Assignments NumberPoints eachTotal pointsExams four35140Internet Source Listone5050Internet Presentationone9090Attendance and Participation20TOTAL300 (Note: Extra credit assignment(s) may be made available during the Semester.)SYLLABUS Course Title: HISTORY OF THE U.S. TO 1877 Number: AMH 2010 Ref #483290 Room 1344 Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday 5:40pm – 6:55pmTerm: 2008-1 (Fall 2008)Credits: 3Instructor Information- Name/title: Paul Tisevich, Assistant Professor- Department: Learning Resources, InterAmerican Campus- Office: Rm 1116 (Library); Hours: Friday 10am - 1pm; other times by arrangement- Telephone: (305)237-6088- Email: [email protected] Web Page: http://faculty.mdc.edu/ptisevic/ Course DescriptionThis course offers a critical examination of the major political, social, cultural and economic developments that shaped America from its early beginnings to the time of Civil War and Reconstruction.The major objectives of the course are: to reveal the historical roots of contemporary American society by helping students understand the relationship between the past and the present; to challenge some of the traditional stereotypes surrounding the key events and figures of the past; and to improve students' critical thinking skills by discussing the dynamic, controversial, exciting quality of history and recent historical debates and interpretations. Class lectures and discussions will focus on topics most crucial to understanding both early American society and contemporary America, particularly those relating to our national identity and the major issues facing the nation. Students will learn to analyze historical documents (Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, etc.) that are the basis for the U.S. political and legal system. They will become familiar with major personalities who have been central to the American experience. There will be an emphasis on the country’s geographic growth, regional differences and ethnic diversity. In the end, the course will help students find their place in American history while learning to interpret their rights and responsibilities ascitizens, in order to participate in the democratic process.Learning OutcomesAMH 2010 will foster the following learning outcomes as formulated by the college tofacilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills and the development of attitudes that foster effective citizenship and life-long learning. 1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 2. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives. 4. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society. 6. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively. 7. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities. 8. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment.TEXTBOOK: Alan Brinkley: The Unfinished Nation, Vol. I: To 1877, 5th Edition, 2006 Website accompanying text: http://www.mhhe.com/unfinishednation5STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIESAll students are required to keep up with reading assignments as listed and are responsible for the contentof film, handouts, lectures, emails or other material presented or discussed in class. Textbook assignmentsmust be read before class lectures and discussions. Also, be sure that the College has your current/correct email address, as I will be sending you some information by that method.Attendance is essential to satisfactorily completing the course. More than four absences may result in a failing grade, and the instructor may withdraw any student with more than four absences. Students should notify the instructor of any planned absences. Points will be deducted for absences and lateness. Ifyou are more than 20 minutes late, you are considered absent, as does leaving the class early. This class demands your complete attention and as in all Miami Dade College classes, courteous college behavior is expected at all times. Behavior that is particularly disruptive includes using cell phones or other electronic devices; turn them off and do not use them in class. No laptops in class. Please have consideration for your fellow classmates and Professor and refrain from doing things that would disturb the learning environment of the class. Students are encouraged to meet with instructor regarding any concerns they may have in relation to the class. Please do not hesitate to discuss any issues or questions that may arise, or to communicate through e-mail.GRADING: All work must be completed and turned in by the due date. No work will be accepted past the due date unless approved by the instructor. There will be four exams, a group presentation, and one critical book review. The following will be reflected in the final grade. 2Assignments Number Points each Total pointsExams four 35 140Internet Source List one 50 50Internet Presentation one 90 90Attendance and Participation 20TOTAL 300 (Note: Extra credit assignment(s) may be made available during the Semester.) A = 270-300 of 300 total points B = 240-269 of 300 total points C = 210-239 of 300 total pointsD = 180-209 of 300 total points F = 0-179 of 300 total points MAKE-UP POLICY: Students are allowed, with the instructor’s approval, to take one make-up exam.CALENDAR: August 28 Introduction; Chapter 1 September 2 Chapter 1September 4 Chapter 2; The Internet and HistorySeptember 9 Chapter 2September 11 Chapter 3September 16 Chapter 3September 18 Chapter 4September 23 Chapter 4September 25 Chapter 5; Exam OneSeptember 30 Chapter 5October 2 Chapter 6October 7 Chapter 7October 9 Chapter 7October 14 Chapter 8October 16 Chapter 8October 21 Chapter 9October 23 Chapter 9; Exam TwoOctober 28 Chapter 10October 30 Chapter 10November 4 Chapter 11November 6 Chapter 11November 11 Chapter 12; November 13 Chapter 12November 18 Chapter 13 Exam ThreeNovember 20 Chapter 13November 25 Chapter 14November 27 Thanksgiving Holiday – No ClassDecember 2 Chapter 14December 4 Chapter 14; Internet Presentations3December 9 Internet PresentationsDecember 11 Internet Presentations; Exam FourDecember 16 Chapter 15December 18 Chapter 15 The four exams are take-home essay exams. Each exam is due one week after being handed