HIS 108 (History of the United States to 1865)

Syllabus and Course Objectives

Spring 2005 (Sections: 003, 006)

 

Instructor: Robert R. Hinkle               Area Coordinator: Rick Smoot, Ph.D.

Office: Oswald Building 247             Division Chair: David Wachtel, Ph.D.

Phone: 257-4872 Ext. 4070                Dean of Academic Affairs: Sandy Carey, Ph.D.

Email: rrhink0@uky.edu                     Division Phone: 257-4872 Ext. 4005

Office Hours: MW: 11-1 TR: 12:30-1:30, and by appointment

 

OFFICIAL COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course traces the nation's development through the Civil War. It is designed to meet the demands for a general understanding of American history. This course fulfills the requirements for the elementary teachers' certificate.             

           

INSTRUCTOR’S COURSE DESCRIPTION

This section of United States History examines the nation’s origins and the development of its institutions and principles.  As we journey into the past, take note that our journey is forward moving.  My philosophy on history is best expressed by the nation’s fortieth president, Ronald Reagan: “In America, our origins matter less than our destinations, and that is what democracy is all about.”  While we reflect on the destinations of the nation’s Founders I challenge each of you to reflect on your destination in this class.  I encourage each of you to see yourself as part of the continuum of history, and to realize that you must be active, responsible participants to succeed in this class, as in life.

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Goldfield, David, et al. The American Journey: A History of          

 the United States. Vol. 1. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River:

Prentice Hall, 2004.

 

CLASS FORMAT

This class will be a combination of lecture and discussion.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

 

Textbook: The textbook is a required resource.  Students are strongly encouraged to read the text to prepare for class discussions, assignments, and exams.

 

Examinations: There will be a mid-term and final examination.  The exams will be essay format.  Each exam is worth 100 points.  Material from the lectures, text, quizzes, documents, handouts, class discussions, and videos may be included on exams.

 

 

 

 

Quizzes: There will be 5 major quizzes throughout the semester.  Quizzes will cover lecture notes and readings for a three-chapter sequence.  Each quiz will consist of thirty multiple-choice questions.  Quizzes will occur upon the conclusion of a three-chapter sequence.  Each quiz is worth 60 points, for a total of 300 points combined. 

 

 

Class Attendance:
Students will be responsible for all material covered in class; therefore, class attendance is expected.   

 

GRADING CRITERIA

Quiz 1                                                             60 points                                

Quiz 2                                                             60 points

Quiz 3                                                             60 points

Quiz 4                                                             60 points

Quiz 5                                                             60 points

Mid-term Exam                                               100 points

Final Exam                                                      100 points

Total                                                                500 points

 

448-500 A—course requirements fulfilled; material handled cogently and reflectively, characterized by creative insight
398-447 B—course requirements fulfilled; material handled cogently and reflectively
348-397 C—course requirements fulfilled; adequate understanding of material demonstrated
298-347 D—work submitted but not seriously attempted or prepared
000-297 E—irresponsible behavior, work not submitted

MAKE-UP WORK/LATE WORK

Make-up and/or late work will only be accepted for excused absences as defined by the College, see http://www.kctcs.edu/student/code.htm.  Absences must be properly documented and said documentation provided to the instructor upon the day the student returns to class.  Students eligible to make-up missed work must be prepared to complete any missed quizzes or exams the day he/she returns to class.  DO NOT MISS A QUIZ OR AN EXAM!  DO NOT ASK IF YOU MISSED ANYTHING IMPORTANT!   

 

WITHDRAWL POLICY

Students will be allowed to withdraw from this course through the last class meeting for this course.

 

 

 

 

 

PROGRAM-APPROVED OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, a student should be able to read and evaluate historical resources critically and demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, economic, literary, political, religious, and social values related to the period covered by this course. 

 

INSTRUCTOR’S GOALS

Upon completion of this course students should possess a factual knowledge of United States History to 1865.  Students should also recognize the significance of historical people, places, and events as they relate to the present. 

 

GENERAL EDUCATION, DEPARTMENTAL, AND INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR HISTORY

 

  1. Communicate effectively by writing clearly. Students should be able to express themselves in clear, organized Standard English. Students will do a writing assignment (e.g., a term paper, or essay test, or review, etc.).

 

  1. Reading with comprehension. Improve students’ ability to comprehend history texts. Analyze and interpret reading materials.

 

  1. Listen with comprehension. Students will listen with comprehension. Students will listen to lectures, group discussions, films, etc.

 

  1. Think critically. Analyze/interpret creative material, expressions, resources, and/or data. Students should be able to analyze/interpret various data, including reading and lecture materials. This ability will be demonstrated in written and oral assignments.

 

  1. Learn independently and apply learning. Students should be able to apply what they are learning to course assignments and to the world in general. Students will complete assignments by applying what they have learned to the assigned task(s). Students will learn to apply situations and outcomes to the present from studying the past.

 

  1. Examine Relationships in diverse and complex environments. Define the relationship of self to historical and cultural contexts. Students should be able to define the relationship of self to historical and cultural contexts. Students will learn to compare and contrast situations from the past and determine whether or not such examples influence them and their various relationships in both a historical and a cultural context. Students will learn to do this through assigned readings, lectures, discussions, etc., and will be given an examination to test their understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Please Note)
This syllabus is tentative and subject to change.  If it becomes necessary to alter the syllabus in anyway, the instructor will make the appropriate announcements to inform students of any changes.

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

 

Introductions, Syllabus

 

Chapter 1: Worlds Apart

Chapter 2: Transplantation

Chapter 3: The Creation of New Worlds

Quiz 1

 

Chapter 4: Convergence and Conflict

Chapter 5: Imperial Breakdown 1763-1774

Chapter 6: The War for Independence 1774-1783

Quiz 2

 

Chapter 7: The First Republic 1776-1789

Chapter 8: A New Republic and the Rise of Parties 1789-1800

Chapter 9: The Triumph and Collapse of Jeffersonian Republicanism 1800-1824

Quiz 3

 

Mid-term

 

Chapter 10: The Jacksonian Era 1824-1845

Chapter 11: Slavery and the Old South 1800-1860

Chapter 12: The Market Revolution and Social Reform 1815-1850

Quiz 4

 

Chapter 13: The Way West

Chapter 14: The Politics of Sectionalism 1846-1861

Chapter 15: The Civil War 1861-1865

Quiz 5

 

Final