Course Descriptions

HIS 240 - American Urban History

3 Credits

This is a survey of the development of American cities from pre-colonial times to the present, focusing on the forces that have stimulated their growth and transformation. Among the forces given consideration include the influence of immigrants and migrants, commerce and entertainment, technological and industrial revolutions, population mobility and suburbanization, private and public responses to post industrial urban decay, race and ethnic issues as well as class and gender matters. Throughout, the story of the American urban life will be presented in the context of the broader patterns of the social, cultural, political and economic history of the nation.

Learning Attributes: WR

SUNY General Education: SUNY-AH - American History (SAMH)

MCC General Education: MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Outline the process leading up to the establishment of cities in America
2. Appraise the global forces operating on America’s cities since the colonial period
3. Describe the major urban institutions that have impacted the history of United States
4. Articulate the role of technology and industrialization in the growth and development of the urban society in United States
5. Discuss the urban mosaic notable in American history
6. Discuss the major historical forces that create economic inequalities in America’s cities
7. Analyze the issues associated with urban policy, planning and reform in American history
8. Describe the challenges urban growth has presented to the American nation since the colonial period
9. Explain the rural-urban conflict in American history
10. Describe the evolution of the American urban landscape including housing, transportation and land use
11. Utilize strong writing to communicate an understanding, application, analysis, or evaluation of material covered in this course

Course Offered Spring

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2023
Summer Session 2023