Syllabus for HIS 201 (in
class)
Dr. Delaney, professor
Phone: 383-5248
E-mail: tdelaney@trcc.commnet.edu
Office hours: MWF
7:30am-8:00am, MWF 10:00am-10:30am
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. 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.
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
Survey of United States history from colonial
times to 1877. A survey of the major political, economic, social, cultural and
diplomatic developments in American History, including the Revolution, the
Constitution, Jeffersonianism, Jacksonianism, sectionalism, slavery,
expansionism, and the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Required Texts
The following books and
resources will be used:
American Stories Volume I
Major Problems in American History Volume I
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Autobiography of Frederick
Douglass
Method of Evaluation
1)
Exams- There will be a total of four
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 seventy 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 (use
“In-Text Citations: The Basics”). 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 two will count against
you. 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 of your group and class when the time comes. This section will constitute ten percent of
your final grade.
Three Rivers is working to
provide more resources for students to help them be successful at the learning
process. One of those resources, newly
added, is iCONN,
a comprehensive database with trade and general-interest periodicals. Follow the link, select a site, and enter
your password, which is the bar code number on your library card (example:
D310123456).
Although the journals
accessed through iCONN are academic in nature, not everything available online
is. But the Internet can be a tremendous
resource for learning. The T.A.S.C. has developed an online self-tutorial
called Research
and the Internet that helps decide what a valuable site is for academic
exercises. Search engines are used to
access an ever-growing number of webpages the Internet offers. One that can work well for academic searches,
if you review the material closely, is Google.
Course 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.
Grading Scale
|
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
Registrars 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 question regarding a disability
that may affect your progress in this course please contact one of the
college’s Disability Service Providers as soon as possible. Chris Scarborough (892-5751) generally works
with students who have learning disabilities or ADHD. Judy Hilburger (892-5744) generally works
with students who have physical, visual, hearing, medical, mobility, and
psychiatric disabilities. Matt Liscum
(383-5240) also works with students who have disabilities. Your cooperation is appreciated.