study the historical development of the united states, from the first encounter between europeans and native americans in the colonial period through to the end of the cold war. **course description** contemporary politics shows that there is more need than ever for critical understanding of the formative political, social, economic and intellectual trends in american history. this ma gives you the opportunity to study the historical development of the united states from the first encounter between europeans and indigenous americans in the colonial period through to the end of the cold war. please see our university website for the most up-to-date course information.