📖 Focus: Exploring the forging of American identity, from its ancient roots, early exploration, colonialization and Indepence. Culminates in the events of 1812.

🔹 Course Format:

• 1-hour weekly live session
• 3 hours of independent reading, writing, or multimedia study per week
• Assessment: Essays, readings, discussion forums, quizzes
• Teacher: Charles Couloumbe, celebrated American author and lecturer.

Weeks 1-5: Pre-Columbian and Early Exploration

1. First Americans and Pre-Columbian Civilizations – The migration to the Americas, major civilizations (Aztecs, Incas, Mississippian culture).
2. The Viking Presence – Vinland and early Norse exploration.
3. European Expansion – Columbus and the Age of Exploration.
4. Spanish and Portuguese Conquests – Hernán Cortés, Francisco Pizarro, and interactions with indigenous empires.
5. The Catholic Missions in America – The Florida Martyrs, Junípero Serra, and Spanish missionary efforts.

Weeks 6-10: Colonization and Conflict

6. The French and the Fur Trade – New France and its Catholic legacy.
7. The English Arrive – Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth.
8. Life in the Colonies – Society, economy, and culture in English, Spanish, and French territories.
9. Conflict with Indigenous Peoples – Pequot War, King Philip’s War, Pueblo Revolt.
10. The Atlantic World – The role of trade, slavery, and Catholic vs. Protestant tensions.

Weeks 11-15: Toward Revolution

11. The Great Awakening and Religious Movements – The impact of revivalism and Catholic-Protestant dynamics.
12. The French and Indian War – The struggle for North America.
13. Colonial Unrest – British policies and the growing discontent.
14. The American Revolution Begins – Early battles, the role of Catholic allies like Spain and France.
15. The Declaration of Independence – Revolutionary ideals and key figures.

Weeks 16-20: Birth of a Nation

16. The Revolutionary War – Key battles and figures.
17. The Role of France and Spain – Global aspects of the war.
18. The Treaty of Paris – The war’s end and its consequences.
19. The Articles of Confederation – The first attempt at governance.
20. The Constitutional Convention – The new government framework.

Weeks 21-25: Early Republic and Challenges

21. The Federalist Era – Washington’s presidency and Hamilton vs. Jefferson.
22. Expansion and Conflict – The Northwest Ordinance and Native American resistance.
23. The Adams Presidency – Alien and Sedition Acts, U.S. diplomacy.
24. The Jeffersonian Era – Louisiana Purchase, Lewis & Clark.
25. The Prelude to 1812 – British conflicts, impressment, and tensions.

Weeks 26-30: The War of 1812 and Its Aftermath

26. The War of 1812 – Causes, major battles, and impact.
27. The Burning of Washington – British invasion and resilience.
28. The Treaty of Ghent – The war’s conclusion.
29. The “Era of Good Feelings” – Economic growth and nationalism.
30. Course Review and Final Project – Recap, assessments, and discussions.