American Revolutionary War Era Residency

Please Note: For the Fall 2021 term, we will attempt to hold the onsite meeting in Saratoga Springs. SUNY Empire State College follows all CDC and state guidance on measures for health and safety of all students, faculty and staff. If the guidance received indicates that courses should not be offered in person, SUNY Empire will transition this course to an independent study. Given the onsite aspect, vaccinations are strongly encouraged and it is likely that a negative COVID test will be required before arrival in Saratoga. After registering, students will receive additional information regarding COVID procedures that will be followed for the October onsite meeting.

The American Revolutionary War Era Residency is offered to students each fall term, under the direction of Dr. Gregory Edwards of the Lakewood Unit of SUNY Empire State College, in collaboration with Dr. Karen Garner and Dr. Paul Miller. The residency is open to all students college-wide. The purpose of this course (HIST-3645) is to give students the opportunity to survey the history of the American Revolutionary era from the end of the Seven Years War until the end of the War of 1812, and introduce them to the major historical issues of this Era such as the causes of the war, the relationship between the First Great Awakening, the Enlightenment, the Renaissance, and the Revolution; the factors behind America’s triumph in the war; Revolutionary Ideology and the Institution of Slavery; "The Critical Period in American History;" the Creation and Ratification of the US Constitution, The Origins and Character of the First National Party System in America; the Causes and Course of the War of 1812.

As part of the course, students will participate in a two-day onsite meeting in Saratoga Springs, NY, including a one-day field trip to the Saratoga National Historical Park. While in Saratoga, the students will participate in a variety of mini-seminars addressing some of the major issues of the Revolutionary Era in America. All students will be responsible for giving an oral presentation during one of the mini-seminars or at the Saratoga battlefield (Saratoga National Historical Park), based on a research paper that he/she has completed for their particular course.

The course HIST-3645 will cover the core topic of America in the Age of Revolutions and Constitutions, 1763-1816.  To allow for further exploration in a particular interest/topic, the course is offered as different sections (outlined below). Students are allowed to register for more than one section after consulting with their mentor. 

• HIST-3645 American Revolutionary War Era: Constitutional History (Gregory Edwards)
• HIST-3645 American Revolutionary War Era: Federalists and Jeffersonians (Gregory Edwards)
• HIST-3645 American Revolutionary War Era: Founding Fathers (Paul Miller)
• HIST-3645 American Revolutionary War Era: Military History (Gregory Edwards)
• HIST-3645 American Revolutionary War Era: Religious History (Paul Miller)
• HIST-3645 American Revolutionary War Era: Slavery and the Founding Fathers (Gregory Edwards)
• HIST-3645 American Revolutionary War Era: Women's History (Karen Garner)

When students enroll for one of the American Revolutionary Era Residency courses, a residency fee of $275 will automatically be attached to each student’s tuition bill to cover lodging and meals Oct. 22 - 23. Students will be responsible for getting themselves to and from the hotel in Saratoga Springs and driving through the battlefield on Sat. Oct. 23.

More information can be obtained through your primary mentor or by calling Lori McCaffrey at 518-783-6203 ext. 5944.

COVID safety protocols will be followed during the onsite meetings. Students will be given single rooms at the hotel and boxed meals. All participants will wear masks, observe social distancing, complete a health questionnaire, and have their temperature taken upon arrival. Additional information will be provided once registeration is completed.

Tentative Itinerary (subject to change)

(Students will be provided with the detailed itinerary once registered.)