History for a New America

Studying history isn't just about memorizing disconnected dates and events. When we do it right, history frees us to build the future. It's the way we practice situating ourselves in time and space, learning from the choices others have made in the past so that we can see better where our own responsibility lies, what our own next steps should be. This course is for anyone who sees and feels the crises of our times and wants to understand better how we got here and where we're headed. It presents a framework for understanding humanity's long road from a world of empire, hierarchy, and violence toward a new, global civilization of democracy, equality, and peace, with a focus on the parts that the United States has played so far, and what it can still do if we get our history right. Organized into 10 self-paced lessons, the course presents a carefully curated selection of readings and videos from some of the world's foremost scholars and practitioners, plus primary historical documents (including some musical selections) so you can learn directly from the people who were there. Each lesson includes one or more short mini-lectures by your professor, to set the stage, provide necessary background and context, and help draw connections among the different sources. And each one also includes a set of questions for clarification and reflection, not graded, but there to help you think through the material. About the Instructor: Louis Venters, Ph.D, is a professor, author, and public historian with more than 20 years of experience teaching undergraduate students. His research and practice focus on the history of race, religion, and social change in the U.S. and preserving Black historic sites in South Carolina. He has published two books and is author or co-author of chapters, articles, site studies, and exhibits. He is a husband and father, plant-based athlete, home gardener, and community builder. Find him on social media @theshreddedscholar.