Survey of American History to 1865

Course Details

Course Number: 1133  Section Number: 103

Fall 2010

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 101

Days & Times:

MW 1100a-1150a

This section also has additional meeting times.

Course Attachments

Syllabus and Calendar  DLHist1133SyllabusRev-20120330-105711.docx

Textbooks

The American StoryAmerican Realities Volume I
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Dirk Lindemann   
view Profile »

Course Objectives

Our objective is to examine the growth and 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 and 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: and in order to understand and 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 meet as a class 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 class meeting we will break up into 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 Conflict & Consensus. A second syllabus covering 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, and places: it is the study also of movements, issues, & ideas that have shaped our civilization. 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" of which the study of history is made.

Testing & Grading: There will be three two-part Exams: objective and essay–indicated on your syllabus. The exams will count for 75% of your grade combined. Oral participation in the Discussion Groups will count 25%. Lack of attendance and excessive absences will also affect your final grade.


Grading Standards

There will be three two-part Exams: objective and essay–indicated on your syllabus. The exams will count for 75% of your grade combined. Oral participation in the Discussion Groups will count 25%. Lack of attendance and excessive absences will also affect your final grade.


Final Exam12/8/2010  1:00-3:00pm

Submission Format Policy

There are no assignments requiring submission standards.



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.

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 strongly encouraged. Attendance will be considered for the final grade. Attendance of discussion sections is mandatory.


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.