Approval Status
Approved
Date Reviewed
December 2011
This course is designed to help students understand society in general, not just American society—though that will be the focus of much of the material. Additionally, American Heritage introduces several basic concepts of social science like models of human nature, institutional design, and economic analysis. The course offers an accessible—but not simplistic—introduction to these ideas. Questions about liberty, equality, security, and fairness are at the heart of the course.
American Heritage combines history, political science and economics to help students better understand how political and social systems are designed and operate in the real world. The course begins in the ancient world and examines how different cultures have tried to balance liberty and order. Additionally, students intensively study the creation of the American republic in the 1780s and how the American political and economic systems responded to developments throughout the history of the nation.
The course also emphasizes “citizenship.” Students at Brigham Young University are not simply here to learn. They are to prepare to serve both in the kingdom and in the world at large. All of the concepts discussed will help students better understand the possibilities and limitations of living in a complex society. If they diligently study this material, students will leave this course better informed and prepared to make a meaningful contribution to the world.
Elements of the course have been selected to help students achieve the following:
Understand the historical development of the American founding
Consider the implications of human nature for institutional design
Illustrate the importance and power of political and economic institutions
Enable discussion of particular historical events or eras shaped by the constitution and the American Founding