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I'd differ here…I think you should take them chronologically starting with either HS402 - Colonial America, but starting with HS413 - The Early Republic, 1783-1815 would also be acceptable and would enable you to study the Civil War. The reason chronological study is better is rather obvious as events at any one point in time are affected by previous events, and studying them in a continuous line will make it more intelligible for you and will give you a better education. Much more fun as well, IMO.
Colonial America, Civil War, Early and later 20th century pretty much cover the nuts and bolts of American History. The Gilded Age is great for understanding the industrialization of America and the emergence of America as a foreign power, but it's not as important as the other periods of time IMHO unless you love Mark Twain and Robber Barons and Banana Republics etc…
So if one is interested in how America got involved in foreign policy, the Gilded Age would be the course to take? Hmm.
So if one is interested in how America got involved in foreign policy, the Gilded Age would be the course to take? Hmm.
No not really. Early 20th century would be better for that.
Yes, early 20th Century would give you a perspective including early attempts at economic globalism, as well as early economic protectionist thought. These are still issues that we deal with today but on a different level.
I read this thread and felt much better that I wasn't the only person in the same boat as far as college & my actual occupation. I've been a bookkeeper for 27 years – no degree but tons of experience. I've never LOVED it but it paid the bills and I could tolerate the job responsibilities. Sad thing is, now that I'm going back to college to finish my degree so many people ask me why I am doing this since it's so doubtful I'll be able to find a job in the area of history – actually I'm hoping to go into Museum Studies as a graduate student – once I've graduated. Personally, I think it's commendable to be going back to college at my age, working full-time and raising a family . Anyway, now that I've vented, again it's nice to know that there are others in this world with the same dilemmas to consider.
When you think of it, it does seem rather difficult – almost odd – that the world asks young adults around 18 or 20 years old to decide on a course of study or career that they could very well spend the rest of their lives engaged in. It seems more natural to me that people would come to learn what they are truly interested in after going through some adulthood and making discoveries on their own, but by this time they might already be “stuck” in a career they already settled on. So good for you that you are are taking a step forward in a new area of life…I'm sure it's somewhat anxiety-provoking but hopefully exciting for you at the same time.
I agree, methodology should be the core focus…that and historiography. Students then can be allowed to fall into whatever time period and culture they take a liking to.
My oldest daughter will graduate in May. Many of our family & friends are asking THAT question of her, “what are you planning to major in?” This question makes me cringe. I remember being her age and not knowing what to do once I went to college especially since I knew that I didn't want to go into Accounting. Those classes were enrolled in to please my parents. Obviously, I wasn't happy because I didn't finish with a degree. With our daughter, my husband and I have sat back to a certain extent and allowed her to decide. We do not want to pigeon-hole her into a decision that will have such long range effects on her life.
