SYLLABUS AND READING ASSIGNMENTS:  HIST 1301, 1302 
 Click here for the 1302 Syllabus
Click here for the Syllabus Addendum
 

NOTE:  Both of these syllabi are brief and provide general information for students interested in my classes.  Neither contains specific information about exam dates.  Online students, use the syllabus provided for the online class. 

HISTORY 1301 SYLLABUS:

DIVISION OF BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

HISTORY 1301

UNITED STATES HISTORY THROUGH 1877

DR. KAREN HAGAN    OFFICE A104B

Office Hours:  1:00-2:00 M-Th, and by appointment  (Spring and Fall terms only.)

ACAD 104B

 COURSE GOAL:

This course seeks to provide students with an understanding of the evolution of United States history from the discovery of the New World to the end of Reconstruction.

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

Upon completion of History 1301, the student will be able to analyze the effects of social, political, economic, cultural, and diplomatic forces on colonization, the American Revolution, the Early Period, the Middle Period, the Civil War, and Reconstruction in American history.

EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

To examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical period, social structures, and cultures.  To analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on the area under study.  To differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and differing points of view.  To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures.

TEACHING STRATEGY:

As this is a lecture-based course, students should expect to take notes for the entire duration of each meeting.  Lectures are accompanied by visual aids in the form of Powerpoint presentations and the occasional video.  Discussion is not expected during class. 

This course also tests reading and writing ability and requires students to engage in critical analysis.  Students must read the textbook completely and will be tested on their ability to find and interpret correlations between the text and lectures.  The textbook is also used to fill in information not covered by the lectures.  This material will appear on exams and must be identified through careful reading.  Students must also read two monographs and will be expected to analyze both in a testing environment.  To assess writing ability, each student will write four paragraph identifications during the semester.  Students will be tested over their notes.   

A webpage is provided to assist students who may be unfamiliar with the study techniques and analysis skills needed for a college history class. 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students must attend class regularly, read the assigned materials, and complete four examinations and two book tests.

EXAMS:

Lecture exams contain objective questions taken from the textbook, lectures.

 A student who receives a grade of sixty or higher on objective-specific exams is considered to have attained a fundamental mastery of the stated course objectives. 

 MAKE-UP/LATE POLICY:

 CONDUCT:

Students are required to maintain a standard of behavior that accords with Victoria College guidelines.  Consult the Student Handbook for details about conduct.  Also note that in this class you are PARTICULARLY cautioned against engaging in the following behaviors:

1.       Repeatedly walking in late.

2.       Repeatedly talking aloud during lectures.

3.       Leaving class during the lectures.

4.       Constant interruption.

PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AND PAGERS UPON ENTERING THE CLASSROOM.

ATTENDANCE:

Please see the Victoria College policy on attendance.  It is the student’s responsibility to drop the course if circumstances arise in which he or she may no longer participate in the class.  The student must protect his or her own academic record by completing the drop procedure in order to avoid a possible failing grade at the end of the term.

WEB SITE:  http://www.victoriacollege.edu/~kfritz

This site provides study information, advice about writing, exam prep information, and anything else I can think of that might be of interest.  If you do not know how to prepare for exams in a history class, if you do not know how to organize this class, if you are uncertain about how to remember all the information presented in this class, this website has information that can help. 

WRITTEN LECTURES:

Several written lectures have been attached to the syllabus.  Several of these are assigned for the first two sections of the class.  Be certain to read the written lectures, for the information they address will be on the exams.

DISABILITY STATEMENT: 

The college will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities.  These students must notify Counseling Services, Administration Building, before classroom accommodations can be provided.

ASSIGNED READINGS:

Alan Brinkley:  The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People, Vol. I, Fourth or Fifth Edition.

Mark M. Smith: Stono: Documenting and Interpreting a Southern Slave Rebellion

Jerry O. Potter:  The Sultana Tragedy: America's Greatest Martime Disaster

GRADING SCALE:

Exam #1: 100 points

Exam #2: 100 points

Exam #3:  100 points

Book Test #1:  100 points

Book Test #2:  100 points

Final Exam:  120 points

620 points possible

(558=A, 496=B, 434=C, 372=D, below 368=F)

SCHEDULE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS:

SECTION I: The New World Transformed: Discovery, Colonization, Revolution

PART I:

Brinkley (Third Edition):  Chapters 1 and 2 (to page 35, and 41-46), Chapter 3 (79-82).

Brinkley (Fourth Edition):  Chapters 1 and 2 (to page 33, and 36-38), Chapter 3 (60-63, and 76-78).

Brinkley (Fifth Edition):  Chapter 1, Chapter 2 (to page 32, then 35-37), Chapter 3 (62 “Indentured servitude”, then 78-81).

Written Lecture:  Explorers

PART II:

Brinkley (Third Edition):  Chapter 2 (35-41, 46-59), Chapter 3 (skip the pages on witchcraft), Chapter 4 and 5 (to 139).  

Brinkley (Fourth Edition):  Chapter 2 (33-35, 40-57), Chapter 3 (64-76, 79-87), Chapter 4 and 5 (to 129).  

Brinkley (Fifth Edition):  Chapter 2 (32-35, then 38-end), Chapter 3 (62-78, then 81-end), Chapter 4, Chapter 5 to 129).

Written Lectures:  The Other Colonies, The American Revolution

SECTION II: A New Nation Emerges: Development, Debate and American Ambition

Brinkley (Third Edition):  Chapter 5 (from 139), Chapters 6-8, Chapter 9 (skip 250-253), Chapter 10, Chapter 12.

Brinkley (Fourth Edition):  Chapter 5 (from 129), Chapters 6-8, Chapter 9 (skip 229-231), Chapter 10, Chapter 12. 

Brinkley (Fifth Edition):  Chapter 5  (from 129), Chapters 6-8, Chapter 9 (skip “Calhoun and Nullification on 231), Chapter 10, Chapter 12.

Written Lecture:  The Era of Ambition

SECTION III:  The Nation Torn Asunder: Expansion, Disruption, Civil War, Reconstruction

Brinkley (Third Edition):  Chapter 9 (250-253), Chapter 11, Chapter 13-15.

Brinkley (Fourth Edition):  Chapter 9 (229-231), Chapter 11, Chapter 13-15.

Brinkley (Fifth Edition): Chapter 9 (“Calhoun and Nullification), Chapter 11, Chapters 13-15.

Please arrive on time to take the final.  Those who arrive more than thirty minutes late (or so) will take a cumulative essay/short answer exam.  Be sure to double check the time and date of the final as the exam approaches.

DON’T FORGET!  THE FINAL HAS A CUMULATIVE SECTION!

SYLLABUS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.     Ha!

 

 HISTORY 1302 SYLLABUS: 


DIVISION OF BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
HISTORY 1302
UNITED STATES HISTORY SINCE 1877

DR. KAREN HAGAN    OFFICE A104B
OFFICE HOURS: M-TH 1:00-2:00 (Fall and Spring terms only) and by appointment

COURSE GOAL:

This course seeks to provide students with an understanding of the evolution of United States history from the end of Reconstruction to the modern era.

 COURSE OBJECTIVE:

Upon completion of History 1302, the student will be able to analyze the effects of social, political, economic, cultural, and diplomatic forces on the Gilded Age, the Progressive Era, World War I, the Twenties, the Depression, World War II, and recent American history.

EXEMPLARY OBJECTIVES:

To examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social structures, and cultures.  To analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on the area under study.  To understand the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world.  To differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and differing points of view.  To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures.

TEACHING STRATEGY:

As this is a lecture-based course, students should expect to take notes for the entire duration of each meeting.  Lectures are accompanied by visual aids in the form of Powerpoint presentations.  This course also tests reading and writing ability and requires students to engage in critical analysis.  Students must read the textbook completely and will be tested on their ability to find and interpret correlations between the text and lectures.  The textbook is also used to fill in information not covered by the lectures.  This material will appear on exams and must be identified through careful reading.  Students must also read two monographs and will be expected to examine these books in a testing environment.  To assess writing ability, each student will take extensive notes and be tested on their work.

A webpage is provided to assist students who may be unfamiliar with the study techniques and analysis skills needed for a college history class. 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students must attend class regularly, read the assigned materials, complete three examinations and two book tests.

EXAMS:

Lecture exams contain objective questions taken from the textbook, lectures.

  • Typically expect twenty-five multiple-choice and twenty-five true/false questions on lecture exams. 
  • Book tests have thirty multiple-choice and true/false questions and two paragraph IDs.  For information on how to prepare the paragraph IDs and for the paragraph ID list, consult the Internet Study Guide (address listed below).  Paper will be provided for the writing portion of the test.
  • Bring a scantron to each test and a photograph ID. 
  • The final exam has a cumulative section  - ten multiple-choice and true/false questions that cover the entire term.  Consult the study guide for information on this section.
  • Bonus Quizzes provide opportunities to earn up to FIVE bonus points in each section.  These quizzes are open-note (not open book) and are chiefly designed to measure note-taking effectiveness.  The bonus quiz will be issued as soon as you finish and hand in your lecture exams. 

A student who receives a grade of sixty or higher on objective-specific exams is considered to have attained a fundamental mastery of the stated course objectives. 

MAKE-UP/LATE POLICY:

  • Makeups are offered only for emergencies and schedule conflicts. 
  • One makeup per semester.
  • Makeups are short-answer, fill-in-the-blank, and short-essay.  They are not like the regular exams.
  • A makeup can be taken up to three days after the scheduled exam.  Three days after the exam, if no makeup has been scheduled and taken, a grade of zero will be recorded.
  •  If you need a makeup, contact me, explain the problem, and select a time and date for the exam.  If I can’t meet you at that time, I’ll let you know.  Do not simply tell me you need a makeup and leave it at that.
  • No bonus quizzes on a makeup.
  • On one exam of your choice, write the word "Froglet" on the front of the scantron and receive two bonus points for that exam. Again, this is good for just one exam.  

CONDUCT:

Students are required to maintain a standard of behavior that accords with Victoria College guidelines.  Consult the Student Handbook for details about conduct.  Also note that in this class you are PARTICULARLY cautioned against engaging in the following behaviors:

1.       Repeatedly walking in late.

2.       Repeatedly talking aloud during lectures.

3.       Leaving class during lectures.

4.       Constant interruption.

PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES AND PAGERS BEFORE ENTERING THE CLASSROOM.

DISABILITY STATEMENT:

The College will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. These students must notify Counseling Services, Administration Building, before classroom accommodations can be provided.

ATTENDANCE:

Please see the Victoria College policy on attendance.  It is the student’s responsibility to drop the course if circumstances arise in which he or she may no longer participate in the class.  The student must protect his or her own academic record by completing the drop procedure in order to avoid a possible failing grade at the end of the term.

WEB STUDY GUIDE:

http://www.victoriacollege.edu/~kfritz

This class comes with a website that provides advice about writing, exam prep information, a lecture-by-lecture breakdown of the class (with bulleted study points), and the paragraph ID list for the book test. If you do not know how to prepare for exams, are concerned about the quality of your notes, or are uncertain about how to remember all the information presented in this class, the website may help. 

WRITTEN LECTURES:

Several written lectures have been assigned during the term.  Be certain to read the written lectures, for the information they contain will be on the exams. 

ASSIGNED READINGS:

Alan Brinkley:  The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People, Third or Fourth Edition Vol. II.

Anthony P. Hatch:  Tinderbox: The Iroquois Theater Disaster

Donald Burgett:  Currahee!

GRADING SCALE:

Exam #1: 100 pts. 

Exam #2: 100 pts. 

Book Test #1: 100 pts.

Book Test #2: 100 pts.

Final Exam: 100 pts.

500 points possible

(450=A, 400=B, 350=C, 300=D, below 296=F)

SCHEDULE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS:

SECTION I: The Gilded Age: New Inventions, New Frontiers, and the Johnstown Flood

Readings:

Brinkley:  Chapter 15: 419-422, Chapter 16, Chapter 17 (skip 462-463), Chapter 18, Chapter 19 (to 522). Chapter 20.

(Third Edition):  Chapter 16 (stop on page 508 at “The Rise and Decline of the Western Farmer”), 17-18, 19 (stop on page 587 at “The Agrarian Revolt”), 20, and 471-473 (read from “Industrialization and the ‘New South’” to “Tenants and Sharecroppers.”)

(FIFTH EDITION):  Chapter 15 (415-418), Chapter 16, Chapter 17 (skip “The Science of Production” on 458), Chapter 18, Chapter 19 (stop at “The Agrarian Revolt” on 518), Chapter 20

Written Lectures:  The New South, The Creation of an American Empire

SECTION II: The Age of Reaction: Populism, Progressivism, World War I, and New Deal.

Readings:

Brinkley: Chapter 17 (462-463). Chapter 19 (522 to end), Chapter 21-26.

(Third Edition):  Chapter 16 (508-514), 19 (597-603), 21-26, and 473-477 (from “Tenants and Sharecroppers” to “Conclusion”).

(FIFTH EDITION): Chapter 17 (just “The Science of Production” on 458), Chapter 19 (518 to end), Chapter 21-26).

Written Lectures:  Progressive Movement, Early 1900s Foreign Policy, Progressive Movement and Civil Rights, End of the Progressive Movement and the 1920s.

SECTION III:  The New Age: World War II, THE BOMB, and Cultural Change

Readings:

Brinkley: Chapters 27 to end.

(Third Edition):  Chapters 27-34

(FIFTH EDITION):  Chapters 27 to end.

Written Lectures:  The 1950s, the Civil Rights Movement.

DON’T FORGET! The final has a cumulative section.  Also, be sure to show up on time.

SYLLABUS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.  HA!

 

Victoria College Student Services

Additional information on the student support services listed below can be obtained through The Victoria College Student Handbook (www.victoriacollege.edu/pubs/handbook.pdf).  

The Student Handbook is available in hardcopy by contacting any Student Services Office.

Admissions and Records, Administration Building, Suite 107

(361) 572-6408 / www.victoriacollege.edu/dept/admis

Assessment & Testing Services – Administration Building, Suite 105

(361) 582-2403 / www.victoriacollege.edu/dept/counseling/testing.html

TASP, TASP Alternative COMPASS, ACT, SAT, GED, WORKKEYS, CLEP, MOUS

Childcare and Transportation Assistance, Administration Building, Suite 102

(361) 572-6402 / www.victoriacollege.edu/dept/stuemploy/CCTAHomeBrown.html

Counseling Services (Academic, Personal & Career Counseling),

Administration Building, Suite 105 (361) 572-6405 / www.victoriacollege.edu/dept/counseling

Career Counseling

(361) 582-2514 / www.victoriacollege.edu/dept/counseling/career.html

On-line counseling

Counselorhelp@boa.victoriacollege.edu            

Support Services for Students with Disabilities

(361) 572-6414 / www.victoriacollege.edu/dept/counseling/suppserv.html

The college will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities.  Thee students must notify Curtis Hill in Counseling Services at the above number before classroom accommodations can be provided.

Qualified persons with disabilities have specialized services available, which may include: adapted testing, special parking provisions, note-taking assistance, readers, special equipment/equipment adaptation, information and/or referral.

Financial Aid - Administration Building, Suite 108

(361) 572-6415 / www.victoriacollege.edu/dept/finaid

KEY Center, Language Building, Room 102

(361) 582-2414 / www.victoriacollege.edu/dept/counseling/studsupp.html

The KEY Center is a federally funded program providing support services for eligible students.  For details on eligibility requirements contact the Key Center.

Student Activities Office-Student Center

(361) 572-6440 / www.victoriacollege.edu/dept/stucenter/

Tutoring Center (FREE)-Language Building, Room 101

(361) 572-6473 / www.victoriacollege.edu/dept/arc/hours.htm

On-line assistance: www.tutorhelp@boa.victoriacollege.edu

 

 

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