EDSS 520 - Teaching American Colonial History

The arrival of the early colonists in North America set the stage for the rise of a nation built upon the ideals of freedom, independence, and liberty. This is a story of dominance, pride, ambition, and risk. This is also a story of those who would fight to preserve their way of life and of those who would fight to create a new path. It is the complex job of history teachers to help their students understand the interactions of these diverse cultures and peoples in building what would become the United States of America.

In this course, you will build upon the traditional narratives of early colonial history by examining the contributions of Native Americans, Africans, women, and the foreign colonial powers that challenged English dominance in the “New World.” You’ll develop strategies for teaching the events surrounding cultural conflict and the exchange of crops, animals, and human beings. In addition, you’ll expand your own historical understanding by analyzing the archeological evidence of this early period and its key figures.

With the resources and techniques from this course, you will be equipped to help your students explore the complexity of America’s diverse colonial period.