Fall 2011
Course Description and Goals:
This course is a survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects from 1877 to the present. This course will provide students with an understanding of the basic facts and concepts of American history through class lecture and discussion. It will measure understanding of the aforementioned facts and concepts with exams, and develop communication and critical-thinking skills through writing assignments.
Required Texts:
Alan Brinkley, The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People, Vol. 2, 6/E
Rick Bragg, All Over but the Shoutin’
Grading Scale:
A 94-100
A- 90-93
B+ 87-89
B 84-86
B- 80-83
C+ 77-79
C 74-76
C- 70-73
D+ 67-69
D 64-66
D- 60-63
F 0-59
Exam Policy:
There will be three exams given during the semester, including the final. Test questions will include information from class lecture, discussion, multimedia presentations, and the textbooks. These questions may include the following formats: essay, short answer, identification, matching, and multiple-choice.
Writing Assignment and Quizzes:
There will be one in-class writing assignment where students will answer questions and provide a critical analysis of All Over but the Shoutin’. As with any writing assignment in this class, the rules of plagiarism apply; be sure you properly cite quotations from the book. Other readings will be assigned and discussed throughout the term according to the course schedule below. I reserve the right to administer pop quizzes or require additional writing assignments if I suspect students have not read the material by the designated class meeting.
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend class regularly and be on time. You are responsible for getting any information from class lecture and discussion that you might miss due to your absence before the next class meeting. Please consult the section on Class Attendance Policy in the catalog (http://www.uncp.edu/catalog/pdf/acad_pol.pdf) for official University policy.
Make-up Policy:
Students should provide me with an approved written excuse (doctor’s note, jury notice, obituary, etc.) if they must miss an exam, writing assignment, or simulation. Make-up exams will be in identification and/or essay formats. An additional writing assignment will be required for those who miss the simulations.
Code of Conduct:
Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the University’s Code of Conduct outlined in the student handbook (http://www.uncp.edu/sa/handbook/html/rights.htm). Disruptive behavior in the classroom, including extraneous talking and the use of electronic devices, will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the class.
Communication Policy:
Students should regularly check their University email accounts and the Announcements section of the Blackboard site for information about the course. It is the students’ responsibility to consult these sources and be aware of any announcements or revisions to the course schedule.
Students with Documented Disabilities:
Any student with a documented learning, physical, chronic health, psychological, visual or hearing disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor as early in the semester as possible (preferably within the first week). All discussions will remain confidential. This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Building, Room 103 or call 910.521.6695.
Withdrawal from the Course:
The last day you may drop this course with a grade of “W” is Monday October 17, 2011.
Academic Honesty:
Academic misconduct in any form will not be tolerated. It is your responsibility to recognize and understand the various types of academic misconduct, including plagiarism. Please consult the Academic Honor Code in the Student Handbook or at UNCP’s Division of Student Affairs website (http://www.uncp.edu/sa/pol_pub/honor_code.htm) for official guidelines regarding the definition and handling of academic misconduct. You may also consult the American Historical Association’s website for more information regarding plagiarism:
http://www.historians.org/governance/pd/Curriculum/plagiarism_intro.htm
Grade Notification:
To protect the confidentiality of student records, I will not discuss grades via the telephone or email. Please see me personally or consult Blackboard or Braveweb if you wish to know your grades.
Supplemental Instruction:
This class has been selected for the Supplemental Instruction Program, and thereby provides regularly scheduled, out-of-class, peer facilitated review sessions. Our SI Leader is Jorge Rodriguez (jlr009@bravemail.uncp.edu or jlrod5@netzero.net).
Important Dates:
Exam 1: Thursday September 15 (20%)
Exam 2: Thursday October 20 (25%)
Final Exam (004): Thursday December 8, 8:00-10:30 (30%)
Final Exam (005): Thursday December 8, 10:45-1:15 (30%)
Writing assignment: Thursday November 10 (25%)
Strict accountability simulation: Thursday September 29
Cuban missile crisis simulation: Thursday November 17
Holidays: September 5; October 13-14; November 23-25
Course Schedule:
Topic 1: New South and Farm Protest (Chapters 15, 16, & 19)
Topic 2: Westward Expansion (Chapter 16)
Topic 3: Industrialization (Chapters 17-18)
Topic 4: Progressive Reform (Chapters 18 & 20)
EXAM #1
Topic 5: Imperialism (Chapter 19)
Topic 6: World War I (Chapter 21); Strict accountability simulation (See document in Blackboard)
Topic 7: Roaring Twenties (Chapters 22)
Topic 8: Great Depression (Chapters 23-24)
Topic 9: World War II (Chapters 25-26)
EXAM #2
Topic 10: Cold War (Chapter 27)
Topic 11: Affluent Society (Chapter 28)
Topic 12: Civil Rights (Chapters 28-29); All Over but the Shoutin’
Topic 13: Liberal State (Chapters 29-30); Cuban missile crisis simulation (See document in Blackboard)
Topic 14: Conservative Resurgence (Chapters 31-32)
EXAM #3
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