Syllabus for HIS 202
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
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
Reconstruction to Bush, with special emphasis on the development of the
American economy, United States expansionism, race relations, the world wars,
women’s rights, the cities, the sixties, the depression, the Cold War,
Watergate, Vietnam, and the 1980s.
Required Texts
The following books and
resources will be used:
American Stories Volume II
Major Problems in American History Volume II
Out of This Furnace
Fahrenheit 451
Homework
Assignments can be found here
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. 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 three
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.
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 U.S. history, and supportive of the Liberal Arts and Sciences
objectives. Working through a variety of
methodologies, the successful student will develop the skills necessary 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.
Attendance
Students are reminded that absences will have
a detrimental effect on their final grade. Three absences are allowed,
not counting weather cancellations or my absences. Every absence over three
will be a drop in your grade (i.e., from a B+ to a B for one unexcused absence,
from a B to C+ for two, etc.).
|
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
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 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.