U.S. HISTORY II—Online
Reconstruction to the Present
Syllabus for HIST1016
Professor: Dr. T. Delaney
Phone: (860) 215-9422
E-mail: use Blackboard account ONLY
Office: C118
Office hours: TR 9:00-9:30, 11:00-noon
Some frequently asked questions and important points.
It is important to state at the outset that this is a seven-week course and, yes, the deadlines are real and they are hard. Seven weeks is not much time, barely enough to get through the material. You should be prepared to double the work expectation of two to three hours of outside class work for each hour in class. Given the nature of the online environment and the short semester, you’re looking at fifteen to twenty hours a week on this course. Yes, seven weeks is not much time, but on the eight week you are done. Help yourself by keeping your nose to the grindstone.
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. At a time when more and more people are “clueless” about their past, and unfortunately quite comfortable in that state, it is important that we build an important component to good “citizenship”: an historical understanding.
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. Here is one answer to the question, why study history? 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.
An objective of this class is not just 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 work.
Course Description
This course is a survey of United States history from Reconstruction to Bush, with special emphasis on the development of the American economy, United States expansionism, race relations, the world wars, women’s rights, the cities, the sixties, the depression, the Cold War, Watergate, Vietnam, and the 1980s.
Required Texts
The following books and resources will be used:
American Promise: A Concise History, Volume II
Reading assignments can be found here
Method of Evaluation
1) Exams- your examinations will be a combination of objective questions and essays. Material for examination purposes will come from a variety of sources: your text readings, primary documents, the websites assigned, any podcasts or videos assigned, and the message board. There will be an exam associated with each of the first four modules; each student will take the first module exam and then choose which two of the remaining three exams to take. While there is choice in this aspect of the course, only three exams can be taken, no more. Those three exams will constitute forty percent of your final grade.
2) Term Paper- the assignment will address a specific 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 (use “In-Text Citations: The Basics”). More details will be forthcoming. This paper will be worth twenty percent of the final grade. Words of wisdom: “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.” J. Guidobono.
3) Discussion Board Postings- we will be using the Blackboard site for this purpose. Students can log into Blackboard by accessing the my.commnet.edu site using their user ID name and password. Blackboard has a link in the top, right-hand corner. One of the clear advantages and joys of learning is that it does not occur in a vacuum. Indeed, the socialization of learning can be an exciting experience as ideas and opinions can have a steamrolling effect. That is one of the drawbacks of online learning. This is not, nor is it intended to be, a correspondence course. The challenge is to “come together” as a class. Hopefully the discussion boards will allow that to occur. Each student is expected to be a regular and frequent contributor to the message board (more on this later), making substantive postings. A “substantial posting” is one that brings a unique (comparative, analytical, critical) perspective to some aspect of the reading, websites, or another student’s perspective. The discussion board is also a place for you to ask questions and answer those questions that are asked by other students. This exercise will constitute twenty percent of your final grade.
4) Objective quizzes- also at the Blackboard site there are quizzes for each chapter of the text, compromised of twenty true-false/multiple-choice questions. These are date sensitive, and once the deadline is passed the quiz will no longer be available. The quizzes are also time sensitive: you have twenty minutes to take each one. They are meant to be both a device to keep reading at a given pace, and thus facilitate discussion, as well as an assessment of knowledge. To paraphrase a former student: if you have read the material closely they aren’t a problem; if you are sitting there with the book looking for the answers, you could have difficulty. This will constitute twenty percent of your final grade.
|
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 |
Three Rivers is working to provide more resources for students to help them be successful at the learning process. Those resources can be found at the college’s library home page.
Course 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 skills:
· Course goal: to analyze and evaluate argumentation:
1. acquire and analyze information to determine its quality and utility;
2. summarize, analyze, and evaluate argumentation and persuasion.
· Course goal: To understand and convey ideas in diverse contexts using reading and writing:
1. to comprehend and evaluate written passages;
2. to write clearly;
3. to speak clearly;
4. to understand lectures and arguments.
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:
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.