Title

Schedule of Courses

Session 1 – June 23 to June 28

HIST 505 1A / POLSC 505 1A: The Progressive Era (2)
The transition to an industrial economy posed many problems for the United States. This course examines those problems and the responses to them that came to be known as progressivism. The course includes the study of World War I as a manifestation of progressive principles. The course emphasizes the political thought of Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and their political expression of progressive principles.
Instructor: John Moser (Ashland University)

HIST 610 1A / POLSC 610 1A: American Foreign Policy (2)
Students examine events and issues in the foreign policy of the American republic. Topics include the major schools of thought and approaches, the connection between domestic and foreign politics, and the connection between the principles of the American regime and its foreign policy.
Instructor: Christopher Burkett (Ashland University)

HIST 630 1A / POLSC 630 1A: American Statesmen – Eisenhower and Kennedy (2)
This course will examine the principles and practices of two American presidents: Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. When the nation’s oldest president (at the time) was succeeded by our youngest elected president, the United States witnessed not only a dramatic generational transition but a transformation of public expectations regarding the American presidency. This course will explore the different styles of executive leadership practiced by Ike and Jack, as well as examine the great events that occurred during their time in office.
Instructors: Stephen F. Knott (United States Naval War College)

HIST 641 1A / POLSC 641 1A: The Supreme Court (2)
The course is an intensive study of the highest court in the federal judiciary, focusing on the place of the Supreme Court in the American constitutional order. Areas of study may include the relationship between the Court and the other branches of the federal government as well as the states; the Court’s power of judicial review; and judicial politics and statesmanship. We will examine these kinds of issues by investigating how the Court has interpreted the Constitution in some of its most historic decisions.
Instructor: Jeffrey Sikkenga (Ashland University)

HIST 660 1A / POLSC 660 1A: Indian Assimilation, Resistance, and Removal (2)
During the first decades of the nineteenth century, the tribes of what is today the southeastern United States took steps toward assimilation and accommodation of American culture, becoming known as the Five Civilized Tribes. During the same period, pressure mounted on them to remove to the trans-Mississippi West. Events culminated in the 1830s with open conflict and the forced removal often called “The Trail of Tears.” Often these events are portrayed as inevitable and depicted in simplistic terms. This class will help students understand the complexities and nuances of a pivotal time in American history.
Instructor: Jace Weaver (University of Georgia)

Session 2 – June 30 to July 5

HIST 502 2A / POLSC 502 2A: The American Founding (2)
This course is an intensive study of the constitutional convention, the struggle over ratification of the Constitution, and the creation of the Bill of Rights. It will include a close examination of the Federalist Papers and the antifederalist papers.
Instructor: David Alvis (Wofford College) and Elizabeth L’Arrivee (Clemson University)

HIST 506 2A / POLSC 506 2A: The Rise of Modern America, 1914-1945 (2)
With the exception of the Civil War era, it is difficult to find another thirty-year period in U.S. history during which the nation underwent such dramatic change. In 1914 the United States was no more than a regional power, with a primarily rural demography and a relatively unobtrusive federal government. Thanks to the experience of two world wars, a major cultural conflict (the 1920s), and a disastrous economic crisis the country was transformed into the global economic and military power that it remains to this day. This course will examine the cultural, economic, military, and diplomatic events and trends of the period 1914-1945.
Instructor: Jennifer D. Keene (Chapman University)

HIST 602 2A / POLSC 602 2A: European Discovery and Settlement (2)
An examination of the motives behind and the consequences of the expansion of European power beginning in the sixteenth century. The course focuses on the European settlement of North America and the interactions between Europeans and indigenous peoples.
Instructor: David Tucker (Ashbrook Center at Ashland University) and Paul Otto (George Fox University)

HIST 621 2A / POLSC 621 2A: Race and Equality in America (2)
This course explores the history of black Americans as they strove to secure their dignity as human beings, and rights as American citizens, in the face of racial prejudice. Students will examine the writings of leading black intellectuals and activists about human equality, slavery, self-government, the rule of law, emancipation, colonization, and citizenship. The course will also review laws, constitutional amendments, court cases, and social criticism addressing civil and political rights in America.
Instructor: Charissa Threat (Chapman University)

HIST 643 3A / POLSC 643 3A: Race and the Fourteenth Amendment (2)
This course will explore congressional and public debates over the passage of Fourteenth Amendment, Plessy v. Ferguson, the NAACP’s strategy for overturning “separate but equal” in public schools, Brown v. Board of Education, Civil Rights Act of 1964, busing, voting rights, and affirmative action in the workplace and in college admissions. Course readings will include Supreme Court cases, other primary sources, and some secondary literature.
Instructor: Elizabeth Amato (Gardner-Webb University) and Matthew S. Brogdon (Utah Valley University)

Session 3 – July 7 to July 12

HIST 503 3A / POLSC 503 3A: Sectionalism and Civil War (2)
A study of the sectional conflict beginning with the nullification crisis. The course will not only examine the political, social and economic developments in the period leading to the civil war, but will emphasize the political thought of Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, and John C. Calhoun.
Instructors: Eric C. Sands (Berry College) and Robert Colby (University of Mississippi)

HIST 510 4A / POLSC 510 4A: Great American Texts – Ernest Hemingway
The most important American writer of the 20th century was Ernest Hemingway. As a young, expatriate newspaper reporter in Europe, Hemingway wrote experimental fiction that was characterized by simple declarative sentences and scant use of adjectives and adverbs. The course considers Hemingway’s stylistic innovation through reading representative works while also investigating and discussing the historical context of his greatest novels and short stories as a window into the last century.
Instructor: Dan Monroe (Millikin University)

HIST 614 3A / POLSC 614 3A: Contemporary America, 1974 to present (2)
Examines the United States from the end of Watergate to the present, with emphasis on the rise of the new conservatism, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the search for a new foreign policy. The social, economic, political, and diplomatic development of the country is stressed with a thematic emphasis.
Instructors: Eric D. Pullin (Carthage College)

HIST 632 3A / POLSC 632 3A: The American Presidency I – Washington to Lincoln (2)
This course is an examination of the political and development of the office of president from the Founding era through the Civil War. It focuses on how the presidency shaped American political life as the country grew and struggled with rising sectional tensions.
Instructors: Jeremy D. Bailey (University of Oklahoma) and Marc K. Landy (Boston College)

HIST 643 3B / POLSC 643 3B: From Schoolhouse to Courthouse (2)
Over the past sixty years, the judiciary has vastly increased its role in American education. From race to speech, from religion to school finance, from special education to school discipline, almost no area of education has escaped judicial supervision. This course will examine these areas of judicial activity. Additionally, it will address questions about the effectiveness of litigation as a tool for driving policy change and improving educational outcomes.
Instructor: Joshua M. Dunn (University of Tennessee)

Session 4 – July 14 to July 19

HIST AHG 501 4A / POLSC 501 4A: The American Revolution (2)
This course focuses on three topics: political developments in North America and the British empire and the arguments for and against independence, culminating in the Declaration of Independence; the Revolutionary War as a military, social and cultural event in the development of the American nation and state; and the United States under the Articles of Confederation.
Instructor: Adam Seagrave (Arizona State University)

HIST 507 4A / POLSC 507 4A: Lincoln (2)
This course provides an in-depth study of Abraham Lincoln’s political thought and action. Students will study Lincoln’s most important speeches, as well as study various aspects of his political leadership, including his role as the leader of the Republican party and as commander in chief. The course will also provide opportunities for students to analyze Lincoln’s rhetoric and political argumentation.
Instructor: Joseph R. Fornieri (Rochester Institute of Technology)

HIST 603 4A / POLSC 603 4A: Colonial America (2)
This course focuses on the development of an indigenous political culture in the British colonies. It pays special attention to the development of representative political institutions and how these emerged through the confrontation between colonists and King and proprietors. The course also considers imperial politics through a study of the Albany Plan of Union.
Instructor: Robert M.S. McDonald (United States Military Academy)

HIST 642 4A / POLSC 642 4A: Political Parties (2)
This course examines the development of American political parties, focusing on the meaning of parties and historic moments in the rise and fall of political parties from the Founding era to the present. Topics may include re-aligning elections, changing coalitions within American parties, and the contemporary Democratic and Republican parties.
Instructor: Joseph Postell (Hillsdale College) and Stephanie R. Davis (University of Arkansas, Little Rock)

HIST 660 4B / POLSC 660 4B: American Immigration History (2)
When it comes to immigration, everyone knows about the Emma Lazarus poem that goes: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This course will give students an in-depth view of American immigration over the past two centuries. We will examine the stories of immigrants, their motivations for coming to America, and where they worked and lived when they arrived here. We will also learn about how native-born Americans reacted to those newcomers, as well as the many immigration laws passed by Congress over the years and how the government has processed immigrants over time. Lastly, we will examine how notions of citizenship and assimilation have changed over time.
Instructor: Vincent Cannato (University of Massachusetts, Boston)

Session 1 – May 6 to May 30

HIST 503 O1B / POLSC 503 O1B: Sectionalism and Civil War (2)
A study of the sectional conflict beginning with the nullification crisis. The course will not only examine the political, social and economic developments in the period leading to the civil war, but will emphasize the political thought of Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, and John C. Calhoun.
Instructor: Andrew Lang (Mississippi State University)
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 7:15 - 10:30 p.m. ET

HIST 510 O1B / POLSC 510 O1B: Great American Texts – Coming of Age in Mississippi and Walking with the Wind (2)
Instructor: Brent Aucoin (The College at Southeastern)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:15 - 11:30 p.m. ET

Session 2 – June 3 to June 27

HIST 507 O2B / POLSC 507 O2B: Lincoln (2)
This course provides an in-depth study of Abraham Lincoln’s political thought and action. Students will study Lincoln’s most important speeches, as well as study various aspects of his political leadership, including his role as the leader of the Republican party and as commander in chief. The course will also provide opportunities for students to analyze Lincoln’s rhetoric and political argumentation.
Instructor: Peter C. Myers (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire)
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:15 - 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 633 O2A / POLSC 633 O2A: The American Presidency II – Johnson to the Present (2)
This course is an examination of the political and constitutional development of the office of president from Reconstruction to the present. It focuses on how changing conceptions of the presidency have shaped American political life in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially as America has become a global power.
Instructor: Adam Carrington (Hillsdale College)
Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:15 - 11:30 p.m. ET

Session 3 – June 3 to June 13

HIST 501 O3B / POLSC 501 O3B: The American Revolution (2)
This course focuses on three topics: political developments in North America and the British empire and the arguments for and against independence, culminating in the Declaration of Independence; the Revolutionary War as a military, social and cultural event in the development of the American nation and state; and the United States under the Articles of Confederation.
Instructor: Eric C. Sands (Berry College)
Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 7:15 - 10:30 p.m. ET

Session 4 – June 17 to June 27

HIST 506 O4B / POLSC 506 O4B: The Rise of Modern America, 1914-1945 (2)
With the exception of the Civil War era, it is difficult to find another thirty-year period in U.S. history during which the nation underwent such dramatic change. In 1914 the United States was no more than a regional power, with a primarily rural demography and a relatively unobtrusive federal government. Thanks to the experience of two world wars, a major cultural conflict (the 1920s), and a disastrous economic crisis the country was transformed into the global economic and military power that it remains to this day. This course will examine the cultural, economic, military, and diplomatic events and trends of the period 1914-1945.
Instructor: David F. Krugler (University of Wisconsin-Platteville)
Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 6:15 - 9:30 p.m. ET

Session 5 – June 30 to July 11

HIST 643 O5C / POLSC 643 O5C: Presidential War Powers (2)
How much power does the Constitution give a president during wartime? Problematically, the text does not provide clear answers to this question. Instead, it creates created as Edward Corwin wrote “an invitation to struggle” over the direction of US foreign policy. As a consequence, members of the executive, legislative, and judicial branch have different answers to the question and the answers change based on the nature of the war. The battleground has even shifted. The executive used to ask the legislature for approval and the legislature used to restrain executive war making. Over time, however, executives have increasingly claimed their Article II powers allow for unilateral action. In turn, members of Congress appeal to the judiciary rather than challenging the president directly. This course will use the study of key documents, first principles, enduring practices, critical military events, and current controversies to understand the changing balance of war powers over US history. It will focus on how the president has moved from deliberating with Congress to claiming they have the formal power to initiate hostilities large and small. What explains the new relationship among the branches? Why do presidents enjoy a comparatively free hand when it comes to exercising their formal constitutional powers in war?
Instructor: Sarah M. Burns (Rochester Institute of Technology)
Schedule:
Week 1 (June 30 to July 3) – Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 6:15 - 9:30 p.m. ET
Week 2 (July 8-11: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 6:15 - 9:30 p.m. ET

Session 6 – July 15 to July 25

HIST 505 O6B / POLSC 505 O6B: The Progressive Era (2)
The transition to an industrial economy posed many problems for the United States. This course examines those problems and the responses to them that came to be known as progressivism. The course includes the study of World War I as a manifestation of progressive principles. The course emphasizes the political thought of Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and their political expression of progressive principles.
Instructor: William Atto (University of Dallas)
Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 7:15 pm to 10:30 pm ET

HIST 608 O6A / POLSC 608 O6A: Civil War and Reconstruction (2)
This course will examine military aspects of the war, as well as political developments during it, including the political history of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural. The course also examines the post-war Amendments and the Reconstruction era.
Instructor: Matthew Norman (University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash)
Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 8:15 - 11:30 p.m. ET

Session 7 – July 29 to August 8

HIST 502 O7B / POLSC 502 O7B: The American Founding (2)
This course is an intensive study of the constitutional convention, the struggle over ratification of the Constitution, and the creation of the Bill of Rights. It will include a close examination of Federalist and Antifederalist writings.
Instructor: Jason W. Stevens (Ashland University)
Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 6:15 - 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 623 O7A / POLSC 623 O7A: Women in American History and Politics (2)
This course explores the history of women in America from the early 19th century to the present, especially the political struggle to gain increased civil and political rights. Using primary source material from leading female intellectuals and activists, this course will consider the myriad ways that women have helped to shape the course of United States history and politics.
Instructors: Cara Rogers Stevens (Ashland University) & Donna Devlin (Sterling College)
Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 7:15 - 10:30 p.m. ET

HIST 501 O1A/POLSC 501 O1A: The American Revolution (2)
This course is an intensive study of the principles of the American Founding and the documents that embody them, especially the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. These principles will be illuminated through a close study of the constitutional convention, the struggle over ratification of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and important constitutional controversies that have arisen in American history.
Instructor: Jason W. Stevens (Ashland University)
Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:15 – 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 502 O1A/POLSC 502 O1A: The American Founding (2)
This course is an intensive study of the constitutional convention, the struggle over ratification of the Constitution, and the creation of the Bill of Rights. It will include a close examination of Federalist and Antifederalist writings.
Instructor: Eric C. Sands (Berry College)
Schedule: Wednesdays, 8:15 – 11:30 p.m. ET

HIST 503 O1A/POLSC 503 O1A: Sectionalism and Civil War (2)
A study of the sectional conflict beginning with the nullification crisis. The course will not only examine the political, social and economic developments in the period leading to the civil war, but will emphasize the political thought of Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, and John C. Calhoun.
Instructor: Dennis K. Boman
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15 – 7:50 p.m. ET 

HIST 505 O1A/POLSC 505 O1A: The Progressive Era (2)
The transition to an industrial economy posed many problems for the United States. This course examines those problems and the responses to them that came to be known as progressivism. The course includes the study of World War I as a manifestation of progressive principles. The course emphasizes the political thought of Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and their political expression of progressive principles.
Instructor: Jason R. Jividen (Saint Vincent College)
Schedule: Thursdays, 6:15 – 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 506 O1A/POLSC 506 O1A: The Rise of Modern America, 1914-1945 (2)
With the exception of the Civil War era, it is difficult to find another thirty-year period in U.S. history during which the nation underwent such dramatic change. In 1914 the United States was no more than a regional power, with a primarily rural demography and a relatively unobtrusive federal government. Thanks to the experience of two world wars, a major cultural conflict (the 1920s), and a disastrous economic crisis the country was transformed into the global economic and military power that it remains to this day. This course will examine the cultural, economic, military, and diplomatic events and trends of the period 1914-1945.
Instructor: David P. Hadley (National Defense University)
Schedule: Thursdays, 8:15 - 11:30 p.m. ET

HIST 507 O1A/POLSC 507 O1A: Lincoln (2) 
This course provides an in-depth study of Abraham Lincoln’s political thought and action. Students will study Lincoln’s most important speeches, as well as study various aspects of his political leadership, including his role as the leader of the Republican party and as commander in chief. The course will also provide opportunities for students to analyze Lincoln’s rhetoric and political argumentation.
Instructor: Dan Monroe (Millikin University)
Schedule: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. ET

HIST 604 O1A / POLSC 604 O1A: The Early Republic (2)
Having adopted a form of government, the Americans had to make it work. This course examines their efforts to do so, as the Republic took shape amid foreign dangers, political conflict, westward expansion, and religious revivals.
Instructor: Robert M.S. McDonald (United States Military Academy)
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:15 – 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 611 O1A / POLSC 611 O1A: The American Way of War (2)
The course examines how Americans have used military force, focusing on the relationship between civilian and military leaders, characteristic strategic approaches, and the connection between our political principles and our military practices.
Instructor: Thomas Bruscino (United States Army War College)
Schedule: Mondays, 8:15 – 11:30 p.m. ET

HIST 632 O1A / POLSC 632 O1A: The American Presidency I, Washington to Lincoln (2)
This course examines the evolution of the American presidency from the drafting of the Constitution through the Civil War. The language in Article II of the Constitution, which “vests” the executive power in a President of the United States, is somewhat ambiguous as to the scope and breadth of that power. The presidents who served from Washington through Lincoln removed some of this ambiguity and set many precedents, which are followed to this day. This course focuses on the nation’s early presidents – how they molded the office and influenced the American political order.
Instructor: Abbylin Sellers (Azusa Pacific University)
Schedule: Mondays, 6:15 - 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 643 O1A / POLSC 643 O1A: Executive Power and the Constitution (2)
This course will examine the major questions and controversies about executive power under the Constitution. Special attention will be given to emergencies and the rule of law, the war power, the treaty power, and the power to issue executive orders. Students will read primary documents as well as classic and recent works in the field.Instructor: Sarah M. Burns (Rochester Institute of Technology)
Schedule: Thursdays, 6:15 - 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 501 O2B/POLSC 501 O2B: The American Revolution (2)
This course is an intensive study of the principles of the American Founding and the documents that embody them, especially the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. These principles will be illuminated through a close study of the constitutional convention, the struggle over ratification of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and important constitutional controversies that have arisen in American history.
Instructor: David Alvis (Wofford College)
Schedule: Mondays, 6:15 - 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 502 O2B/POLSC 502 O2B: The American Founding (2)
This course is an intensive study of the constitutional convention, the struggle over ratification of the Constitution, and the creation of the Bill of Rights. It will include a close examination of Federalist and Antifederalist writings.
Instructor: Christopher C. Burkett (Ashland University)
Schedule: Mondays, 6:15 – 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 503 O2B/POLSC 503 O2B: Sectionalism and Civil War (2)
A study of the sectional conflict beginning with the nullification crisis. The course will not only examine the political, social and economic developments in the period leading to the civil war, but will emphasize the political thought of Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, and John C. Calhoun.
Instructor: Adam Seagrave (Arizona State University)
Schedule: Wednesdays, 8:15 – 11:30 p.m. ET 

HIST 505 O2B/POLSC 505 O2B: The Progressive Era (2)
The transition to an industrial economy posed many problems for the United States. This course examines those problems and the responses to them that came to be known as progressivism. The course includes the study of World War I as a manifestation of progressive principles. The course emphasizes the political thought of Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and their political expression of progressive principles.
Instructor: William Atto (University of Dallas)
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:15 - 9:50 p.m. ET

Course Materials: Syllabus & Course Pack

HIST 506 O2B/POLSC 506 O2B: The Rise of Modern America, 1914-1945 (2)
With the exception of the Civil War era, it is difficult to find another thirty-year period in U.S. history during which the nation underwent such dramatic change. In 1914 the United States was no more than a regional power, with a primarily rural demography and a relatively unobtrusive federal government. Thanks to the experience of two world wars, a major cultural conflict (the 1920s), and a disastrous economic crisis the country was transformed into the global economic and military power that it remains to this day. This course will examine the cultural, economic, military, and diplomatic events and trends of the period 1914-1945.
Instructor: David F. Krugler (University of Wisconsin-Platteville)
Schedule: Tuesdays, 8:15 – 11:30 p.m. ET

HIST 507 O2B/POLSC 507 O2B: Lincoln (2)
This course provides an in-depth study of Abraham Lincoln’s political thought and action. Students will study Lincoln’s most important speeches, as well as study various aspects of his political leadership, including his role as the leader of the Republican party and as commander in chief. The course will also provide opportunities for students to analyze Lincoln’s rhetoric and political argumentation.
Instructor: Andrew F. Lang (Mississippi State University)
Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:15 – 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 510 O2A / POLSC 510 O2A: Great American Texts – TBD (2)
TBD
Instructor: Elizabeth S. Amato (Gardner-Webb University)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:15 – 9:50 p.m. ET 

HIST 622 O2A / POLSC 622 O2A: Religion in American History and Politics (2)
From the time that the first Europeans arrived in America, religion has been an important part of American life. This course examines the various ways in which religion has played a role in American history, with particular emphasis on the role of religion in American politics.
Instructor: Daniel K. Williams (Ashland University)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15 – 7:50 p.m. ET

HIST 643 O2B / POLSC 643 O2B: The First Amendment-Speech and Religion (2)
This course will focus on the fundamental First Amendment freedoms of religion and speech. The class will begin with a consideration of the Founders’ views and then trace the Supreme Court’s evolving jurisprudence through its core, landmark cases. We will analyze legal standards developed by the Court in its effort to balance these fundamental freedoms with competing government interests and claims. In each case, we will consider the historical and political context of the decisions. Finally, the class will conclude with a consideration of recent cases and controversies over speech, association, and religion such as Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo, 2020.
Instructor: Joseph R. Fornieri (Rochester Institute of Technology)
Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:15 – 9:30 p.m. ET

HIST 644 O2A / POLSC 644 O2A: The Congress
The course is an intensive study of the highest court in the federal judiciary, focusing on the place of the Supreme Court in the American constitutional order. Areas of study may include the relationship between the Court and the other branches of the federal government as well as the states; the Court’s power of judicial review; and judicial politics and statesmanship. We will examine these kinds of issues by investigating how the Court has interpreted the Constitution in some of its most historic decisions.
Instructor: Sean Sutton (Rochester Institute of Technology)
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:15 – 9:50 p.m. ET