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Syllabus/ History 17-B C/L Spring 2014
ELIZABETH M. NAVA EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE
OFFICE: C-109 s PHONE: 274-7900 x 6630 SPRING 2014 (17B) C/L
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday & Thursday
Mon. / Wed. 2:00 –3:00 p.m. 9:15 – 10:35 & 10:45-12:05
Tues/ Thurs. 12:30 – 1:30 Web site: emnavahistory.com
Email:
UNITED STATES HISTORY 17B
From 1865 to the Present
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course we will identify, examine and explore economic, social and political events and issues that have shaped the development of the United States since the Civil War. We will reevaluate, discuss and debate Reconstruction, Industrialization, life during the Progressive Era, World War I, the 20’s, The Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the rise of McCarthyism, Vietnam and the Civil Rights Movement.
We will give special attention to the social aspect of how this country developed in order to understand the current events, issues and problems we face as a nation. We will explore the lives of different immigrant groups in our discussions and throughout the readings. This will give us a more realistic view of why America is called the “melting pot” and the “land of opportunity”. Thus we will begin to develop a historical perspective that will guide our critical analysis of contemporary economic, social and political problems. We will include multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-class perspectives with an emphasis on particular moments in history.
COURSE OBJECTIVES & LEARNING OUTCOMES
One of the objectives of this class is to connect the development of the nation to the present situation affecting our lives. By studying the diversity of the country’s population and how different cultural groups adjusted, accommodated and assimilated, we begin to understand the factors that have shaped our political, economic and social institutions, as well as our responsibilities as citizens of the most powerful country in the world. We will begin to understand why people have immigrated to the U.S. and continue to do so. The second objective is to re-define and develop an understanding of Community and Democracy. We will also examine American policies, laws, concepts and how they have evolved through time. In doing so, we can begin to bring meaning to unsettling democratic values, such as, the real meaning of freedom, poverty and social inequalities that have affected different ethnic groups throughout history. We will examine the idea of collective sacrifice and attempt to develop a sense of what it means to Americans. We will develop our own theories and concepts and begin to draw conclusions concerning social and economic injustices. The working class will be our focus so that we may develop a sense of cultural sensitivity among all of us. In the end, we will have a better understanding of class, social consciousness, oppression, sexism, racism, resistance, accommodation, war, pacifism and how all these concepts have influenced our interpretation of history.
WRITING OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES
Students will be writing an average of 3000 words this semester. The exams are designed to help the student understand and critically analyze eras in American History. The student is expected to identify and understand the political, social and economic issues, concepts and theories that have influenced the various periods in history.
The objective is for the student to develop writing skills and to make historical connections through the readings, documentaries and lectures. The student will be able to write a college level essay by critically analyzing different historical concepts, issues and theories.
The student will also read a historical novel and write a book review. This will enable the student to have a better understanding of the time period in which the novel takes place.
The oral presentations help the student to develop research skills, critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
After completing the assignments, the students should be able to:
1. Assess the influence various ethnic groups played throughout history
2. Differentiate past eras in history and how they relate to the present
3. Assess the different waves of immigration to the United States
4. Critically evaluate collective sacrifice, the real meaning of Democracy and the American Dream
5. Critically evaluate institutionalized racism, sexism and classism
6. Interpret the significance and the contributions of the working class
7. Critically evaluate a historical era, a policy, a concept or a law in essay form
8. Write a college level essay
EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING: A SMALL BLUE BOOK (8.5x7) IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS UNLESS OTHERWISE INFORMED.
One well-researched group presentation, three short answer essay exams and a book review (optional) will be required of all students. The group presentation and exams will cover all materials from lectures and reading assignments given up to the test presentation dates. Essay exams must incorporate information from lecture notes, reading assignments, the reader, films and documentaries. Students are expected to take examinations on the scheduled dates. No one is allowed to come in late for an exam. A make up exam date is scheduled on April 10 for those students who missed an exam because of illness and/ or a death in the family. You must inform the instructor concerning your absence by email or phone. If you fail to inform the instructor you will not be allowed to make-up the exam. You will only be allowed to make-up one exam. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you miss taking an exam you will receive an “F” and the “F” will not be dropped. Extra Credit will not be added to an “F” received for a missed exam, a retake, a take home or a rewritten exam. For your group presentation, you will be graded individually and how well you have answered your section of the question your group has been assigned. Students are expected to be present during all group presentations. No exceptions! If you are not present for the entire days when students are presenting, you will receive an incomplete for your grade. You will also have an opportunity to read one novel (optional) from the required reading list and write a book review. The book review, the group presentations and the short answer essays are worth 100 points each.
You will be assigned to a group during the semester. The success of your group depends on how well you work together during the semester. The questions for the final exam group presentations will be handed out in class three weeks prior to the presentation exam dates. You will be required to present to the class a well-researched presentation regarding different themes on The Civil Rights Movement to the present. You must be present during all the presentations. No exceptions. If you are absent the day of your presentation you will have to take an F for your grade and / or an incomplete for the semester. The final will cover the post World War II, 50’s, and 60’s through the present. The dates for the presentations are on the class schedule.
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You will be graded by the standard letter scale, A - F. The short essays, group presentations and the book critique are all worth 100 points each. Points are deducted for excessive absences. You can earn extra points for extra credit assigned during the semester. Extra credit writing assignments are to be typewritten and due the next time the class meets. All extra credit points earned are added to the 1st and/or 2nd exam, which ever is the highest score. The lowest score will be dropped. Extra credit points are not added to the third exam, book review, the final, a rewritten or retake exam. Scores on the exams, attendance, participation in class and extra credit assignments determine your final grade. Students are required to take all exams on the scheduled dates. No one is allowed to leave the classroom during exams. Students are not allowed to come in late for an exam. If you miss an exam without an excuse you will receive an “F” and the “F” will not be dropped. Unexcused absences will affect your overall grade and you will be dropped from my personal roster. Students are not allowed to plea a case on exam dates. Please see me in my office concerning all exams. Students are not allowed to come in late on exam days. No exceptions!
If you have questions concerning your grade please see me during my office hours. Please make an appointment if you cannot see me during my office hours.
Cheating will not be tolerated. Students caught cheating will be automatically terminated from the class. You will be reported to school officials.
Dates of examinations, presentations and the book review are as follows:
1st Exam / February 13 / Short essays2nd Exam / March 6 / Short essays
3rd Exam / March 27 / Blue Book Short essay
Make – up Exam Day / April 10 / You may only make – up one exam
Book Review Exam due. Optional / May 1 / Two and a half pages typewritten
Final exam
Presentations / May 13, 15, & 20 / Your final exam will cover post WW II,
60’s to the present
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
Class attendance is mandatory. Participation in-group discussions are expected of every student. Students who have not attended class will not be allowed to take the scheduled exam. Students who make a habit of taking exams without attending class are not active members of the class and need to drop the class. Students who do not attend class and do not drop the class officially will receive an “ F” for the class.
ABSENCES/ TARDINESS AND DROPS
Students who are absent more than three times without an excuse will be dropped from my personal roster. This does not mean that you will be dropped from the official roster. It is your responsibility to drop the class officially. If you do not drop the class officially you will receive an "F" for the class. If I indicate to you or the class that I have dropped you from my personal roster this does not mean that you have been dropped officially. It is your responsibility to drop this class with Admissions and Records otherwise you will receive an “F” for the semester.
Lateness to class during the semester and on exams days will not be tolerated. Students who are late disrupt the flow of the class and will be counted as an unexcused absence. No one is allowed to come in late on exam days.
GROUP PRESENTATIONS & ATTENDANCE
You are required to be present for the final exam group presentations. If you are absent points will be deducted from your final exam grade. If you are absent more than once you will need to take an incomplete. You must have a doctor's excuse for your absence. Work schedule responsibilities are not, under any circumstances, an excuse for your absence. Students are not allowed to come in late during the final presentations.
You are also expected to have read the week’s reading assignment before coming to class. Be prepared and come ready to critically analyze the readings and lectures. We will break into groups to discuss and reevaluate the theme at hand.
This class requires active college students willing to contribute their ideas and critical evaluations concerning American History. In order to develop a strong understanding of the material, it is imperative that you read your assigned material and attend class. It is your responsibility to officially drop this class if you are not able to meet the class requirements. If you do not drop by the deadline, I am required to give you an “F” at the end of the semester
Note to students: Please refers to the Evergreen College Catalog for Student Disciplinary Procedure and Complaint/ Grievance Policy.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
FEBRUARY 7: Last day to drop and apply for a refund of all eligible fees.
FEBRUARY 9: Last day to add via MYWEB using add codes.
FEBRUARY 10: Last day to drop a class without receiving a “W” on your record
APRIL 24: Last day to drop a class and receive a “W” on your permanent record card.
REQUIRED TEXTS
· Textbook: Give Me Liberty: An American History. Volume Two: Third Edition by Eric Foner.
· Reader: A People’s History of The U.S. Volume Two: The Civil War To The Present, by Howard Zinn
BOOK REVIEW EXAM DUE ON MAY 1: THIS TAKE HOME EXAM IS OPTIONAL. You must follow a guideline. Please see me for details.
You will be required to read one of the following novels for this take home exam. The novels will be available at the Evergreen College bookstore. This book review is considered an exam and is worth 100 points. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. A guide with instructions will be handed out in class.
NOVEL LIST FOR BOOK REVIEW
· Coming of Age in Mississippi: An Autobiography, by Anne Moody
· George Washington Gomez, by Americo Paredes
· America is in the Heart, by Carlos Bulosan
· Desert Exile: The Uprooting of a Japanese-American Family, by Yoshiko Uchida
· Ishi in Two Worlds, by Theodora Kroeber**
· Goodbird the Indian, His Story, by Edward Goodbird**
· Hiroshima, by John Hersey
· Thousand Pieces of Gold, by Ruthanne Lum McCunn
· The Great Divide, Second Thoughts On The American Dream, by Studs Terkel
· Triangle, The Fire That Changed America, by David Von Drehle
· The Plaque of Doves, by Louise Erdrich