On this interactive lecture introductory course we will explore the political, social, and cultural development of colonial America in the period 1492-1776.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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The course examines political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of colonial America. We will consider the similarities and differences between the various colonies of the British Crown; their relationships with the indigenous peoples of America; and the American colonies created by other European nations.
What will we cover?
• The success and failures of colonies in America from a wide range of European nations – British, Dutch, Spanish, French, Swedish • Indigenous populations and their interactions with the white settler colonies • The development of the chattel slave trade in British colonies and the crucial role it played in economic development • Early government in the Americas and the foundation of modern American political principles • Development of political culture in British America and the technological developments that contributed to an increasingly politicized population • War, rebellion, and calls for equality of citizenship in the late colonial era and the resistance amongst white settlers to an independence movement.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Evaluate the colonial roots of modern-day America and their influence on 21st century politics, culture and society • Identify the historical foundations of current issues facing the United States, particularly those concerning race and ethnicity. • Explain certain aspects of American culture and politics such as the place of geographical divisions in modern America, concerns surrounding the centralization of power, and the significance of liberty for American politics.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and no previous knowledge is necessary. A good standard of English and a willingness to engage constructively and respectfully in any class discussions are the only requirements.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be delivered through a mixture of formal tutor input and discussion with student participation encouraged.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Please bring a pen and paper for any voluntary note taking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This is part of a cycle of courses on the history of the USA. Dafydd's next course will be: HAH11 The United and Disunited States of America 1776-1865.
Dafydd Townley is a lecturer in American History at the University of Reading where he teaches courses to undergraduates and graduates on the FBI, protest groups in 1960s America, and race and ethnicity in the United States, as well as broad survey modules on US history. His research interests include American national security policy, the US intelligence community, cybersecurity policy, US grand strategy and US domestic counterintelligence operations. His research has been supported by University of Oxford’s Rothermere American Institute, Columbia University, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, the Institute for Historical Research and the Royal Historical Society. His work has been published in History, the Journal of Intelligence History and his monograph, The Year of Intelligence in the United States: Public Opinion, National Security and the 1975 Church Committee will be published by Palgrave Macmillan in June, 2021. His current research focuses on the long-term development of US cybersecurity policy.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/colonial-america-1492-17761423960Colonial America 1492-1776https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/colonial-america-hah79-square_1.jpg189189GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The Caribbean & Americas/Courses/Online courses228511771178118017311228511771178On this interactive lecture introductory course we will explore the political, social, and cultural development of colonial America in the period 1492-1776.003031096Colonial America 1492-1776189189https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/c/o/colonial-america-hah79-square_1_3.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHAH79189189Colonial America 1492-1776189123189Dafydd Townleycolonial-america-1492-1776/hah79-2627On this interactive lecture introductory course we will explore the political, social, and cultural development of colonial America in the period 1492-1776.0000-Available|2026-09-17 00:00:00The course examines political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of colonial America. We will consider the similarities and differences between the various colonies of the British Crown; their relationships with the indigenous peoples of America; and the American colonies created by other European nations.On this interactive lecture introductory course we will explore the political, social, and cultural development of colonial America in the period 1492-1776.• The success and failures of colonies in America from a wide range of European nations – British, Dutch, Spanish, French, Swedish<br>• Indigenous populations and their interactions with the white settler colonies<br>• The development of the chattel slave trade in British colonies and the crucial role it played in economic development<br>• Early government in the Americas and the foundation of modern American political principles<br>• Development of political culture in British America and the technological developments that contributed to an increasingly politicized population <br>• War, rebellion, and calls for equality of citizenship in the late colonial era and the resistance amongst white settlers to an independence movement.• Evaluate the colonial roots of modern-day America and their influence on 21st century politics, culture and society<br>• Identify the historical foundations of current issues facing the United States, particularly those concerning race and ethnicity.<br>• Explain certain aspects of American culture and politics such as the place of geographical divisions in modern America, concerns surrounding the centralization of power, and the significance of liberty for American politics.This is an introductory course and no previous knowledge is necessary. A good standard of English and a willingness to engage constructively and respectfully in any class discussions are the only requirements.The course will be delivered through a mixture of formal tutor input and discussion with student participation encouraged.No other costs. Please bring a pen and paper for any voluntary note taking.This is part of a cycle of courses on the history of the USA. Dafydd's next course will be:<br>HAH11 The United and Disunited States of America 1776-1865.HistoryThe Caribbean & Americasvirtual189189123HAH79NONEThu17/09/26 - 22/10/2619:00 - 21:0019:0021:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksEveningWeekdayOnlineOnlineDafydd TownleyBeginnersAvailable courses2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities189189Colonial America 1492-1776colonial-america-1492-1776/hah79-2627On this interactive lecture introductory course we will explore the political, social, and cultural development of colonial America in the period 1492-1776.0000-Available|2026-09-17 00:00:00The course examines political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of colonial America. We will consider the similarities and differences between the various colonies of the British Crown; their relationships with the indigenous peoples of America; and the American colonies created by other European nations.On this interactive lecture introductory course we will explore the political, social, and cultural development of colonial America in the period 1492-1776.• The success and failures of colonies in America from a wide range of European nations – British, Dutch, Spanish, French, Swedish<br>• Indigenous populations and their interactions with the white settler colonies<br>• The development of the chattel slave trade in British colonies and the crucial role it played in economic development<br>• Early government in the Americas and the foundation of modern American political principles<br>• Development of political culture in British America and the technological developments that contributed to an increasingly politicized population <br>• War, rebellion, and calls for equality of citizenship in the late colonial era and the resistance amongst white settlers to an independence movement.• Evaluate the colonial roots of modern-day America and their influence on 21st century politics, culture and society<br>• Identify the historical foundations of current issues facing the United States, particularly those concerning race and ethnicity.<br>• Explain certain aspects of American culture and politics such as the place of geographical divisions in modern America, concerns surrounding the centralization of power, and the significance of liberty for American politics.This is an introductory course and no previous knowledge is necessary. A good standard of English and a willingness to engage constructively and respectfully in any class discussions are the only requirements.The course will be delivered through a mixture of formal tutor input and discussion with student participation encouraged.No other costs. Please bring a pen and paper for any voluntary note taking.This is part of a cycle of courses on the history of the USA. Dafydd's next course will be:<br>HAH11 The United and Disunited States of America 1776-1865.HistoryThe Caribbean & Americasconfigurable
11801178The Caribbean & Americashttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/american-history1/2/285/1177/1178/11801/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The Caribbean & Americas
