U.S. History from Reconstruction
 Civil War to the present

Syllabus for HIS 1016
Dr. Delaney
Phone: 860.215.9422
E-mail: terrence.delaney@ctstate.edu
Office hours: TR 8:30-9:30, 11:00-11:30

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 on their job.

Course Description

This course is an examination of major themes in the development of the United States from the Reconstruction Period to the Cold War and beyond. Topics include Reconstruction, westward expansion, the effects of industrialization and urbanization in America, the rise of imperialism and the growth of the U.S. as a world power, the World Wars, the Great Depression, and the Cold War. In this course, students will also explore the fight for suffrage, civil rights, gender equality, and freedom movements.

Required Texts

The following books and resources will be used:
American Promise Volume II

Visit the bookstore for full information

 

Homework Assignments can be found here

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 puts 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.

 

Grade	Equivalent	Quality Points
A	94-100	4.0
A-	90-93	3.7
B+	87-89	3.3
B	83-86	3.0
B-	80-82	2.7
C+	77-79	2.3
C	73-76	2.0
C-	70-72	1.7
D+	67-69	1.3
D	63-66	1.0
D-	60-62	0.7
F	0-59	0.0

 

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.

Food Insecurity

The Full Plate Food Pantry is a free resource available to students experiencing food insecurity. The Pantry is open M-F and is in E-100. Students may visit the Pantry twice a week and may take up to 10 items each visit in addition to an unlimited supply of personal hygiene and period products. For more questions about the Pantry, please email tr-foodpantry@trcc.commnet.edu. Visit the website to learn more.

The Gemma E. Moran United Way/Food Center Mobile Food Pantry visits the TRCC Campus the second Wednesday of each month from 4-5 p.m. Students/families will receive a box containing fresh produce, protein, nonperishables, and more. No registration required. You are served on a first come-first served basis. Please remain in your car. Boxes will be loaded into your trunk or back seat. In the case of unsafe weather conditions, the event will be held indoors in the Multipurpose Room. Find the United Way calendar of mobile distributions online at www.uwsect.org/calendar.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as well as the BOR/CSCU Policy Regarding Sexual Misconduct Reporting, Supportive Measures and Processes, prohibits acts of sexual misconduct - sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex-based discrimination, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. CT State is committed to maintaining an educational environment free of harassment, gender-based violence and discrimination. If you or someone you know has experienced assault or harassment, there are resources available for support. Follow this link for resources unique to TRCC. If you would like more information about Title IX policy/ procedures or would like to make a report of sexual misconduct, you may contact the CT State Title IX Coordinator, John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas at 860-612-7056, jchaisson-cardenas@commnet.edu or visit the CT State website here. Additionally, Deputy Title IX Coordinators are available at each campus.

For direct on campus and in-person support and resources at TRCC, please connect with Dr. Becca Kitchell, Associate Dean for Student Development and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, at RKitchell@trcc.commnet.edu or stop by C:131. Appointments can be made using this link: Calendly.com/bkitchell. To connect with our confidential College Advocate, Lianne Marsella, from the Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern CT, please email her at LianneMarsella@SACCEC.org. Her on campus office hours are Tuesdays from 3-5pm in C:164.

Sexual Assault 24-Hour Hotline: 888-999-5545

Veterans

If you are a veteran and you believe your military experience or commitments may affect your attendance or participation in this course, please speak with me outside of class to discuss ways to accommodate your needs. For detailed information and campus links for Veteran’s services, please see the appropriate section in the Student Handbook.

At the center of veteran life at TRCC is the OASIS Center (Operation Academic Support for Incoming Service Members). The OASIS is a place for veterans to socialize, study and receive mentoring, or become a mentor to other veterans. The Center also serves as the focal point for veteran-related activities and is where student veterans can learn more about how to connect with local resources and services. The OASIS Center is located in Room F:203.

Student Engagement

CT State Community College at Three Rivers offers so many ways to connect with fellow students outside of the classroom and get involved in club life, programming, and various other initiatives that reflect your unique interests. Learn more about ways to get involved here:

·    Facebook: TRCC Student Programs Office

·    Instagram: @trccspo

·    Snapchat: @threeriversspo

·    Tik Tok: @trccstudentprograms

Office of Student Development

The Office of Student Development, located in C:131, supports the mission of the college and works to enhance the student experience by addressing student concerns, removing obstacles to access, providing programs and initiatives that support the whole student, and fostering the overall development of students. The Office of Student Development is the centralized point of contact to access both on campus and local resources. Connect with Associate Dean Kitchell in person, via email RKitchell@trcc.commnet.edu or stop by C:131. Appointments can be made using this link: Calendly.com/bkitchell.