History 107 Syllabus

Dates: August 29  - December 15 , 2011

Instructor: Brian Waddington
Phone: (626) 857-4039
E-mail: bwaddington@citruscollege.edu

OFFICE and OFFICE HOURS
CI 124, Monday & Wednesday: 11:30-1:00 & 2:30-3:00, Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00-11:15 & 2:30-3:00

COURSE TEXT :
"Of the People", Volume One, Concise Edition, James Oakes and Others, Oxford University Press, 2011

ISBN 978-0-19-539073-5

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is structured to cover the early history of the North American lands that eventually become the United States of America. It will begin with the pre-Columbian era and conclude at 1876 with the end of Reconstruction. A synthesis of multiple academic disciplines will be utilized to understand the dynamics of economic, political and social change in this period. Among the topics the course will cover are: the various cultures of early American people; colonial America and the nature of the American Revolution, the early republic and the spread of two distinct economic and cultural systems, the United States Civil War and Reconstruction.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. To develop a better knowledge and understanding of important developments, events and individuals in American history before 1877.
2. To develop and improve skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking and effective verbal and written communication.
3. To develop a better understanding of the nature of the relationship between people and the historical process.
4. To acquire a better understanding of historiography.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Basic course work: Basic course work consists of ten essays, discussion board postings and a final examination. The information students are responsible for is based on course readings, lectures, videos and discussions. Students should not go outside of the course information to respond to essay or mini-lecture topics. The essays will be assessed on the quality of content, analysis and organization. Completion of English 100 or equivalent is recommended. Students should notify the instructor if any extra accommodations are needed to enable success.
2. Participation: Students will also receive an assessment on their participation. The on-line course should not be approached as a correspondence course, but rather should be engaged in as an interactive experience much like a classroom setting. Participation will be conducted through discussion board postings. Participation points will be assessed on the number of postings made, as well as the quality of the student's work. Any anticipated prolonged absence from course work or participation should be reported to the instructor as soon as possible.

GRADE POLICY AND SCALE

Grade Scale
A= 150-135 B= 134-120 C= 119-105 D= 104-90 F= Below 90