History

Rebels founded its first colonies and a group of rebels led those colonies to independence and the eventual creation of a new global order. The rebel tradition has continued with legions of dreamers and activists: Confederates and abolitionists, muckrakers and suffragettes, beats, hippies and yippies and the founders of new religions. This course explores rebels famous and less known, giving students the opportunity to locate and explore rebels that interest them and share their research.

People have seen the United States as the land where all could achieve the dreams of freedom and prosperity. For many the American Dream has been a nightmare. Dreams of racial supremacy, gaining endless wealth, protecting the traditional family, territorial expansion, defending the nation and procuring overseas markets have all meant nightmares for some. This course explores American dreams and nightmares from the discovery of the New World through today.