The United States to 1860/Survey History of the United States HIST 221 University Studies Program Course Outline COURSE IMPLEMENTATION DATE: September 2004 OUTLINE EFFECTIVE DATE: September 2008 COURSE OUTLINE REVIEW DATE: March 2013 GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION: HIST 221 introduces students to the historical development of the United States of America. It presents the United States' signpost events, its key individuals, and its significant places; the "facts" of American history, providing students with a working knowledge of the nation's past. Through associated textbook interpretations of these factors, HIST 221 examines the perceptions placed upon this history by historians within the USA and outside it. This examination of American historiography allows students both to discover how historians are affected by their perspective and how they process information into viable explanations of the past. Students should also become more proficient in historical skills, discovering how to plan and lead a seminar discussion and how to research and develop an annotated bibliography, thesis statement, and history essay. Program Information: This course can be used as either a required course or an elective in several University Studies Programs, including Certificate in Arts and Sciences, Liberal Arts and Humanities; Diplomas in Liberal Arts, Humanities with a concentration in English, and Environmental Studies; and Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts, and International Studies. This course is also suggested for the Teacher Education program, one of COTR s Partnership Degree Programs. In addition, history is one of the key component courses of any liberal education. Delivery: This course is delivered face-to-face COTR Credits: 3 Hours for this course: 45 hours Typical Structure of Instructional Hours: Practicum Hours (if applicable): Instructional Activity Duration Lecture Hours 25 Seminars / Tutorials 20 Laboratory / Studio Hours Practicum / Field Experience Hours Other Contact Hours Total 45 Type of Practicum On-the-job Experience Formal Work Experience Other Duration Total 1
Course Outline Author or Contact: Marcel Dirk, BA, MA, PDPP Signature APPROVAL SIGNATURES: Department Head Sharon Richardson E-mail: richardson@cotr.bc.ca Dean of Instruction Dr. Laura Cooper E-mail: LCooper@cotr.bc.ca Department Head Signature Dean of Instruction Signature EDCO Valid from: September 2008 August 2013 Education Council Approval Date COURSE PRE-REQUISITES AND TRANSFER CREDIT Prerequisites: None Corequisites: None Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Credit can be awarded for this course through PLA Yes No Transfer Credit: For transfer information within British Columbia, Alberta and other institutions, please visit http://www.cotr.bc.ca/transfer Students should also contact an academic advisor at the institution where they want transfer credit. Prior Course Number: Textbooks and Required Resources: Textbook selection varies by instructor and may change from year to year. At the Course Outline Effective Date the following textbooks were in use: Lindaman, Dana and Kyle Ward. History Lessons How Textbooks From Around the World Portray US History. New York: The New Press, 2004. Please see instructor s Syllabus for a complete list of the current required textbooks. 12/1/08/ah h:\psc\outline\2008 june - oct\hist221.docx 2
LEARNING OUTCOMES: University Studies at the College of the Rockies allow students to complete their first two years of study towards a university degree. College students gain academic knowledge and skills in their chosen subjects. They also cover general problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The combination can empower them to participate as educated citizens in the economic, political, and cultural life of their communities. Upon the successful completion of this course, you should be able to apply principles and practice of sound historical inquiry to historical arguments, interpretations, an documents. articulate a thoughtful and critical approach to the nature of early American history. identify, summarize and synthesize significant events/processes/changes in early American history. gain an appreciation for the continuity and change of the American historical landscape. understand the concept of historiography and the ideas that historians write history in light of events and attitudes of their own time. apply critical thinking and analytical thinking skills to assess course content and interpretations in light of course themes. evaluate and assess historical information/idea to construct an academic argument. use computer technology for research and production of assignments. develop interpersonal and teamwork skills write and properly document research assignments. use written and oral communication skills effectively, employing methods appropriate to message and context. think clearly and critically, fusing experience, knowledge and reasoning into considered judgment. identify, interpret, and solve problems, effectively implementing and evaluating proposed strategies. COURSE TOPICS: Native Americans European Exploration Colonization Revolutionary War Westward Expansion Agricultural Development Slavery and Sectionalism Civil War Reconstruction Industrialization Immigrant America Gilded Age 12/1/08/ah h:\psc\outline\2008 june - oct\hist221.docx 3
America as World Power/Imperialist World War I The 1920s Progressive Era The Depression and the New Deal World War II Post-war/Cold War America 1960s Protest Rise of the Right America at the Turn of the Twentieth Century See instructor s syllabus for the detailed outline of weekly readings, activities and assignments. ESSENTIAL SKILLS DEVELOPED IN THIS COURSE: Students can expect to develop the following skills in this course: Computer Skills Use email to send and read messages, attach documents Access COTR s online learning resources Skills for Busy Students Manage study time effectively Recognize personal learning style Use effective note-taking strategies Develop problem-solving and memory skills Practice strategies to succeed at exams and tests Use support systems and College resources Writing Skills Identify a purpose and audience for writing Develop an argument or thesis statement Apply pre-writing strategies and develop a draft Use correct punctuation and grammar Use effective citations Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA) Edit written work Research Skills Using the library catalogue; renew materials; place holds on resources Use the OUTLOOK database (database providing access to all libraries in BC) Use full-text online database to locate current journal and magazine articles Place interlibrary loans Using the internet to locate information; evaluate information from internet sources Understand what constitutes plagiarism in academic writing Cite, save, and print information for research 12/1/08/ah h:\psc\outline\2008 june - oct\hist221.docx 4
EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT Class Participation Seminar Presentation Course Exams Annotated Bibliography Thesis Statement Research Essay Assignments Total % Of total Grade 5% 15% 25% 15% 5% 35% 100% Please see the instructor syllabus for specific classroom policies related to this course, such as details of evaluation, penalties for late assignments, and use of electronic aids. Note: All course assignments must be completed to pass this course. EXAM POLICY Students must attend all required scheduled exams that make up a final grade at the appointed time and place. Individual instructors may accommodate for illness or personal crisis. Additional accommodation will not be made unless a written request is sent to and approved by the appropriate Department Head prior to the scheduled exam. Any student who misses a scheduled exam without approval will be given a grade of 0 for the exam. COURSE GRADE Course grades are assigned as follows: Grade A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D F Mark (Percent) 90 89-85 84-80 79-76 75-72 71-68 67-64 63-60 59-55 54-50 < 50 A grade of "D" grants credit, but may not be sufficient as a prerequisite for sequential courses. ACADEMIC POLICIES See www.cotr.bc.ca/policies for general college policies related to course activities, including grade appeals, cheating and plagiarism. COURSE CHANGES: Information contained in course outlines is correct at the time of publication. Content of the courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment, and marketing needs. The instructor will endeavour to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses. 12/1/08/ah h:\psc\outline\2008 june - oct\hist221.docx 5