Instructor: Dr. Joseph Douglas Office: L 220

Office Hours: MWF 8-9, 10-11 AM, 1:30-2:30 PM; Phone: x 3241

TR 10 AM–12:30 PM; T 2:15-3:45 PM; R 5-6 PM

Section: 501 (R 6 – 9 PM) Room: L 114

Course Description: Tennessee History is a study of the geography, political, economic,

social, and cultural history of Tennessee from the earliest period to the present. This course, along with either HIS 2010 or HIS 2020, will fulfill the degree requirements in American History, or it may be used as a social science elective.

Textbook: Bergeron, Ash, & Keith. Tennesseans and Their History (Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press, 1999).

Additional readings will be assigned and distributed by the instructor throughout the course of the semester.

Learning Objectives: Students will learn the major outlines and important details of Tennessee history. Students will develop critical thinking skills and effective communication through writing.

Attendance: Required in the class. I will take roll each class period. Any absence exceeding three (3) class periods will result in a lowered grade for the class. Late assignments will not be accepted, nor will make-up tests be given, without a valid documented excuse. Chronic tardiness, or any other disruption of class, interferes with the learning process and will not be tolerated.

Note-taking in a college-ruled bound notebook is required of each student. Students may be asked to submit these notebooks periodically throughout the semester to ensure adequate note-taking. Students must also perform all the other class assignments and participate in class discussions.

Evaluations % of final grade

Test 1 25

Test 2 25

Report on Historic Site Visit 25

Final Examination 25

Examinations will consist of fill-in-the-blanks, short (1 paragraph) answer identification, and discussion (essay) questions. Quizzes, if necessary, may be given over the assigned readings and would consist of short summaries of the material.

Grading Scale: This class will use a straight ten-point scale. 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B,

70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, below 60 = F.

Historic Site Visit: Each student is required to visit one historic site in Tennessee and submit a written report on the visit. These may be historic houses, farms, plantations, museums, battlefields, or Indian sites. The site must be open to the public and interpretive in nature. Examples of approved sites include the following:

The Hermitage Cragfont Old Stone Fort

Tennessee State Museum Rockcastle Stones River Battlefield

Belle Meade Mansion Pinson Mounds Shiloh Battlefield

James K. Polk Home Red Clay Fort Loudon

Tenn. State Capital Sam Davis Home Historic Rugby

There are many other sites that may be acceptable, but they must be specifically approved by the instructor. The report which each student submits must be at least three (3) pages in length and include at least three things. First, there must be a description of the site and its interpretation (i.e. the tour or the museum display, etc.). Secondly, there must be a discussion of the significance of the site and the events that occurred there. Finally, the student must in some way relate the site to other class work, such as assigned readings or class lectures. These reports are due December 4.

Extra Credit - Book Review: Each student may read a book on Tennessee history and submit a written, analytical book review for up to four (4) points of extra credit. The book must be approved by the instructor. These reviews will be 3-4 pages long and must address the issues discussed in the instructor's guidelines on how to write a review. Book reviews are due November 20. I will be glad to look at rough drafts prior to the due date and make suggestions for improvements.

ADA Statement: It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify with the Office of Dis-ability Services (Campus Center – C 206B) in order to receive accommodations. Only those students with appropriate documentation will receive services.

Other Important Dates:

(W) November 5 Last Day to Drop with a W

(R) November 27 Thanksgiving Holiday – No Class

(R) December 11 Final Examination – Last Day of Class

It is the intent of Volunteer State Community College to fully comply with Executive Order 11246, as amended, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, as amended, and all regulations implementing those laws and orders, for the promotion and ensuring of equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. It is the intent of VSCC to be free of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, or physical appearance. It is the intent of VSCC to fully comply with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the CRA of 1991, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended, the Age discrimination in Employment Act of 1976, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicable state status and all regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.