JACKSONIAN AMERICA HISTORY 4235 This course focuses on the social, economic, and political challenges that roiled one of the most dynamic periods in our nation s history. In recognition of Andrew Jackson s power and influence, this remains one of the only periods in American history (the Reagan Era being the other) that continues to be recognized with the name of an individual President rather than an event (The American Revolution, Reconstruction, or Cold War America, for example). Jackson was, and continues to be, a controversial figure. Political debate about his place on the twenty-dollar bill has emerged recently as evidence of contemporary concerns regarding not only Jackson s military career and conduct of office, but also the import and impact on our American present of the era s economic and political transformations, territorial and governmental expansion. The racism that undergirded slavery and Indian Removal continue to haunt members of those communities and the relations between those communities, other Americans, and state and federal governments. While Jackson served two terms as president, from 1829 to 1837, his life (1767-1845) spanned such critical events as the American Revolution and War of 1812 (in both of which he served), the formation of a new nation state and system of governance, the development of commercial and industrial capitalism, the democratization of politics, the geographical expansion of the nation and its concomitant wars against Native America, Great Britain and Mexico, the end of the state-sponsored church and growth of evangelical religion (the Second Great Awakening), the increase of abolitionist sentiment (alongside the growth of and increasingly violent defense of slavery), and the emergence of an utopian impulse aimed at reordering economic, sexual, and familial relationships. While historians evaluation of Andrew Jackson his accomplishments and failings as a man and a President have changed during the course of the late 20 th and early 21 st centuries, he has consistently ranked among the top ten U.S. presidents in polls assessing such standing. I think you will find it both fascinating and illuminating to consider the society and the nation that emerged during the lifetime and under the leadership of this dauntless, troubled, and troubling man. Course Book List: John Meacham, American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House John l. Larson, The Market Revolution in America Walter Johnson, Soul by Soul: Life Inside the Antebellum Slave Market Paul E. Johnson and Sean Wilentz, The Kingdom of Matthias: a Story of Sex and Salvation in 19 th Century America Theda Perdue & Michael Green, The Cherokee Nation & the Trail of Tears
Note: One copy of each book is available on reserve in Norlin Library and may be checked out for 24 hours at a time. Be aware that the Bookstore under-orders textbooks so be sure to obtain your books well before the papers are due. Week of: READING & WRITING ASSIGNMENTS Aug. 24 Read John Meacham, American Lion, Chapters 1-9, pp. 3-123 Aug. 31 Read Meacham, Chapters 10-18, pp.124-237 Sept 7 Finish Reading Meacham, Chapters 19-Epilogue, pp. 238-361 Quiz on Meacham, Monday, Sept. 14 Sept 14 Read John Larson, The Market Revolution, pp. 1-91 Sept 21 Finish Reading Larson, pp. 92-185 Research Paper Topic due Friday, Sept 25 Sept 28 PAPER DUE ON LARSON (Fri. Oct 2) Oct 5 Oct 12 Read Paul E. Johnson & Sean Wilentz, The Kingdom of Matthias Finish Reading Johnson & Wilentz Oct 19 PAPER DUE ON JOHNSON & WILENTZ (Fri. Oct 23) Oct 26 Nov 2 Read Walter Johnson, Soul by Soul Finish Reading Johnson Nov 9 PAPER DUE ON JOHNSON (Fri. Nov 13) Nov 16 Nov 23 Read Theda Perdue & Michael Green, The Cherokee Nation & the Trail of Tears FALL BREAK/Thanksgiving Nov 30 PAPER DUE ON PERDUE & GREEN (Fri. Nov 27) Dec 7 Conclusion & review Dec 14 FINAL EXAM or RESEARCH PAPER DUE, 4:30 PM, Hellems 220
Grading 15% Quiz on Meacham 60% Four Short Papers (1 each on the readings: Larson, P. Johnson & Wilentz, W. Johnson, and Perdue & Green) (15% each) 25% Final Exam or Research Paper Written Assignments: Four Short Papers: Draw upon the reading to respond to one of the suggested questions or address a question of your own formulation. State your discussion question at the top of your paper. Papers should be at least 5 pages in length and no longer than 7 (additional length does not ensure a better grade choose quality of argument and discussion over length). Papers should be double-spaced with one-inch margins on either side, top and bottom. Citations to the book should appear following the quote in the text as follows: (Johnson, 14). There exists no expectation that you will (or should) research your question beyond the one book. However, if you use additional material in your paper you must cite that material in a footnote (ie: S. Inskeep, Jacksonland, 191) and provide a full bibliography of texts (reviews or additional scholarly books and/or articles) utilized in formulating your analysis and writing your paper. Final Examination on lecture and reading: 15 IDs 2 Short Essays 1 Longer Essay or Research paper (subject to be developed in consultation with Prof. Chambers) Topic due (& approved) by Sept 25 12 pages minimum length Footnotes at the bottom of the page At least 5 books or articles must be consulted in the course of your research (no more than one from assigned course reading) Bibliography is required Class Policies We shall treat each other with respect in class as a civil discussion of differing viewpoints is essential in a learning environment. Faculty have the professional responsibility to treat students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which students express opinions. Appropriate student behavior includes arriving on time and remaining for the entire class. Do not eat, sleep, surf the internet, email, instant message, play computer games, shop, or have private conversations during lecture or discussion. It is distracting and disrespectful to other students and to me. Turn off and put away all cell phones when entering the classroom.
Course and University Policies Academic Integrity. All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu); 303-735-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Other information on the Honor Code can be found at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html and at http://honorcode.colorado.edu A good resource with which to familiarize yourself on the nature of plagiarism is the statement Sources: Their Use and Acknowledgement, published by Dartmouth College and found at: http://www.darmouth.edu/~sources Classroom Decorum: Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, color, culture, religion, creed, politics, veteran s status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, disability, and nationalities. Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. See policy at http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_co de Disability Services. If you qualify for accommodation due to a disability, please submit a letter to me from Disability Services at the beginning of the semester so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. If you have a temporary medical condition or injury, see Temporary Medical Conditions: Injuries, Surgeries, and Illnesses guidelines under Quick Links at Disability Services website and discuss your needs with me. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, or http://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices/ Sexual Harassment: The University of Colorado Policy on Sexual Harassment applies to all students, staff and faculty. Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual attention. It can involve intimidation, threats, coercion, or promises or create an environment that is hostile or offensive. Harassment may occur between members of the same or opposite gender and between any combination of members in the campus community: students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Harassment can occur anywhere on campus, including the classroom, the
workplace, or a residence hall. Any student, staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been sexually harassed should contact the Office of Sexual Harassment (OSH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492- 5550. Information about the OSH and the campus resources available to assist individuals who believe they have been sexually harassed can be obtained at: http://www.colorado.edu/odh/ Religious observances. Campus policy regarding religious observances requires faculty to make every effort to deal reasonably and fairly with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. In this class, you shall inform me of any conflict with scheduled exams, assignments, or attendance at least two weeks in advance. We will work together to arrange an appropriate accommodation. See policy details at: http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html Discrimination and Harassment. The University of Colorado Boulder (CU- Boulder) is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment. CU-Boulder will not tolerate acts of discrimination or harassment based upon Protected Classes or related retaliation against or by any employee or student. For purposes of this CU-Boulder policy, "Protected Classes" refers to race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against should contact the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) at 303-492-5550. Information about the ODH, the above referenced policies, and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment can be obtained at http://hr.colorado.edu/dh/