Modern Britain and the British Empire

Course Details

Course Number: 3153  Section Number: 201

Spring 2012

Location: Prothro-Yeager Hall

Classroom Number: 202

Days & Times:

TT 8 - 9:20 am

Course Attachments

Textbooks

A History of Modern Britain: 1714 to the present  ISBN: 9781405139366

Umrao Jan Ada  ISBN: 9788171673117

The Interesting Narrative and Other Writings  ISBN: 9780142437162
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Sharon L. Arnoult   
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Course Objectives

The goal of this course is to provide you with an overview of the history of Great Britain and the British Empire from the union of England and Scotland in 1707 through the Second World War and decolonization.


Course Expectations

A mid-term exam and a final exam, each worth 40% towards your final grade. 

A primary document analysis, worth 20% of the final grade. 


Grading Standards

Standard 100 point scale.


Final Exam5/10/2012  8 - 10 am

Submission Format Policy

Document Analysis: This will be completed during the first half of the course.  Its purpose is for you to develop your skills in analyzing a primary source, and relating it to historical knowledge you already have, as well as develop your writing skills. The analysis should be typed, double-spaced, and at least 3 pages long. On reserve in the MSU library are the eight volumes of British pamphlets on the American Revolution, 1763-1785, edited by Harry T. Dickinson, who also provides background information on each pamphlet. You are to select one on these pamphlets for your analysis. In this analysis, be certain that you clearly identify which pamphlet you are using.  You must briefly state the author’s thesis – that is, the main argument the author is making, or position the author is taking.  Then give historical context for the pamphlet, including information on the author.  Finally, analyze the pamphlet: How well does the author present the thesis, and does he effectively argue his/her position? Are there biases?  How does the historical context affect interpretation of this pamphlet?  Finally, how does this pamphlet fit into what you already know about the American Revolution and its immediate aftermath?

            The document analysis is due Thursday, February 23.



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

The document analysis is due Thursday, February 23.  Late analyses will be penalized 10 points off if they are handed in by 5 pm on Monday, February 27; 15 points off if handed in by 5 pm on Thursday, March 1; 20 points off if they are handed in by 5 pm on Monday, March 5; 25 points if handed in by 5 pm on Thursday, March 8 and after 5 pm on Thursday, March 8, NO LATE ANALYSES WILL BE ACCEPTED!

  Make-ups will ONLY be given to students who can present DOCUMENTATION of a major emergency which prevented them from taking the exam.  THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS FOR THE FINAL!

 


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

Class Attendance: After the first week of class, a seating chart will be filled out and you must sit in your assigned seat. Attendance will be noted, and while attendance will not factor into your final grade, if you do not come to class, you will not have all the material needed to pass the exams.   Mark the exam dates on your calendars now!   Make-ups will ONLY be given to students who can present DOCUMENTATION of a major emergency which prevented them from taking the exam.  THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS FOR THE FINAL!


Other Policies

Please note:  This class is a no-cell-phone zone!  Make sure all electronic devices except laptops are turned off and put away during class. No electronic devices at all permitted during exams.


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.