Murray State University COMMON SYLLABUS DEPARTEMENT HIS COURSE NUMBER HIS 222 CREDIT HOURS 3 Labor omnia vincit improbus from Virgil Georgics I TITLE HIS 222 AMERICAN EXPERIENCE SINCE 1865 II Catalog Description A thematic approach to the history of the U S since 1865 designed as a general education social science elective Students will examine three themes the forces that transformed America from a predominantly rural agricultural society to a predominantly urban industrial one the rising political consciousness of various American groups and the expanding regulatory role of the federal government and the emergence of America as a world power III Purpose This course fulfills three hours of the University Studies requirement for Social Sciences For the greater significance of the course consider the following quotations If you would understand anything observe its beginning and its development Aristotle History is not was It s is William Faulkner Of all the disciplines history the study of the folly and achievements of man is best calculated to foster the critical sense of what is permanent and meaningful amid the mass of superficial and transient questions which make up the day to day clamor It fulfills a deep human need for understanding and the satisfaction it provides requires no further justification John F Kennedy 1963 IV Required Textbooks George Brown Tindall and David E Shi America A Narrative History sixth edition volume two Charles W Eagles Study Guide America History sixth edition volume two A Narrative V Course Objectives 1 To understand what history is why it is important to study and how it may be studied 2 To identify and understand the major themes of American history since 1865 VI 3 To describe the major personalities institutions and events of American history since 1865 4 To analyze both foreign and domestic policy during this period 5 To evaluate both the successes and failures of the United States during this period 6 To read and study sources other than class notes and the textbook 7 To communicate ideas effectively through writing Grading and Testing Procedures 1 Book Review Each student will be required to read one book other than the textbook on a subject pertaining to United States history since 1865 Books will be chosen from the Further Reading sections at the end of each chapter in Tindall and Shi America A Narrative History books for review must be approved by the instructor A written review will be required The review should be 2 1 2 5 typed pages double spaced Hand written reviews will not be accepted Points will be deducted if the review is too long or too short The review should not be a book report Rather the review should be an analytical critique of the work The review should include the following sections I Author Title Place of Publication Publisher and Date of Publication on line one of page one II Statement of the Book s Topic III Statement of the Book s Thesis IV Brief Summary of Content V Critique of the Book 1 Author s Major Arguments 2 Author s Writing Style 3 Author s Use of Source Materials 4 Value of the Book VI Your Conclusion A Was the author s thesis proven Explain B How did the book help you understand the topic better C Would you recommend the book to others Why or why not Book Reviews are due on Thursday 1 March 2007 A penalty of 5 points per day will be counted off for each day the review is late Saturdays and Sundays not included 2 Examinations There will be two Unit Examinations plus the Final Examination Examinations may contain objective identification and essay questions 3 Quizzes Six short Chapter Quizzes will be given during the course of the term The lowest quiz grade will be dropped Quizzes will cover textbook reading assignments and will usually consist of 10 short answer questions worth 2 points each for a total of 20 points for each quiz 4 At the end calculated as follows of the semester 2 Unit Examinations 100 points each 5 Chapter Quizzes 20 points each Book Review 100 points Final Examination A B C D E the grades will be 200 100 100 100 450 500 400 449 350 399 300 349 below 300 Make up Examination Policy Make up Examinations for the two Unit Examinations will be given only in extreme emergencies Students should be advised that Make up Examinations will be all essay in form and will be graded by extremely rigorous standards No makeups will be given for the Final Examination And no make ups will be given for the Chapter Quizzes VII Academic Honesty Policy Plagiarism and cheating are serious academic offenses at Murray State University Students are to avoid giving or receiving information on tests or examinations using any unauthorized aids on tests or examinations or submitting someone else s work for their own on tests or any other class assignments Please refer to the Murray State University 2005 2007 Undergraduate Bulletin p 10 for further information on this topic VIII Attendance Policy Class attendance is required Each student should attend each class session you are responsible for the material covered during each session Roll will be taken Class attendance will influence borderline grading decisions Chronic absenteeism will definitely affect the student s final grade and students with 8 or more unexcused absences will receive a failing course grade X Important Advice for Student Success Questions and discussion will be encouraged during each class session Significant contributions to class discussions will influence borderline grading decisions Students should take adequate class notes Students should read assigned textbook and outside readings Examination questions will be asked from class lectures discussions and from reading assignments Students must respect others in the class Student attitudes and the extent to which students promote and maintain an effective learning environment will influence borderline grading decisions In summary final grading decisions are influenced by attendance discussion and participation in class sessions and by the student s promotion of an effective learning environment