History 139 On-line Course Syllabus Winter 2011
Dates: January 3 to February 10
Instructor: Brian Waddington
Phone: 626-857-4039
E-mail: bwaddington@citruscollege.edu
Course Text: James J. Rawls and Walton Bean, California: An Interpretive History, 9th ed., (2006)
Office Location & Hours: CI 124, by appointment.
COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is a survey of the political, social and economic development of the State of California from pre-Columbian American Indian communities and early Spanish settlements 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: California geography and Indian cultures, the Spanish mission system and the development of Californio culture, California's entry into the United States, the role of big business, technology and government in California development and the experiences of and relationships among California's diverse communities.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: To develop a better knowledge and understanding of important developments, events and individuals in California history. To develop and improve important college skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking and effective verbal and written communication. To develop a better understanding and awareness of California's multicultural heritage. To develop a better understanding of the nature of the relationship between people and the historical process. To acquire a better understanding of historiography.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Essay Assignments: There will be seven essay 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 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. Most participation will be conducted through discussion board postings. Participation points will be primarily assessed on 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
Basic Assignments/Maximum Possible Points
Mini-Lecture Exercises: 7 @10=70
Final Exam Essay: 20
Participation: 30
Grade Scale A= 120-108 B= 107-96 C= 95-84 D= 83-72 F= Below 72
HISTORY 139 WINTER SCHEDULE
Week 1 January 3-7: Send check-in assignment on Monday, January 3rd. Make sure to respond to the questions listed in that assignment. The first discussion board posting is due on January 4th and the first essay is due on January 5th. A major posting is also due on January 6th. Note that I need to turn in census sheets by the end of the week. Students who have not completed the first assignment or who have not demonstrated progress in the second week may be dropped from the course.
Week 2 January 10- 14: The second essay and two major discussion board postings are due this week.
Week 3 January 18-21: The third and fourth essays are due this week.
Week 4 January 24-28: A major posting and the fifth essay are due this week.
Week 5 January 31-February 4: A major posting and the sixth essay are due this week.
Week 6 February 7-10: The seventh essay is due on the 8th and the final exam is due on the 10th.