other Courses of Interest

PSCI/GSWS 4680

Feminist Political Theory

Instructor(s)

  • Katerina Traut

Semester

Spring 2025

In what ways has Western Political Theory constructed, excluded, and denigrated gendered and sexualized political subjects? In what ways have these subjects resisted these politics, and organized for their freedom and sovereignty? This course will explore feminist political theories of the body, reproduction, and empire through a variety of theoretical styles and methodological approaches.

Learn More
URBS 2110-301

Restorative Justice in the City: History Theory and Practice

Instructor(s)

  • Pablo Miguel Cerdera

Semester

Spring 2025

Restorative Justice (RJ) is a new term to describe ancient ways of dealing with harm and being in community which centers our relationships and obligations to one another, as opposed to punishment and retribution. Increasingly popular as a response to a plethora of urban issues, from mass incarceration to gun violence to education inequality, RJ is also sometimes misunderstood or applied without fidelity.

This course explores the theory, history, and practice of RJ in the urban environment. The course intersperses practical communication and facilitation skills, visits from local practitioners and advocates, and in-depth discussion of texts and media. Through readings, discussions, activities, and projects we will develop a solid theoretical basis from which to understand RJ and its implementation, including a focus on holistic engagement with self, other, and community.

Learn More