Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Econ 170 - Economic History of the United States - Tyler Prante

Course:Economic History of the United States
Professor:Tyler Prante
Email:tyler.prante@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • 5 Week
  • 8 Week
  • 16 Week

Introduction

I hope that students in this class are exposed to new ideas, challenged, and leave with a different perspective about our economic history. I also hope that you'll leave wanting to learn more about economics!

Course Description

As you read this, the United States has the largest economy on the planet. Our nation is also among the richest of countries on earth.  With Covid-19, we are also in one of the worst recessions in history. How did this happen and what lessons can be taken from our economic history?

We'll start by detailing how economists measure economic variables. (For instance, you'll learn about the sort of numbers that can be used to support the statements in the previous paragraph.)

You'll learn about the reconstruction of the country after the Civil War and about how economic advantages were one reason why the Union defeated the Confederacy. 

You will learn about the importance of infrastructure and about how the transcontinental railroad was an early example of how transportation networks can lead to economic growth.

You will learn about the importance of new technologies and study the second industrial revolution during the late 1800s. 

There will be chapters on both World War I and World War II where we will compare and contrast the impact of these events on our economy.

Finally, the Great Depression and the government's response during the New Deal will be used to give light to our economy's current situation.

What to Expect in this Course

The class is both a history class and an economics class which makes it both interesting and challenging.  The work and assignments of the class therefore are a mix of identifying themes and trends, summarizing patterns, working with economic terminology, and performing calculations.

Students who have already taken Econ 201 and Econ 202 are able to gain the most from the class. There aren't prerequisites though. Many people take this as a first economics class. I try to mix instruction of the history and the economics.

The class makes use of the textbook and video lectures for delivering most of the content.  The bulk of the work is in preparing for quizzes and assignments rather than completing the assignments themselves.

You'll need a computer that uses Google Chrome and to enable the Proctorio extension in Chrome when taking quizzes.

Types of Assessments

Discussions, proctored quizzes based on readings and recorded video lectures, short answer assignments based on viewing documentaries, a research paper, a cumulative final exam

Textbook Information

Walton, Gary M., and Hugh Rockoff. History of the American Economy. 13th edition. South-Western Cengage Learning. 2018.
ISBN: 978-1337104609

Older editions are OK too.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 10/25/2021 Sub#: 994