HISTORY 131: U.S. HISTORY TO 1877

Instructor: H. Lea Cockerham IV

Fall 2003

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

A survey course of American History including: Discovery and Exploration, the Colonial Period, the American Revolution, the Constitution, Jeffersonian and Jacksonian democracy, westward expansion, slavery and abolitionism, the Civil War and Reconstruction.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

 

  1. For the student to learn the basic events and important trends in American History.
  2. For the student to gain a greater understanding of the past and how it has shaped the present and will shape the future.

 

COURSE MATERIALS

 

Textbooks:      The Enduring Vision, Boyer, 3rd edition

                        Make sure you have the maps and documents book.

 

                        The Classic Slave Narratives, Henry L. Gates, Jr.

 

Materials:        A pocket folder or three ring binder for handouts.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

 

  1. This course is designed around class lectures, discussions, learning activities, and video presentations. Students who regularly miss class can expect their grades to suffer accordingly.
  2. Approximately once a week, a brief quiz will be given at the beginning of class on the previous nightÕs assignment. Quizzes cannot be made up.
  3. One 2-3 page essay. It will be a critical essay on the slave narratives.
  4. There are four unit tests, one for every four chapters. Unit test are a combination of matching, identification, and essay questions.
  5. A study sheet will be provided for each reading assignment identifying key vocabulary, concepts, and persons for the lesson. You are urged to complete these sheets in detail and in your own words.

 

 

 

 

 

GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURE

 

  1. Your attendance and participation are essential for successful completion of this class. Students who frequently miss class, for any reason, may jeopardize their grade.
  2. College level work may be a challenge for most high school juniors. If you choose to take on this challenge you need to commit approximately forty minutes to an hour a day of study and preparation. If you cannot make such a commitment, you would be wise to transfer into an easier class.
  3. Assignments are due on the date given. No late work will be accepted. Even if we fall behind in our discussion, do not assume that you can fall behind in your reading. There may be a quiz related to that reading.
  4. If class is canceled because of a school activity, the homework must still be completed as assigned.
  5. If you are absent, you must still complete your homework as assigned. If you are ill, you may have an extra day to catch up. For all other absences, including sports, field trips, personal vacations, etc., the work you missed is due on the day of your return.

 

GRADING

 

Quiz                                        10%

Class participation                  10%

Exam                                       60%

Essay and Semester Exam       20%

 

100% - 90%                A

  89% - 80%                B

  79% - 70%                C

  69% - 60%                D

  59%                           F

 

Note: You only have to earn a ÒDÓ to fulfill the history requirement for high school graduation. However, if you are planning to transfer this credit to the college of your choice you must earn at least a ÒCÓ.