American Studies 2001, The First American University, Cornell history collection

American Studies 2001 (AMST 2001) The First American University is a course taught by Cornell University historian Corey Ryan Earle, Class of 2007, that teaches the history of Cornell University and encourages students to document an aspect of past or present Cornell through the course assignments. The title of the course derives from educational historian Frederick Rudolph calling 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. In this course students explore the history of Cornell, with a focus on the pledge of Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White had to found a university where "any person can find instruction in any study." The course covers 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 provide background on the current university and its administrative structure, campus traditions, and the names that adorn buildings and memorials throughout campus. The course also offers a forum for students to address questions on present-day aspects of the university.