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U.S. History, 1877 - Present
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division This course surveys the events, individuals, and ideas that shaped the United States after the Civil War. Our main focus will be on the transformation of the United States from a predominantly rural society to one of the world's most powerful industrial nations. Within this larger story we'll examine the myriad political, social, economic, and private reactions of American citizens to this transformation. For some Americans, the changes were positive while others adopted a more critical view. Some Americans were more influential in directing and controlling change while other less powerful individuals and groups did the best they could to maintain control over their lives while at the same time influencing the larger society. This complicated story of change and adaptation over time is the essence of studying history. We'll study change over time using a variety of tools and methods. For the big picture, there is a textbook, Making a Nation, by Jeanne Boydston, et. al. The textbook is very important in this class because it provides a running narrative of the time period under examination. Many times, the text will discuss things in detail that we do not have time for in class. You will be responsible for all the assigned textbook readings. The ten reading quizzes, worth 20% of your overall grade, are designed to keep you on pace with the textbook assignments. Primary historical documents are the second tool we'll use. "Primary" means documents that were created at the time period under study. These documents enable you to be the historian. Using primary documents not only adds the "flavor" of the past to history courses but also allows us to exercise our historical interpretation skills. Third, we'll use fiction and other artistic creations as historical tools. Fiction is often more powerful in creating a picture of the past than sometimes dry historical accounts.
-Please arrive to class on time; consistently late arrivals disturb the class. -Please bring assigned readings to class. -All assignments will be due on the date specified; late assignments will be severely penalized. -Become familiar with the various forms of plagiarism. Using others' ideas without giving full credit will not be tolerated in your assignments. If you are unsure with what constitutes plagiarism, please click here for a helpful introduction with examples from the Indiana University Writing Resource page: Students' Guide to Plagiarism. -Keeping up with the reading is imperative in this class; if you find you are falling behind or find the reading load difficult, please contact me so that we can find the appropriate help. -I highly encourage all of you to come by and see me during office hours or by appointment to discuss your progress in the class or other issues.
1. Participation, 10%. Participation means showing up for class, demonstrating engagement with the readings and assignments, and taking part in discussions. An attendance sheet will be passed around at the beginning of each class. It is your responsibility to sign in. This will be the only official record of your attendance. 2. An essay on Christ in Concrete by Pietro di Dinato, 20% of total grade. 3. Two computer assignments utilizing primary documents on the World Wide Web, 5% each (10% of total grade). 4. Ten quizzes on assigned textbook reading 2% each (20% of total grade). Quizzes cannot be made up without a valid (and official) excuse. 5. Midterm essay examination 20%. 6. Final essay examination 20%.
Required Texts (available at Ramapo College Bookstore): 1. Jeanne Boydston, et al. Making a Nation: The United States and Its People, Volume 2. (2004). (make sure your book contains the United States History Documents CD) 2. Pietro di Donato, Christ in Concrete. (Signet Classic, 1993. Originally published 1939)
Any student with documented special needs should meet with me during office hours. All efforts will be made to facilitate your presence and successful completion of the course.
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