HISTORY 108 ONLINE SYLLABUS
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES SINCE 1876
SPRING 2011
Dates: April 23 to June 15
Instructor: Brian Waddington
Phone: (626)-857-4039
Email: bwaddington@citruscollege.edu
Course Text: "Of the People", Volume II, Concise Edition, James Oakes and Others
ISBN: 978-0-19-539074-2
Office Hours: CI 124, Monday & Wednesday: 11:00-12:45 Tuesday & Thursday: 9:30-10:45 & 12:30-1:30
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to cover the history of the United States from the end of the Civil War to the present. 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: reconstruction, the United States' transformation from a pre-industrial society to an industrial society with broad global interests, the expansion of the role of the federal government, and the growth of consumerism and mass culture in post-industrial society.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
To develop a better understanding of important developments, events and individuals in American history since 1877.
To develop a better understanding of the nature of the relationship between people and the historical process.
To acquire a better understanding of the techniques and tools of the historian.
To continue to develop and improve study and research skills which reading comprehension, critical thinking and effective verbal and written communication.
To utilize and understand how current technology works as a study and research tool.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Demonstrate a comprehension and evaluation of the contributions and experiences of various ethnicities, races and genders in modern United States history.
Demonstrate ability to write clearly on information presented.
Demonstrate comprehension and analysis of modern US history and historical concepts.
Quantitative knowledge of important historical figures, events and developments.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Basic Coursework: Basic course work consists of approximately eight mini-lecture assignments 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.
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 take place through asynchronous through discussion board postings. Participation points will be based on the number of forums a student participates in, as well as the quality of their work. Any anticipated prolonged absence from course work or participation should be reported to the instructor as soon as possible.
GRADE POLICY AND SCALE
Basic Assignments
Maximum Possible Points
Mini-Lecture Assignments: 8 x 10= 80
Final Exam Essay: 20
Participation: 30
Grade Scale
A= 130-117 B= 116-104 C= 103-91 D= 90-78 F= Below 78
HISTORY 108 LATE START SCHEDULE
Week 1 April 25-28: Look over course web site, with a focus on Getting Started, Course Overview and Syllabus links. Check-in by Tuesday, April 26th by sending an e-mail. Make a posting to the Discussion Board and and complete your first mini-lecture assignment. Check Announcement link. New students are also highly encouraged to take the Online Orientation located on the Citrus College Distance Education home page. The orientation provides advice and information on services available to distance education students.
Week 2 May 2-5: Complete second mini-lecture assignment by end of the week and make a discussion board posting. Assignments can be turned in any day of the week up to the due date and you are strongly encouraged to avoid trying to send in your assignment on the due date. Note that I need to turn in census sheets. Students who have not completed any work by the end of this week may be dropped from the course.
Week 3 May 9-12: Post on new Discussion Board topic. Complete third mini-lecture assignment. Check Announcement link.
Week 4 May 16-19: Make posting to Discussion Board. Complete fourth mini-lecture assignment. Please note that late assignments will not be accepted.
Week 5 May 23 -26: Post to Discussion Board. Complete fifth assignment. Note earlier due date. Begin sixth assignment. Check Announcement link.
Week 6 May 31-June 2: Post to Discussion Board. Complete sixth assignment and begin seventh assignment. Check Announcement link.
Week 7 June 6- June 9 Post to Discussion Board. Complete seventh and eighth assignments. Check Announcement link.
Week 8 June 13-16: Final Exam Week. Last day to turn in final exam is June 16.