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Reconstructing America's Story

Instructor: Professor Kermit Roosevelt, III

1,737 already enrolled

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7 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

25 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

3 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

7 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

25 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

3 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

7 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 7 modules in this course

America has long defined itself as a country born out of a rebellion against tyranny with freedom and equality as its founding principles. But a closer examination of the historical record reveals problems with the standard American story – how can we be a country built on freedom and equality when our Founding Fathers embedded inequality in our founding documents?

Guided by the expertise of constitutional law scholar Kermit Roosevelt, this course invites students to critically examine the narratives that have shaped America, from the celebrated to the contentious. Through a deep exploration of foundational moments and overlooked histories, it lays bare the myths and realities that compose the American experience. With a focus on the transformative periods of American history, such as the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, the Civil War, and the civil rights movement, the course scrutinizes the construction and impact of national stories. It questions how these narratives have served to unite or divide, to obscure truths, and to perpetuate injustices. By unearthing the diverse and often silenced voices from America’s past and present, Roosevelt encourages a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be American.

Module details

This introductory module examines America's national narrative and the complex historical context from which our narrative was born. We will examine the "standard story" of America's founding and the complex contradictions between America's declared ideals and the reality of our historical practices of slavery and discrimination.

What's included

4 videos4 readings1 assignment

4 videosTotal 29 minutes

New Video6 minutes
National Stories7 minutes
The Standard Story6 minutes
Dissenters10 minutes

4 readingsTotal 95 minutes

Taking Back Taney: All-Star Little Leaguers Make Good A Sullied Name15 minutes
Do We Need National Stories?10 minutes
Why Are States Banning Critical Race Theory?10 minutes
Module 1 Supplemental Readings (optional)60 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes

This module examines the political philosophy of the Declaration of Independence, discussing the relationship between slavery and the Revolution, and describes the nature and purpose of the Founders’ Constitution.

What's included

5 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module examines American history as the consistent search for unity and equality. It also covers the impact of the Declaration of Independence on American constitutional history.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

This module examines the modern reading of the Declaration to antislavery activists and why those ideals entered the Constitution.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module examines the nature of the conflict that precipitated the Civil War, and describes how the Civil War changed from a war for unity to a war for freedom. It also explores the connections, or lack thereof, between the ideologies of the two sides and the political theory of Founding America.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module examines the changes made to the Constitution by the Reconstruction Amendments. It also covers Redemption, the coup against the Reconstruction governments, and how the history of Reconstruction and Redemption was framed to promote white unity.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment

This module examines why the standard story is counterproductive in terms of creating real unity among Americans and seeing the continuing struggle between the ideologies of the Founding and Reconstruction. Finally, it looks to explain how a better story can open a path forward.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(11 ratings)

Professor Kermit Roosevelt, III

University of Pennsylvania

2 Courses44,673 learners

Offered by

University of Pennsylvania

Learner reviews

5 stars
88%
4 stars
4%
3 stars
8%
2 stars
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Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024

An amazing course that opens a window onto traditional American history. This "alternative" reading of American history should be taught in all high schools. Thank You.

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2025

very thought provoking in the current political climate.

Reviewed on Nov 29, 2024

Professor Roosevelt presents information in a concise and easily understand manner. His teaching style makes me anxious to learn more. Thank you for having this course.

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