This is a course in American history covering the first contact of the Native American, European and African cultures through the American Civil War. The survey nature of this course means that all aspects and events during this time period, roughly 1400-1865, will not be covered. The information that will be covered has been divided into four units, with a test after the second and forth units.  In these tests, you will demonstrate your knowledge of historical facts through multiple choice/short answer, and you will demonstrate your understanding of the themes of the different eras through essay portions.  You will also read three books on a similar subject – in this case, slavery – for which you will complete three homework assignments.  The homework assignments are designed to demonstrate your understanding of the themes covered in each book, with some comparison among the books. At the end of this course, you should have enhanced your reading, writing and analytical skills, as well as expanded your knowledge of historical events, just as expected in the principles of undergraduate learning (see university handbook).  With luck, you will also no longer hate history (if you, at this point, do hate history), and will be inspired to continue learning about history for the rest of your life.

 

1)                  People’s History of the United States, 1999 edition preferred, Howard Zinn

2)                  The History of Mary Prince, Mary Prince (any edition)

3)                  Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, written by himself, Frederick Douglass (any edition)

4)                  Life of a Slave Girl, written by herself, Harriet A. Jacobs, ed. Jean Fagan Yellin.

5)                  OPTIONAL: Out of Many: A History of the American People, 4^th edition, volume 1, John Mack Faragher, et al.

 

ü      2 Tests

ü      3 Homework Assignments

ü      Extra credit [optional]

 

Your grade will be composed of the average of each test, and the sum of the homework assignments, plus any extra credit you choose to do.

 

ü      Tests:  100 points each.  50% multiple choice/short answer, 50% essay.  No cumulative final.

ü      Homework:  30-35 points each = 100 points total. Typed (5 points off for handwritten papers).  Short answer questions on slave narratives.  The sum of these three assignments will count as equal to a test/paper grade.

ü      Extra Credit:  Extra credit assignments will count for up to 5 points each.  Directions as opportunities present themselves.  These assignments will usually involve visiting area museums to see exhibits involving the historical period of this class. The points for this will be added to the sum of all of  your grade points for the semester.

 

How your grade will be figured:

            Test #1

            Test #2

            (Prince assignment + Jacobs assignment + Douglass assignment)

         + [Extra credit points]

            Sum of grade points

          / (divided by) 3 = Numerical grade

 

Grading Scale:

            A+ = 95-100+

            A   = 90-94

            B+ = 85-89

            B   = 80-84

            C+ = 75-79

            C   = 70-74

            D+ = 65-69

            D   = 60-64

            F   = 59 and below

 

Note: All fractions will be rounded up.  For example, a 94.6 will be rounded up to a 95.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)                  Cell phones and pagers:  Turn these off!! Off, off, off!  If there is an emergency for which you must have it on, let me know before class.  Otherwise, OFF!! Especially during tests.

2)                  Tardiness:  Be in class on time, and stay the full class period. If you must leave early, or know ahead of time that you will be late, then let me know. This is just a courtesy to other students and the teacher, and will ensure that you do not miss any schedule changes, announcements, or information.

3)                  Absences:  Attendance is not part of your grade.  Attendance, however, is crucial to passing the class because test material will come primarily from the lecture. If you miss a class, get the notes from another student.

4)                  Late assignments:  You will lose 5 points for each class day.These assignments are due at the beginning of class.  If you come in at the end of the class just to turn in your assignment, you will lose 5 points.

5)                  Missed tests:  You must have proof as to why you missed a test (doctor’s note, receipt from the mechanic, computer repair shop, etc.).  You must make up the test within a week of your return to class.  The time of the make up test will be arranged with the instructor.  The make up test will not be the exact same test as taken by the other students, and will be more difficult.

6)                  Dropping the class:  The instructor will not withdraw students from the class without a written request from the student.  You are responsible for dropping yourself from the class.  If you cease attending the class, but also do not withdraw from the class, you will probably receive a grade of F.

7)                  Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action and a grade of F.

8)                  Students are responsible for activity on their computer/e-mail accounts.

9)                  The instructor reserves the right to alter any part of this syllabus except the class meeting time.

 

 

This schedule is subject to change with the pace of the class, acts of nature, acts of the university administration, and any other unforeseen events.

 

&Unit 1:  Colonial America: Contest of Cultures

Dates:  August 21, 28, and September 4

Reading Assignments:  Out of Many, chapters 1-5 [optional]

                                        People’s History, chapters 1-3

 

&Unit 2:  Making a New Nation: Revolutionary America, 1763-1800

Dates: September 18, 25, and October 2

Reading Assignments:  Out of Many, chapters 6-8 [optional]

                                        People’s History, chapters 4-5

Mary Prince Assignment Due: September 25                                  

Test #1: October 9

 

&Unit 3:  Defend and Define the Union: Early National and Jacksonian Eras, 1800-1840

Dates: October 16, 23, and 30

Reading Assignments:  Out of Many, chapters 9-13 [optional]

                                        People’s History, chapters 6-7

Frederick Douglass Assignment Due: October 23

 

&Unit 4: Union Falls Apart: Manifest Destiny, the Crisis of 1850s, and Civil War, 1840-1865

Dates:  November 13, 20, and December 4

Reading Assignments:  Out of Many, chapters 14-16 [optional]

                                        People’s History, chapters 8-10

Harriet Jacobs Assignment Due: November 20

Test #2:  December11

 

September 17:  Last day for any tuition refund

September 25:  Mary Prince Homework due

October 9:  Test #1

October 23:  Frederick Douglass Homework due

November 12:  Last day to drop a class

November 20: Harriet Jacobs Homework due