HIS 2239 History of the Americas

Course Description:
This course will examine the history of the American continent since the arrival of the Europeans. Beginning with a brief discussion of the pre-colonial social formations in the continent it will explain the changes that took place after the European interventions and how the nations have been shaped and reshaped in colonial and post-colonial situations.

Learning Objectives:
The course is designed to give students an understanding of the differences in the encounters with various European powers, which were felt in the region and the making of South America and North America.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Discuss the civilisational aspects of tribal societies prior to European encounters in the American continent
• Analyse how the political and economic systems of Europe influenced the emergence of nation states in North and South America
• Critically examine interlinks of colonial and post colonial situations of the Americas.

Course Content:
1. Tribal societies in America
2. The coming of the Europeans
3. Politics and economy under colonial rule
4. Formation of nation states
5. Emergence of South, Central and North America
6. Postcolonial political developments
7. Issues in economic development
8. Americas in the evolution of global society

Assessment:
Attendance 10%
Midterm Test or Assignment 30%
Final Exam 60%

Recommended Readings:
Digital History, (ND) ‘An interactive, multimedia history of the United States from the Revolution to the present.’ The key events that made American History. Guided Recommended Readings [online]<www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/database/hyper_titles.cfm>
John, C. C. (Ed. & translated) (1993) The Contemporary History of Latin America, Durham & London: Duke University Press.
Ward, J. (1997) Latin America: Development and Conflict since 1945, London: Routledge.
Williamson, R. C. (1997) Latin American Societies in Transition, Westport, CT.: Praeger.
Zinn, H. (2005) A People’s History of the United States: 1492 to Present, US: Harper Perennial Modern Classics

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