U.S. History
This course relies on Seton’s new two-volume textbook America: Forge of Freedom. Filled with almost 800 historical maps, paintings, and photos, America: Forge of Freedom takes students from the Age of Discovery, through the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the World Wars, ending with the conclusion of the presidency of George W. Bush in 2008. As with any Seton course, the defining feature of our approach to history is our Catholic perspective. About one-tenth of the text is specifically dedicated to the history of the Catholic Church in America, and of course, the teachings of the Faith permeate all aspects of the course.
The textbook features chapter reviews that are designed to help students prepare easily for each test in the course. The lesson plans provide further enrichment on central historical topics throughout the course.
SOC301 | Credit: 1
REQUIRED (or American History) Students outside of the U.S. can do an independent study in their own country’s history or take Seton’s World Geography to satisfy this requirement (Geography can also satisfy the U.S. Government requirement, but cannot be used for both).
America: Forge of Freedom (Volumes 1 and 2)
Course Features
Color Lesson Plans
This course features Seton’s updated course manual design. The entire lesson plan is printed in full color and is filled with supplemental readings and additional artwork.
The intuitive design of the lesson plans guides the student through each day’s work. Visual elements are contained throughout to draw attention to important course milestones and assignments.
Convenient checkboxes are associated with each assignment so that students can keep track of progress easily.
Forge of Freedom, Volume 1
This volume lays the groundwork for the story of the United States, tracing the nation’s origins from its colonial roots through the War for Independence. Students will learn of the heroism of the great Catholic missionaries who gave everything to bring the light of Christ to the New World.
Students learn about the great debates that shaped the U.S. Constitution and follow the footsteps of explorers across the rapidly expanding continent.
The narrative builds to the Civil War, concluding with the end of the conflict that ultimately reforged the union in 1865.
Forge of Freedom, Volume 2
Continuing the narrative from the end of the Civil War, Volume 2 navigates the aftermath of Reconstruction and chronicles the nation’s transformation during the Second Industrial Revolution. Students will learn about America’s involvement in the two World Wars, and see the hardships Americans faced during the Great Depression. The textbook examines the post-war era, highlighting the ideological battles of the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the technological advancements that led to the Space Race. Finally, the volume addresses the geopolitical landscape following 9/11 and the modern challenges facing the nation.
Woven throughout the textbook is the story of the Catholic Church’s role in American life. The text highlights the contributions of Catholic immigrants and the growth of Catholic institutions, while also examining the social and political movements of the 20th and 21st centuries in the light of the Catholic Faith.
SetonOnline Features
Forge of Freedom
Online Audiobook
In SetonOnline, students can access a computer-generated audiobook of Forge of Freedom. While students are still expected to make use of the textbook for the maps, images, and other visual information, the audiobook provides a useful way for students to learn and study the course material.
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