History 2020
Survey of American History II
Syllabus and Course Information
Spring 2004

Scott McMillan
Assistant Professor of English, History, and Political Science
Office Hours: MW 11:30-5:30/R 5:30-6:00/F 11:30-1:00
800.563.8220/931.823.7065/Ext. 238
scott.mcmillan@volstate.edu

History 2020 is a general survey of American history which focuses on political, economic, military, diplomatic, social, and cultural events in the United States from the era of industrialization through the end of the Vietnam War.

The goals of this course are to familiarize you with the major developments and significant individuals in American history from 1877 through 1975 and to teach you how to analytically approach the study of history.

Roark, James. L., Michael P. Johnson, Patricia Cline Cohen, Sarah Stage, Alan Lawson, and Susan H. Hartmann. The American Promise: A
     History of the United States. Second Compact Edition. Volume II: From 1865.  Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2003.

I expect you to attend each class! Most of the material on tests will come from class lectures, presentations, and discussions, so regular attendance is very important. If you know you are going to miss a class, please try to let me know in advance.

Three tests will be given during the semester with all three tests counting equally. Each test will consist of approximately 50% objective-type questions (chronologies, matching, multiple-choice) and 50% writing (essay and short answer). You must be present for scheduled tests. If you miss a test, you can request a makeup, which may or may not be given at my discretion.

Each student also has the option of writing a short research paper (5-8 pages) on an approved topic in American history for "extra credit." This paper will count the same as a test grade but can give you four grades instead of three. See me for details about this project if you are interested.

Tests and papers will be graded on the following scale: A=90-100; B=80-89; C=70-79; D=60-69; F=59 and below.

All writing for this class must be your own work! Obviously, this means not using materials (books, articles, web sites, papers) written by someone else and presenting them as your own work. It also refers to merely restating material without originality of thought and development. Any such activity constitutes PLAGIARISM, which will result in an automatic F for the course and the filing of a report with the Office of Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Vol State.

Cellular telephones are not to be used during class for any purpose, including making and/or receiving class, sending and/or receiving photographs or text messages, or playing games.

 "To be an American (unlike being English or French or whatever) is precisely to imagine a destiny rather than to inherit one; since we have always been, insofar, as we are Americans at all, inhabitants of myth rather than history. . . ."

It is the student’s responsibility to identify himself/herself with the Office of Disability Services in order to receive accommodations. Disability Services is located in the Office of Student Services. Only those students with official documentation from the Office of Disability Services will receive services.