Syllabus – History 2010

Survey of American History I

Spring 2003

Instructor:  Dr. Joseph Douglas  Office: L 220
Office Hours:  As posted or by appt. Phone: x3241
E-mail: Joe.Douglas@volstate.edu Room: N 101
Sections:

 

003 (MWF 9:05-10:00 AM)
005 (MWF 11 :15 AM – 12 :10PM)
007 (MWF 1 :25-2 :20 PM)
 

Course Description: History 2010 (3) is a survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects up to 1877. Prerequisites: DSPW 0800 and DSPR 0800 or acceptable placement scores.

Textbook: Roark, Johnson, Cohen, Stage, Lawson, and Hartman. The American Promise: A History of the United States Vol. I: To 1877. Compact Edition (New York and Boston: Bedford/St. Martins Press, 2000.)

Supplementary Books: J. William Youngs. American Realities, Historical Episodes: From First Settlement to the Civil War Vol. 1. 5th Ed. (New York: Longman, 2001.)

Frederick Douglass. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. (New York: Dover, 1995 edition of 1845 original.)

Learning Objectives: Students will learn the major outlines and important details of American political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic histories up to 1877. Students will develop critical thinking skills and effective communication through writing.

Attendance: Required in the class. I will take roll each class period, giving both the instructor and students an opportunity to learn the names of the members of the class. Any absence exceeding five (5) will result in a reduced grade for the class. There will be no make-up quizzes. There will be no make-up examinations unless you have a valid, documented excuse for the absence. Chronic tardiness disrupts the learning process for all 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 20
Test 2 20
Test 3 20
Book Test - Frederick Douglass 15
Final Examination 25

Testing: Examinations will consist of fill-in-the-blanks, short (1 paragraph) answer identification, and discussion (essay) questions. There will be a separate test consisting of short answer questions over the Douglass book. There may also be quizzes over the readings, if necessary.

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.

Extra Credit: Students may attend any of the presentations in the Spring Lecture series and write a brief summary and reaction paper about the event for up to 2 points extra credit each. Total limit for EC is five (5) points.

Cheating: Any form of cheating, including plagiarism, on any assignment, test, or course work will result in either a grade of "0" for that assignment, test, or work or a grade of "F" for the class. Mr. Douglas will make that determination. Plagiarism is defined in the

American Heritage Dictionary as "stealing or using the ideas or writings of another as one’s own."

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Volunteer State Community College is an equal opportunity Affirmative Action Educational Institution. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the College because of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap. The College also complies with the Age Discrimination Employment Act of 1967, as amended and with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act of 1974. The commitment to equal opportunity applies to all aspects of recruitment, employment and education of individuals at all levels throughout the College.

Important Dates:

(M) Jan. 20 MLK Day - No Class
(M-F) March 10-15 Spring Break – No Class
(W) March 26 Last Day to Withdraw with a W
(F) April 18 Good Friday Holiday - No Class
April 29 – May 2 Final Examinations