History 17B: United States History, 1877 to the Present Spring 2019, Section 1 (30850) Fridays, 12:00pm 2:50pm, ARC 1008 Instructor: Rachel Purdie Office: TAH 3053 Office Hours: Fridays, 10:30 11:30am, or by appointment Email: rachel.purdie@csus.edu, messaging via Canvas Catalog Description Basic historical survey of the growth of urban-industrial American civilization and its rise to world power, 1877-present. Note: Fulfills state graduation requirement for U.S. History. 3 Units. Course Description This course is a survey of the history of the United States from the end of Reconstruction to the present. It examines the major economic, social, political, and cultural events that shaped the United States and their impact on American life. This course also examines the United States increasing involvement in world affairs. Special emphasis is placed on analyzing the cause and effect relationships in U.S. history and on the historical interpretation of events and trends in U.S. history. GE Areas satisfied: Area D, American Institutions, and Race & Ethnicity in American Society. GE Area D Learning Outcomes 1. Describe and evaluate ethical and social values in their historical and cultural contexts. 2. Explain and apply the principles and methods of academic disciplines to the study of social and individual behavior. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of human diversity in human society, for example, race, ethnicity, class, age, ability/disability, sexual identity, gender and gender expression. 4. Explain and critically examine social dynamics and issues in their historical and cultural contexts. Course Objectives Upon successful completion of History 17B, students should be able to do the following: Analyze and interpret historical events and issues by assessing primary and secondary sources, including identification of multiple perspectives, quotation of sources, and evaluation of arguments. Examine the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in American society as well as the impact of diverse groups and economic classes on the nation. Define and analyze the causes and consequences of the major economic, social, political and international events and trends in American history since 1877. Compare and contrast the experiences of historical events on people of varying racial, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic and gender backgrounds. Course Materials The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open U.S. History Textbook http://www.americanyawp.com/ The course materials for this class are free and completely online; no physical textbooks are required. All assigned readings will come from The American Yawp or will be posted to Canvas. Spring 2019 1
If you prefer to use a physical textbook, I recommend Eric Foner s Give Me Liberty, Volume 2; Seagull 5 th Edition. ISBN-13: 978-0393614190 A Note About Canvas In addition to our course materials being available online, I will also use Canvas to supplement this class. A reliable internet connection and access to a computer or other electronic device (tablet, phone, etc.) are essential. I recommend that students check Canvas several times a week for any course updates, posted readings, and/or updated grades. The Canvas login page is accessible here: https://csus.instructure.com/ Course Structure This is a lecture course with assigned readings and occasional class discussions. Lectures are organized thematically (rather than chronologically) and I frequently stop to ask students questions in order to facilitate discussion. Since the class is lecture-based, good note taking is essential. To help students visually map out lectures, I post lecture outlines to Canvas (under Files), usually a day or two before class. Main concepts, key terms, and/or ideas are often listed on these outlines, and students are encouraged (but not required) to bring a copy to class. Being successful in this class requires that you stay on top of the assigned readings and make an honest effort to absorb course themes/content. Grading Scale and Category Weights Weighted Categories % of Grade Primary Source Analysis Assignments (3) 35% Quizzes (2) 30% Final Exam 25% Participation (includes attendance) 10% Total 100% Letter Grade Breakdown (in percentages): A 93-100 B- 80 82.9 A- 92-92.9 C+ 78 79.9 B+ 88 89.9 C 73 77.9 B 83 87.9 C- 70 72.9 D+ 68 69.9 D 63 67.9 D- 60 62.9 F 59 and below Category Descriptions Primary Source Analysis Assignments (PSAs) PSAs are short, formal writing assignments that require you examine and analyze primary source material. Students are expected to use evidence from primary source(s) to support their analysis. This 2
semester, four PSAs will be assigned but only three (3) will count towards your cumulative grade. If you choose to complete all four PSAs, the lowest scored assignment will be dropped. Students must submit the PSAs to Canvas no paper copies will be accepted. More information about how to approach the PSAs can be found on Canvas under Files. Quizzes All quiz content comes from lecture and quizzes are given in short answer format. No notes/books/cheat sheets are allowed when taking the quizzes. Students who require special testing accommodations must submit documentation to me before the first scheduled quiz. This semester, there are three (3) quizzes scheduled but only two (2) will count towards your total grade. If you take all three quizzes, the lowest scored quiz will be dropped. Final Exam The final exam will be a combination of Identification Terms (IDs) and short essay questions. A study guide for the final exam will be provided approximately two (2) weeks before the end of the semester. Participation Participation is more than just showing up. Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the scheduled lecture topics and to be engaged for the duration of the period. Attendance will be taken most class days via a class sign-in sheet; if you happen to be late to class one day, it is your responsibility to make sure you sign-in. Plan on attending class regularly, but if you are ill or have an unexpected emergency, let me know. Legitimate, verifiable class absences will not impact your participation grade as long as you reach out and let me know what s going on. Class Policies Late Work Late work is not accepted. There will be no extensions or make-ups granted on any assignments unless an unforeseen and unavoidable crisis occurs. Students in such situations must provide official written documentation of the crisis in order to be granted an extension. Classroom Conduct This class will examine several topics/themes in American history that are unpleasant, awkward, and divisive. We all come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences that give us our unique perspective on the world around us. As adults, I expect all students to be able to engage in a controversial discourse without personal attack. This also includes being mindful of how much you may be dominating the discussion. Disrespectful behavior will result in a lowering of your participation grade and possible dismissal from class. Classroom Technology Cell phones must be turned off/silenced during class. Laptops/tablets are allowed but for class purposes only. I reserve the right to cancel/alter the technology policy for individuals or the class if laptop use is being abused. Video/audio recording: I do not allow students to tape record or take video of my lectures. Similarly, you are not permitted to take pictures of myself or other students in the class. If you have a disability that requires such accommodations, you must disclose this to me during the first week and be able to verify said disability with proper documentation. 3
Curving and "Grade Rounding" I do not round up grades, nor do I curve grades; the grade you earn is the grade you earn. Do not ask me to round your grade, provide you with any extra credit, and/or re-grade your assignments so you can improve your grade. If you are concerned about your grade, contact me early and often. I cannot guarantee grades, but I can offer suggestions/tips on how to be successful. Extra Credit Periodically, there may be opportunities for extra credit points. The nature and point value of these opportunities will vary (key term pop quiz, film analysis, etc.). However, students should not expect, request, and/or rely on extra credit opportunities as a viable way to boost one s grade. Academic Integrity Don t cheat. Complete your own work. When applicable, cite your sources and references accordingly. If you need assistance with citing your sources, ask for help. Any plagiarized work submitted in this class will earn a zero and make-up opportunities will not be provided. All cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. I encourage students to consult the CSU Sacramento Student Conduct Code, which is accessible here: https://www.csus.edu/umanual/student/ums16150.htm Inclusive Learning Commitment Your success in this class is important to me. If there are aspects of this course that prevent you from learning or exclude you, please let me know as soon as possible. If you have a disability and require accommodations, you need to provide disability documentation from Services to Students with Disabilities (SSWD). Please discuss your accommodation needs with me after class or during my office hours in the first two weeks of the semester. SSWD Contact Information Location: Lassen Hall, 1008 Phone: (916) 278-6955 Email: sswd@csus.edu Website: https://www.csus.edu/sswd/ Using the Syllabus Before you contact me with questions regarding the course/grading/schedule, etc., please read this syllabus first. If your question is not addressed within the pages of this document, feel free to contact me. Class Calendar* *While due dates and quiz dates are firm, the rest of the Class Calendar is subject to change. **With the exception of the first class meeting, all weekly readings are to be completed before class. DATE TOPICS COVERED READING (due on day listed) DUE DATES Jan. 25 Course Introduction/Syllabus; **Ch 15 End of Reconstruction Feb. 1 Industrialization and the Gilded Ch 16 Age Feb. 8 Conquering the West; Ch 17, 18 Immigration and Urbanization Feb. 15 The Progressive Era Ch 20 Quiz #1 4
Feb. 22 QUIZ #1 in class The Progressive Era (cont.); America and the Great War Ch 21 March 1 WWI (cont.); the 1920s Ch 22 March 8 The Great Depression Ch 23 March 15 FDR and the New Deals QUIZ #2 in class March 22 NO CLASS Spring Recess March 18-22 March 29 World War II and its aftermath Ch 24 April 5 The Cold War and postwar Ch 25 prosperity April 12 The early civil rights movement; the Turbulent Sixties Ch 26, 27 April 19 April 26 May 3 The American War in Vietnam QUIZ #3 in class The War in Vietnam (cont.); Nixon, Watergate, and economic decline The 1980s, the Reagan and the end of the Cold War May 10 Globalization in the 1990s. Election of 2000, September 11 and the War on Terror; Review for Final Exam PSA #1 due Sunday, Feb. 24 by 11:59pm Quiz #2 PSA #2 due Sunday, March 24 by 11:59pm PSA #3 due Sunday, April 14 by 11:59pm Ch 28 Quiz #3 Ch 29 Ch 30 PSA #4 due Sunday, May 5 by 11:59pm Study for Final Exam FINAL EXAM: Wednesday, May 15, 10:15AM - 12:15PM 5