American Studies 226 - COLONIAL N AMERICA 1492-1763

This course provides an overview of early American history, from contact in 1492 to the eve of colonial independence movements in 1763. Together, we will pay as much attention to the how and why (processes, motivations, imaginaries) as to the what (dates, events) of colonial history, focusing on diverse sites of contact, exchange, and conflict in the colonial projects of England and Spain in North America. By analyzing various historical documents--including maps, engravings, letters, narratives, and treaties--we will attend to the activities and effects of contact, exchange, and conflict among Native, African, and European peoples and institutions. (E)