U.S.
History from Reconstruction—Online
Reconstruction to the Present
Syllabus for HIST 1016
Professor: Dr. T. Delaney
Phone: (860) 215-9422
E-mail: use Blackboard account ONLY
Office: C118
Office hours: MW 11:00-12:30
Some frequently asked questions and important points.
The overall aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the history
of the
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 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: A Concise History,
Volume II
Contact the bookstore for specific information
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.
Statement on AI use
Students are not permitted to
use artificial intelligence tools for assignments, projects, or written work.
All submitted materials must be the student’s own original work. Use of
AI-generated content constitutes academic misconduct and a zero will be assigned
for the assignment.
|
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 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.
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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.
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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.