HISTORY

 

The U.S. Since World War II

Spring 2008

 

 

Syllabus for HIS K213

Dr. Terrence Delaney, professor

Phone: 383-5248

E-mail: tdelaney@trcc.commnet.edu

Office hours: M 4:00-5:30, W9:30-11:00

 

 

Although this is a relatively contemporary topic, it is one that has many perspectives; ones that we hope to cover in some detail in this course.  Those perspectives are also ones that many people are unaware of, even though they have lived during part of the period this course covers.  In that sense, input from everyone will be an integral part of the course.

 

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?  Objectives for this class include not only a knowledge of history, but to help the student develop a methodology of examining evidence—critical thinking—and learning to report on it in a clear and concise manner—effective communication. In the future you may have a supervisor 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 recent United States history, beginning with World War II and continuing to the present.  This course will examine the important social, economic, cultural, and political developments that have shaped our world.  The course will examine such themes as the United State’s rise (and fall?) as a super power, civil rights and civil disorder, social liberalism and conservatism, and labor and management in a changing world.

 

Required Texts

 

The following books are available in the bookstore:

Present Tense  3rd Edition

Reaping the Whirlwind

 

Reading List

 

Method of Evaluation

 

1)     Exams- There will be two examinations, a midterm and a final.  Material for the exam will come from a combination of lecture, videocassette, the Internet, music and movies, and your readings.  This will constitute fifty percent of your final grade.

 

2)     Book Review—each student will read a book from a prepared list and review it for the author’s argument(s) and how well the author does supporting them.  This will constitute twenty percent of your final grade.

 

3)     Research Project- Each student will research a specific topic of their choice, culminating in a paper of eight pages.  This will constitute twenty percent of your final grade.  Too help you in your efforts the library has put together a research guide.

 

4)     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.  Periodic quizzes may be used to gauge how well a student is doing.  This section will constitute ten percent of your final grade.

 

Grading

 

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 established by the class.  Anybody diverging from these guidelines, or disrespecting 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 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.