Clayton State University HIST3135 Gilded Age & Progressive Era Dr. Kathryn W. Kemp Fall 2015 3 credit hours Information specific to the course: About the course: Study of he United States in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era spans the years of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries; this a watershed for many of the political, diplomatic, social, economic and cultural phenomena typical of the modern United States. This course will explore several of these areas, to provide a deepened understanding of the evolution of the modern, industrial U. S. as it assumed new prominence on the world stage. Books: Major Problems in the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, 2 nd edition. McCullough, The Wright Brothers Your choice: A biography of a person whose active years were in the 1870-1915 range. One NOT REQUIRED, BUT USEFUL: Rampolla. A Pocket Guide to Writing in History, any edition. Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's. Excellent, convenient to use; contains the basic principles of historical research and writing, including a brief digest of the Chicago style. Contact information: Office: Arts & Sciences Bldg. room 105E Fall 2015 Hours: TR afternoons, 3:35 6:15 PM, and by appointment Blackboard collaborate conferences as announced or by individual appointment. 670-466-4806 (Has voicemail, but messages are not picked up every day.) Live online conferences using D2L s chat tool may be scheduled. kathrynkemp@clayton.edu (Best method; will respond within 3 business days usually less) Special note: I will be writing some of the course materials (e.g.: quizzes) as we go along. Computer technology: You are required to have ready access throughout the semester to a computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for your academic program. For further information, see: CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy. You will use Microsoft Word to submit your written assignments. You will need Page 1 of 5
Adobe Reader to be able to read an occasional.pdf document. Adobe Reader is available free at www.adobe.com. The best browsers for using D2L are Firefox or Chrome. Internet Explorer is not entirely compatible. Small notebooks or tablets also may not be entirely compatible. Working from a phone is not recommended. Go to the HUB website to download Word if you do not have it. Required Skills: The ability to access information via the Internet The ability to use D2L and associated tools, including discussion boards, chat rooms, online testing and assignment submission features (If you are not already familiar with these, don t worry you can pick it up very quickly.) The ability to use word processing software. (Use Word. Do not use other word-processing software, including.pdf to submit work in the Dropbox.) The ability to send, receive and include attachments using email The ability to demonstrate netiquette (appropriate online conduct) Regular assignments: You will find links to specific assignments in the D2L Contents menu. Before you can submit some written assignments, you must pass the Plagiarism Quiz with a score of 90 or better. Writing assignments, Quizzes, Tests, Exams Each week read each assigned chapter in Major Problems. This material will be included in a unit test that also will cover classroom work. At the end of each week, write a comment in the Discussions board, reflecting on your learning experience of the week. Include examples of continuity and change. Units vary in length, as each one is complete, it will be tested. Comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester. Major writing assignment: Critical review of a biography of a person who was active during the GAPE. Schedule: The due dates are visible on the assignments menus and in the calendar; a list also will be posted under Begin the Course Here. Submission problems: Contact me and we will sort it out. I do not accept homework by email without a prior arrangement. Summary: Every week read a chapter (documents and two essays) in Major Problems. (Notice the dates of the Unit tests; these are the deadlines for this work.) Work on your chosen biography and read a chapter in The Wright Brothers. (There are three deadlines here, one for each section of the book.) Page 2 of 5
Learning objectives: After successfully completing the course, a student will possess or improve most, if not all, of these skills: Be familiar with the chronology of major events of the GAPE. Have a summary understanding of the issues faced by Americans in the GAPE. Relate the history of the GAPE to that of the present day. Be aware of the evidence used by historians to understand the GAPE. Think historically, that is, think in terms of context, continuity and change. Apply basic logic to the interpretation of historical materials. Write clear, well-organized, logical historical essays. Grading: I use a weighted system: Final Exam... 15% Book Review... 15% Brief writing assignments (averaged after lowest 2 dropped)... 35% Tests* (averaged after lowest 2 dropped)... 35% TOTAL... 100% No bonus work will be offered. Midterm grades will be based on the work you have completed and my opinion of the quality of your progress. *[Includes Plagiarism quiz: Discussions are locked until you do this one.] Important dates: Class begins... Aug. 17 Drop/add deadline... Aug. 20 No-show deadline... Aug. 27 Midterm (Last day to drop with no grade penalty)... Oct. 9 (Midterm grade will be posted before this date.) Class ends/last day to drop/final exam... Dec. 7 Holidays: Labor Day (Sept. 5-7), Fall break (Oct. 10, 12-13), Thanksgiving Nov. 25-28). Most course work is assigned on a weekly basis and all work may be found by using the Table of Contents in the course s D2L Content browser. You are expected to participate regularly in all aspects of the course. All work) must be turned in by its deadline; late work will not be accepted without prior arrangements or in the case of very serious personal emergencies. Page 3 of 5
General information, relating to the Course, Department or University General Policy Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities. University Attendance Policy Students are expected to log in and participate as part of their learning in the course. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades. Academic dishonesty. Copying the work of another person and presenting it as you own is Plagiarism. For complete details, see the Plagiarism section of the D2L Table of Contents. Any form of cheating may result in a zero grade for the assignment, and in serious cases a zero for the course. It may be reported to the student conduct office, which can impose serious penalties, up to and including expulsion from the university. Because Plagiarism is the most common cheating offense, be sure that you understand what it is and how to avoid it. I didn t understand is not an excuse. Disabilities Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations need to register with Disability Services in order to obtain their accommodations. You can contact them at 678-466-5445 or disabilityservices@clayton.edu. If you are already registered with Disability Services and are seeking accommodations for this course, please make an appointment with me to discuss your specific accommodation needs and give me your accommodations letter. Student Code of Conduct Behavior that disrupts the teaching learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more examples that are serious include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding online behavior and/or behavior while participating in online course activities may be dismissed from class. A more detailed description the Student Code of Conduct can be found at Operation Study At Clayton State University, we expect and support high motivation and academic achievement. Look for Operation Study activities and programs this semester that are designed to enhance your academic success such as study sessions, study breaks, workshops, and opportunities to earn Study Bucks (for use in the University Bookstore) and other items. Page 4 of 5
Online Etiquette (Netiquette) Discussion, chat, and e-mail spaces within this course are for class purposes only, unless otherwise stated. Please remember to conduct yourself collegially and professionally. Unlike in the classroom setting, what you say in the online environment is documented and not easily erased or forgotten. The following guidelines apply: Avoid using ALL CAPS, sarcasm, and language that could come across as strong or offensive. Use proper punctuation, grammar and be sure to edit your contribution before posting. Courtesy: it is customary to address your professor respectfully. Avoid Hey, Prof, or a first name. Dr. or Professor are always OK. If you are absolutely certain that the instructor does not have a doctorate, then Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. are also good form. Always identify your class and end your message with your name. o Keep it simple. One authority on business communications suggests a simple pattern using a dash to begin and end: Dr. Kemp Question 3 on test 5 has two identical answer options. Can you help me with this problem? Clayton S. Scholar, HIST1234. Focus on one topic at a time when chatting, composing email, or posting to discussions. Remember that what you say in email, online discussions and chats is documented and available to be revisited. Choose your words and discussion topics carefully. E-mail should only be used for messages pertaining to the course. Please refrain from sending forwards, jokes, etc. within e-mail. Do not use reply on email that is addressed to the class as a whole. To contact me, start a new message. Avoid using the email that is inside D2L, if you see it. Please use only the CSU email server. Faculty do not reply to email from private accounts because this violates our privacy requirements. Use your CSU student email account. Remember I m here to help, if you need me Dr. K Page 5 of 5