Spring 2019 Course Syllabi

HIST 104: US after 1877 3 Grading Guidelines A is an exceptional grade reserved for work of exceptional quality. This assignment has all the qualities of B work, and in addition are well written, edited closely, display analytical skills and/or originality. The last two criteria are extremely important. B denotes work that is above average in quality. It demonstrates that the student knows and understands the material covered in class and being analyzed, and that student is capable of synthesizing it into a competent assignment. It is accurate, detailed, and well organized, with an introduction, an argument, and a conclusion. Usually, either writing problems or a lack of analysis is what prevents a B from being an A. C is given for work that is average. Student shows familiarity with the material, answers the central questions posed, and is mostly accurate, but lacks the sophistication of either the B or A student. The C assignment might make general points but fail to support them with specific evidence or details, or it might have problems with organization or writing style. Student’s work is merely a collection of facts, with no coherent theme or thesis. D is given for work that is inadequate. Student omits important points, provides more than a few inaccuracies, and poorly organizes work. Student does not answer the central questions posed in the assignment. It suggests one of three things: 1) the student missed several classes, 2) the student misunderstood the course material, and/or 3) the student has difficulties expressing ideas in writing and/or during discussions. If you have been trying hard and receive a D grade for an assignment, please discuss work with the professor. Tentative Course Outline:  See Class Schedule on Blackboard for all extra credits, primary sources, and secondary sources.  See Class Schedule on Blackboard for all sources assigned to groups or individuals. Introduction to the Course Week 1: Course Overview & Doing History  Wednesday, January 8: Course Overview  Required Texts : Syllabus & Class Schedule  ICE : Making the Rules  Friday, January 10: Doing History  Required Texts : Hayden White. “The Practical Past,” Historian . 10 (2010): 10-19.  ICE : Plotting Your Course Section 1: Empire the American Way: The United States as the World Power Week 2: The United States Becomes an Empire  Monday, January 14: “The Indian Wars”  Analytical Essay : Initial Prospectus Due  Textbook : American Passages , 462-465.  Secondary Source : Appleton, “A Psychologically Justifying and Economically Profitable Fairy Tale.” (1980): 26-33.  Wednesday, January 16: “The Indian Problem”  Textbook : American Passages , 499-504.  Primary Source : F.J. Turner, “The Significance of the Frontier in American History,” 1893.  Friday, January 18: Non-Colonial Imperialism, 1898-1917  Textbook : American Passages , 555-564 & 594-595.  Secondary Source : Hoganson chapters assigned to groups  ICE : Creating a SSA - What roles did capitalism, whiteness, and/or masculinity play in building the American Empire? Week 3: The American Empire and World Wars, 1917-1945  Monday, January 21: No Class Meeting – Martin Luther King Day  Wednesday, January 23: Making the World Safe for Democracy  Analytical Essay : Revised Prospectus and Outline Due  Textbook : American Passages , 630-640, 651-665, 693, & 710-711.