American History Since 1865

Course Details

Course Number: 1233  Section Number: 202

Spring 2011

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 127

Days & Times:

MW 11:00am-12:00pm

This course also has additional meeting times.

Course Attachments

Syllabus and Calendar  DLHist1233sylabuss-20120330-105831.docx

Textbooks

The American Story Vol II
Divine, Breen, et.al., 3rd/4th edition
American Realities Vol II
Youngs, 7th/8th edition
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Dirk Lindemann   
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Course Objectives

Theme of the Course: Our objective is to examine the growth & development of democratic institutions in America. Today the USA is often termed one of the world=s most durable democracies. Yet our society has not always been as free & open as it is now. Furthermore, there are flaws in our system which allow some people to benefit more than others. In order to understand how our society became what it is today, we must understand what it was in the past; & in order to understand & perhaps improve upon the weaknesses of our system, we must understand their origins as well. To gain such understanding is the purpose of this course.


Course Expectations

We will meet as a group twice (2) each week: Monday/Wednesday, for lecture. The topic to be covered will relate to the Reading Assignment material on the course syllabus. It is important that you read each assignment BEFORE each lecture.

For the third meeting we will break up in to Discussion Groups of 5 to 10 people. Each group will meet under the direction of a Graduate Assistant (GA) to discuss the assigned material from American Realities Vol. II. A second syllabus concerning the selected essays will be distributed in the Discussion Group. The purpose of the discussions is to encourage historical inquiry by you the student. History is not merely names, dates, & places: it is the study also of movements, issues, & ideas that have shaped our civilization. In your discussion you will be asked to involve yourself in this process which can be highly rewarding. After reading the assigned essay, it is hoped you can contribute thoughts & opinions to the group discussion. Do not be hesitant to ask questions, to comment, to inquire. This is the stuff which the study of history is made.


Grading Standards

Testing & Grading: There will be 3 2-part Exams: objective & essay, on the dates indicated on your syllabus. The exams will count for 75% of your grade combined. Oral participation in the Discussion Groups will count 25%. The lack of attendance & excessive absences will also affect your final grade.


Final Exam5/7/2011  10:30-12:30

Submission Format Policy

None



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

None


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance of lecture and discussion groups is required.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.