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AMST 2001: The First American University

Educational historian Frederick Rudolph called Cornell University “the first American university,” referring to its unique role as a coeducational, nonsectarian, land-grant institution with a broad curriculum and diverse student body. This course will explore the history of Cornell, taking as its focus the pledge of Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White to “found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” The course will cover a wide range of topics and perspectives relating to the faculty, student body, evolution of campus, and important events and eras in Cornell history. Stories and vignettes will provide background on the current university and its administrative structure, campus traditions, and the names that adorn buildings and memorials throughout campus. Finally, the course will offer a forum for students to address questions on how history shaped present-day university organizational structures and decisions.

This spring 2021 course is for current students at Cornell University. Guests are welcome to attend. Note that there is NO CLASS on April 26.

The course syllabus is available at:
tinyurl.com/1wz448mu

For upcoming Cornell history presentations and past recordings, visit: http://blogs.cornell.edu/cornellhistory