Coupled with HI 114 and designed for lower classmen students, this course is multi-purposed. One, it intends to assist students in the development of basic academic skills in reading, writing, and thinking critically. Two, by taking both a chronological and a relational approach to significant issues and events in American history from 1900 to the present, it aims to provide students with a general understanding of modern American history (narrative and analysis will be used in tandem to engage students in course material). And three, it seeks to enhance student retention by encouraging individual academic success.