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History of the American West Spring 2023 |
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Syllabus for HIS 220 Professor: Dr. T. Delaney Phone: 860.215.9422 E-mail: Use Blackboard email Office hours: MW 10:45am to 12:15pm The first English to come to the American shores did not want to stay in this land. It was too wild and far different than what they had come from. That sentiment did not last long, however. Soon Americans were looking westward, always westward, and dreaming of a country that would stretch to the next horizon, always the next horizon. But because the land was not theirs, this is a story of conflict and conquest, both of people and nature. Americans were looking for a place to plant their dreams, and make them come true by removing precious resources: furs, gold, silver, oil, and especially water. The nature of this conquest changed the American West, and the West in turn changed the rest of the country. As in all classes I teach, an important aspect of this course 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 An examination of the region west of the Mississippi River, beginning with an overview of the Native Americans and continuing with each new culture that comes into the region. The major focus of the course will be an examination of the diverse cultures that have come together in the region and made the American West a unique place in American history. The course will also examine such themes as the role of the west in American history, the role of myth in Western history, women in the West, the “frontier,” and the environment vs. the economy. Required Texts The following books will be used: Hine, Faragher and Coleman, The American West: A New Interpretive History Murdoch, The American West: The Invention of a Myth Method of Evaluation 1) Exams – There will be four exams, you will need to do two of them. Material for the exams will come from a combination of lecture, video, the Internet, and your readings. This will be forty percent of your grade. Please see the Blackboard announcement for further details. 2) Book review – for this assignment you need to review, using the attached guidelines, one of the academic texts you are using for your research project. Check the title with me before you begin. This will be fifteen percent of your grade. 3) Research Project – Each student will research a specific topic of their choice, culminating in a formal paper. This will be twenty-five percent of your grade. 4) Good Citizenship – The social component of learning is an important part of the process. For that to happen, you must prepare by reviewing all the assigned work and be ready to participate. Class participation is also an important component of this. It is important to be prepared to take part in discussion and then be an active member in the discussion board. To facilitate this, students will respond to the discussion prompts and other student responses. This will be twenty percent of your grade. Please see the Blackboard announcement for further details. Learning Objectives The objectives for this course are varied, being specific to · Read and interpret historically relevant information. · Access current technology to obtain historical information. · Use analytical and critical thinking skills to assess historical data. · Articulate an understanding of the major themes and issues of our history. · Use the English language, both in written and verbal forms, to communicate his/her thoughts and ideas. 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 F 0-62 0.0 Civility in the Classroom Ideally a classroom is a place of learning. In an ideal setting all opinions are heard and respected, although you may disagree. In this class we want to create as safe an environment to learn as possible. To achieve this everyone must be willing to follow guidelines for respectful discussion. Any disrespect towards anyone in the class, will not be tolerated. 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 ten weeks of the semester without being in good standing or obtaining prior permission of the instructor. After that period, a student wishing to withdraw must obtain written authorization of the instructor to receive a "W" grade for the course. 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. |
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