美國奧德賽：從古代傳說到現代

This course provides a comprehensive overview of American history, from the earliest Indigenous societies to the present day. We begin by exploring the essential foundations of the United States, examining how Indigenous cultures thrived before European contact and how early colonization altered life on the continent. Moving through to the Civil War, we will delve into the political, social, and economic events that shaped the early identity of America, highlighting major turning points such as the American Revolution, the establishment of the Constitution, westward expansion, and the conflicts that ultimately led to the Civil War.

Following the Civil War, the course shifts to the post-war period and the nation’s efforts to rebuild during Reconstruction. We will explore the complexities of Reconstruction, focusing on the challenges of integrating formerly enslaved people into society and the political disagreements that emerged. This era, marked by both hope and significant struggle, set the stage for systemic barriers and the establishment of segregation through the Jim Crow era, which would have lasting consequences for American society.

As the course moves into the 20th century, we examine the rise of industrialization and America’s transformation into an urban, industrial economy. This period brought rapid economic growth, innovation, and significant social changes and tensions. We will analyze the impact of large-scale immigration, the labor movement, and the social reforms of the Progressive Era, when activists worked to address issues such as workers' rights, child labor, and government corruption. As the American economy expanded, so did the nation’s role on the global stage, with the Spanish-American War marking the beginning of U.S. influence abroad.

The course then covers the upheavals of the 20th century, including both World Wars, the Great Depression, and the transformative changes of the post-war period. During these decades, the United States emerged as a world power, facing both domestic and international challenges. We will study key moments in the Civil Rights Movement, examining the work of leaders and activists who fought for justice, equality, and an end to segregation. This movement reshaped American laws, policies, and society itself, laying the groundwork for future social movements and ongoing struggles for equality.

In the later part of the course, we turn to the late 20th and early 21st centuries to explore how America adapted to new challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. We will examine significant events and trends, including the Vietnam War, the cultural revolutions of the 1960s, and the political shifts of the 1980s and 1990s. The course will conclude with an exploration of globalization and technology, as well as the events of September 11 and the subsequent changes in American society, economy, and global presence.

By the end of this course, students will gain a broad understanding of the political, social, and economic developments that have shaped the United States over time. They will analyze how these forces reflect the nation’s evolving identity and will be able to interpret the complex factors that continue to shape America today. This exploration of American history will equip students with the tools to understand how the past influences current events and future challenges.