As of December 31, 2014, I retired from full-time teaching in Humboldt State University's Department of History. While this website will remain online, it is no longer maintained.

History 111 - Dr. Gayle Olson-Raymer
Course Themes

The overall theme of this course is that American history is full of controversy, conflict, and compromise. Additionally, several other themes are apparent when we examine the history of what became the United States:
  1. Progress is not always progressive.
  2. Freedom is never free.
  3. Patriotism is a relative construct.
  4. Ordinary and extraordinary people make history.
  5. Policies based upon fear greatly hinder our liberties.
  6. Capitalism shapes the political, social, and ideological context of American society.
  7. Manifest Destiny defines our approach to foreign policy.
  8. Dissent and protest are essential ingredients of American history.
  9. Federal versus states' rights battles have always dominated our political landscape.
  10. Our civil liberties require citizen maintenance and protection.

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