History 105
Dr. Mary Mapes
274-5979
mmapes@iupui.edu
Office hours: Saturday:
8:15-8:45
and 11:45-12:15
Course Description & Objectives
This course covers the first half of American history,
beginning with the Colonial era and ending with the Civil War. We will examine the major political, social,
cultural, and economic developments of this time period. Particular emphasis will be placed on
community and family life, the development of the nation, economic expansion
and, changing class, race, and gender relations. By closely examining both
primary and secondary sources, the students in the class will also begin to
develop an understanding of how historians use evidence and why interpretations
of the past continue to evolve.
In
the process of addressing the above issues, the student will be expected to
gain a broad understanding of American history and to develop his/her critical
and analytical thinking and writing skills.
Success is dependent upon the student maintaining regular attendance,
preparing fully for class, and taking thorough notes. It is also important that all students actively participate in
class discussions. In these discussions
the student will have the opportunity to discuss and analyze the readings as
well as engage the larger issues already raised in lecture. I will provide the class questions to think
about in preparation for the discussions.
Class Etiquette.
The students in this class are entitled to a learning environment free
of disruptions. As such, please arrive
at class on time and do not engage in any activity that might distract your
fellow students.
Assignments and Grading
Web Assignments (due Sept. 15 and Nov. 10)
10%
Midterm Exam (Oct. 13)
20%
Class Participation and Reading Journal
20%
Formal Paper (due Dec. 8)
20%
Final Exam ( Dec. 15)
30%
Class Participation: This grade will be determined by your participation in
the class discussions. While attendance
is mandatory, you need to do more than just attend class if you would like to
receive a good grade. You must
contribute to the discussions!!! More
than one unexcused absence will affect your grade.
Reading Journal: Each week you will receive a series of
questions that will guide your assigned reading. The student needs to come to each class with a 1-2 page journal
entry that engages those questions. The
purpose of the reading journal is to encourage you to begin thinking critically
and analytically about the reading so that you can contribute to class
discussions. You need to demonstrate
that you have thought about the questions in a serious manner. I will be collecting the individual journal
entries (unannounced) eight times during the course of the semester. Each student is allowed, without penalty, to
miss one entry. Missing more than one
will have an impact on the student’s grade. No late journals will be
accepted. All journal entries must be
typed.
Web Assignment and Formal Paper: The web assignments and “formal paper” question will
be distributed in class.
Midterm and Final Exams: Both exams
will consist of essay questions and identification terms drawn from lectures,
readings, and discussions.
Assigned Books
Norton, Mary Beth. A People and a Nation: A History
of the United States (Houghton-Mifflin, 2001, Sixth Edition).
Wheeler, William and Becker, Susan. Discovering the
Past: A Look at the Evidence: Volume One to 1877. (Houghton Mifflin, 2001,
Fifth Edition)
Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of
Frederick Douglass (Yale University Press, 2001)
Weekly Reading Assignments and Lecture Topics (readings need to be completed before
the class period)
August 25:
Introduction and Colonial New England
September 1: Colonial Virginia
Norton: Chapter 2
Wheeler and Becker: Chapter 2
Norton: Chapter 4
Wheeler and Becker: Chapter 3
September 15: Seeds of Revolution
September 22: The Revolution
Norton: Chapter 6
Wheeler and Becker: Chapter 4
September 29: What is an American?
Norton: Chapter 7
Wheeler and Becker: Chapter 5
October 6: Economic Development
Review for Midterm
No assigned reading
October 13: MIDTERM
October 20: Labor
October 27: Slavery
November 3: Reforming a Nation
Douglass: pages ix-86.
November 10: Reform Continued
Norton: Chapter 12
Groups Web Assignment #2 due
Norton: Chapter 14
Wheeler and Becker: Chapter 9
November 24: THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
December 1
Paper Peer Review
December 8: Civil War
No Assigned Reading
Formal Paper Due (at beginning of class)
Review for Final
Final Exam
Completed Journal due
*Syllabus is subject to change.