HIST 2008: History of St. Louis

Course Description

This course will provide an overview of the history of the St. Louis metropolitan region. Topics may include the St. Louis region before the Europeans, forces leading to the founding of the city, St. Louis as an 'urban frontier,' the Age of Steam on water and rail, the questions of slavery and the Civil War, St. Louis in the Gilded Age, the World's Fair, early efforts at city planning, impact of the automobile, St. Louis during the Depression and World War II, post-war suburbanization, urban renewal, and 21st century prospects. This is an experiential course requiring field trips and community engagement.