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U.S. History to 1877 Syllabus for HIS 1015 The overall aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the history of the United States by examining the major themes and movements that were happening during this period. It is hoped that each student will gain a sense of where the country has been and what that could possibly mean for the future. To paraphrase the American poet and philosopher George Santayana, those who do not understand their past are doomed to repeat it. History is the “explanation of change over time,” as one of my professors defined it. The study of history is an important component of a sound liberal arts education. Another purpose of this course, and one I feel is equally important as those above, is that everyone involved has an enjoyable time. For this to happen it is necessary that everyone participate in the class. Please, ASK QUESTIONS. This is a way for all of us to learn. The question is always asked: What can you do with history? An objective of this class is not only a knowledge of history, but to help the student develop a methodology of examining evidence and learning to report on it in a clear and concise manner. In the future you may have a boss who will ask you for a three-page report on a project you are in the middle of. You will have to examine the files, going through the data and finding the significance. This is what a historian does. So in a way, just about everyone can use historical methodologies in their job. Course Description This course is an examination of major themes in the development of North America from pre-European settlements to the end of the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Topics include Native American societies, European colonization, slavery, the formation of the United States, the Antebellum, and the Civil War/Reconstruction. Required Texts The following books and resources will be used: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass Contact the bookstore for specific text information Method of Evaluation 1) Exams- There will be a total of three examinations. Material for examination purposes will come from a combination of lecture, discussion, video presentation, and your readings. Exams will consist of short and long essay questions, as well as identification questions, true/false, and multiple-choice questions. These exams will constitute sixty percent of your final grade. Words of wisdom: “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.” J. Guidobono 2) Term Paper- you will be given an assignment for a paper that will address a question and/or theme from the course. This will be a polished piece of work: double spaced and typed, logical and clear progression, clear introduction and conclusion, as well as other aspects of good writing will be expected. It is expected that your paper will adhere to the MLA format. More details will be passed out in class. This paper will be worth twenty percent of the final grade. 3)
Good Citizenship- The social component of learning is an important part of
the process. For that to happen, you
must come to class and be ready to participate. Any absences beyond three will count
against you. Class participation is
also an important component of this.
It is important to be prepared to take part in discussion, both
written and verbally, and then be an active member of your group and class
when the time comes. Periodic quizzes
will be used to gauge how well a student is doing. This section will constitute twenty percent
of your final grade. Attendance Almost
all student guidebooks on how to be successful in college, such as Linda
O'Brien’s How to Get Good Grades in
College, stress the importance of attendance. As O’Brien writes, “If you
want to get good grades in college, you must attend every class – not almost
every class.” She goes on to state, “You cannot make up what you miss, and
you cannot get it from someone else.”
Most college professors would agree with these statements. As one of
my colleagues put it, be serious about your education. “Get up, dress up,
show up.” Learning
Objectives The
goals and objectives for this course are specific to the study of history and
integrated with the college’s general education goals. Working through a variety of methodologies,
the successful student will develop the following competencies: 1) Explore the complexity of the
human experience; 2) Develop a body of historical knowledge explaining
the dynamics of change over time; 3) Interpret and contextualize the past on its own terms; 4) Evaluate a variety of historical sources, primary
and secondary, for their credibility and utility; 5) Generate a historical argument that is reasoned and based
on historical evidence; 6) Combine argument and evidence into effective narrative that describes and analyzes the past.
College Withdrawal Policy A student who finds it necessary to discontinue a course MUST complete a withdrawal form obtained from the Registrar’s Office. Students may withdraw from class anytime during the first thirteen weeks of the semester without being in good standing or obtaining prior permission of the instructor. Students who fail to properly withdraw and discontinue coming to class will be assigned an "F" grade. Eligibility for refund of tuition is based upon date of withdrawal when received by the registrar. Verbal withdrawals will not be accepted. Learning Disabilities Statement If you have a disability that may affect your progress in this course, please meet with a Disability Service Provider (DSP) as soon as possible. You can make an appointment with a DSP by calling 860.215.9017. Please note: 1.) For academic adjustments, you will have to provide documentation of your disability to the DSP. 2.) Instructors cannot provide adjustments until you have delivered written authorization (from a DSP) to the instructor. 3.) Adjustments take effect when you deliver your written authorization to the instructor in person (provided there is adequate time for the instructor to make necessary arrangements). 4.) Adjustments do not apply to tests/assignments that were due prior to your delivering written authorization to your instructor in person. |