The Jacksonian Era

Course Details

Course Number: 4093 and 5093 (Graduate)  Section Number: 201 (both)

Spring 2011

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: OD 202

Days & Times:

MWF 10 AM

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Everett W. Kindig   
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Course Objectives

This period witnessed the emergence of an egalitarian society, and modern two-party system (including conventions, mass electorate & strong executive leadership).  It was also an era of great social change, and the first development of a new industrial society--as well as the appearance of a Southern cotton economy.  It is also the age in which Americans expand westward rapidly, encouraging a North-South split.  This course will analyze the developments, events and attitudes that affect our society even today.  It will also offer the student an overview of the leading figures of this period who reflected these changes--such as Jackson, Clay, Webster, etc. 


Course Expectations

Attendance at lectures (excused absences permitted, with relevant paperwork).  Also the reading of two required books:  David Reynolds, WAKING GIANT; AMERICA IN THE AGE OF JACKSON, and Robert Remini, THE LIFE OF ANDREW JACKSON.  Also, undergraduates must submit a term paper or book critique of 2000 to 2600 pages.  Graduate students must  submit a term paper of twice that length, as well as a short historiographical review of three pages dealing with a limited topic relevant to that period--and then discuss it in a meeting with the professor and the other graduate students.  And of course the students must take the 2 quizes, 1 midterm and Final required in the course.


Grading Standards

Each test is assigned a certain number of points.  Most tests are written, though a modest number of multiple choice questions are included in the two quizes which are given (one, a fourth of the way through the course; the other, three-fourths of the  way through the course).  However, the bulk of the quizes, and all of the midterm and Final, are written questions.  The correct answer depends on accuracy, and in written sections on the grasp of the question, definition of the central problem, and use of examples.  All questions are assigned a number of points, the amount appearing on the test with the question.  The points a student receives are compared with the number of possible points, and a 90%, 80%, etc. scale applied--usually with a limited curve as well.  At the end of the semester a students' points are totaled, compared with the totals for the lowest A- in all tests or papers, lowest B- in all, etc., and a grade determined accordingly.  Then the bonus (if warranted) is figured in.  The result is the course grade. 


Final Exam5/11/2011  10:30 AM

Submission Format Policy

Tests must be taken on day and time announced in class.  One makeup per student is allowed.  The term paper topic must be submitted by Feb. 7, and likely sources by March 2, and the final, typed paper by April 22.



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

Late papers are accepted with prior approval of instructor.  Those more than 7 days late will be penalized by receiving one grade lower than their content would normally justify.


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 is expected.  Excused absences are granted for health or university functions--or with prior approval of the instructor.  Good attendance merits a modest bonus; missing more than 5 classes, if unexcused, results in no bonus; missing many more than that could warrant the student being dropped from the course (but with advanced warning).


Other Policies

No electronic equipment allowed on desk or in lap during exams; discovery of such items justifies the confiscation of the test, and a grade of "0".  However, recording devices or laptops are permitted during lectures.

 

Each student is allowed 1 makeup.  Failure to take a test results in a "0" for that test/paper. 


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.