Colonial America
| Humanities Course | |
|---|---|
| Course Code | COLN |
| Years of Operation | 1996-2004 |
| Sites Offered | ALX, BTH, CHS, NLD, SHD |
Course Description
From the CTY Course Catalog (1996):
Students in this course gain an understanding of life in colonial America by exploring not only the political and cultural history of the period, but also developments in commerce and industry. The Chestertown of George Washington's day was a bustling port city and a convenient stopover on the colonial highway from Virginia to cities north, making it an ideal learning "laboratory." Primary resources are available in many of Chestertown's restored buildings, allowing students to access the architecture, technology, and social character of the time. As students examine the roots of the American Revolution, they can visit the wharf where angry citizens dumped tea overboard as part of Chestertown's own version of the Boston Tea Party. Readings from Benjamin Franklin as well as the paintings of Benjamin West and portraits by John Singleton Copley bring the colonial character to life.
This course is interdisciplinary in nature and emphasizes the multi-faceted character of the period. Students visit historical sites regularly. They complete both individual and group projects. Possible activities include researching colonial inventions, making paper, and illustrating characteristics of colonial architecture.
