Dr. Eugene A. Hatfield genehatfield@clayton.edu

Professor of History Emeritus

Humanities Department

Office: Arts and Sciences, G116

Office Hours – 12:00pm-12:45pm TR and 3:25pm-3:50pm. Also by appointment.

Course Description – A survey of U.S. history from Reconstruction to the present. The course focuses on the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the modern U.S.

Steven M. Gillon and Cathy D. Matson, The American Experiment Vol. II, 2^nd Edition.

Houghton Mifflin Publishers. Available in the bookstore. This volume will include a number of elements in addition to the text. We will review the various elements and how they will be used in class.

Chronology of key events and periods since 1877.

Identify and critically evaluate key primary and secondary sources during the time frame of this course

Identify and critically evaluate conflicting interpretations concerning key personalities and events during the time frame of this course

Perform historical research using primary and secondary sources

Write in a clear, analytical and carefully organized manner, demonstrating appropriate documentation practices

You will find the Communication and Critical Thinking Outcomes by going to http://a-s.clayton.edu/corecurriculum/outcomes.htm

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, (678) 466-5445, disabilityservices@clayton.edu

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm 

Computer Skill Prerequisites

Ability to use the Windows^TM operating system

Ability to use Microsoft Word^TM word processing

Ability to send and receive e-mail using Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM

Ability to attach and retrieve attached files via email

Ability to use a Web browser.

We will not generally use the computer in class. If a certain class will require use of a computer, I will let you know in advance. Even though we won’t ordinarily use the computer, you are welcome to bring it to close. However, unless I have said otherwise, please keep your computer in the case.

Your final grade will consist of two tests (100 points each), a quiz series and other assignments (100 points) a book review (100 points) and a final exam (100 points).  

90 and above = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

59 and below = F

The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued on Monday, October 5^th, will reflect only between 25% and 45% of your final grade. Since it will reflect less than half of your grade for the course, it will not be conclusive about the final grade you receive. However, it should assist you in determining your progress and ability to complete the course successfully. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Although there is no requirement to do so, I think it a good idea that students considering withdrawal consult me prior to making the decision. Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by Friday, October 9^th, which is the last day to withdraw without academic accountability.

Hand in your papers and other possible assignments in on time. I will NOT accept e-mailed papers, only printed and STAPLED hard copies. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

I will not schedule make-up tests except in the case of a documented emergency. If you have to miss a test, please provide me with a documented excuse: police report, doctor’s note, et cetera. If at all possible I prefer the documentation prior to missing class although I know in some cases this is not possible.

Cell phone use is not permitted in class.

 Cheating

Presenting someone else’s work as one’s own and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly forbidden. Violators will be pursued and punished according to Clayton State University’s guidelines and regulations. Usually cheating results in disqualification from the course and the final grade of "F." We will discuss this in class. If you are uncertain what constitutes plagiarism in a particular case, it is your responsibility to find out.

All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/  You may also visit http://www.plagiarism.org/ for additional information about plagiarism and how to avoid it.

Behavior which 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 serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class. A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal. If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: 

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm 

For issues concerning ethical rules, student life, student rights and responsibilities, et cetera, please consult the student handbook:

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentaffairs/StudentHandbook/foreword.htm  

Habitual tardiness will not be tolerated. Given traffic and emergencies I understand any of us might have to be late on rare occasions. If tardiness in the class is infrequent we can all simply look the other way. However, if it becomes a problem, I will take steps to prevent it. Tardiness can be highly disruptive to the learning process.

Eating and drinking in class is permitted unless it becomes disruptive.

Cell phone use in class is not permitted. When you come to class either turn off your cell phone or put the ring on silent.

Computers will not be used in class unless as directed by the instructor. Otherwise, computers should remain in the cases.

Clayton State University rules strictly forbid bringing children to the classroom or parking them in the hallway for the duration of the class.

Check your Clayton State email account daily. This will be a major avenue of communication for this class.

Your final grade will consist of two midterms, a book review, and a final test. The tests and the book review are each worth 25 percent of your grade. The grades will not be on curve. Your personal success will not be measured against your fellow students’ performance.

Exams – There will be two major exams during the semester and a final exam. Assignments for the course are divided into three more or less equal parts. Each test will consist of objective questions (m-c, t-f, and fill-in) and short-answer questions that will be answered in class at the time of the exam. In addition, two of the two tests will included take-home essay assignments. Each test will be worth 100 points.

Students will choose an essay topic from among several I send out. Essay choices are usually sent out approximately a week prior to the date they are to be turned in. Students will write the essays at home and turn them at the assigned class period. Students will be required to utilize at least three sources in addition to the textbook in writing their essays. The additional sources should be cited in the body of the essay and in at the end of the paper. You may use any established style guide as a model for citations. Essays will be graded based on content, interpretation, correct grammatical usage, and style. We will discuss the essay requirement in more detail during the orientation.

Methods of Communication – I will send mail regularly to the entire class using our ListServ address. When you want to contact everyone in the class, you should use the following class list address: HIST2112-10Fall09@lists.clayton.edu if you intend your message to be seen only by the instructor, do not use the class list. Use my e-mail address genehatfield@clayton.edu As a general rule, you should use e-mail for matters that are personal to you and the Listserv for questions and comments concerning the course such as assignments, due dates, announcements, etc.

Conferences – I will be glad to set up a conference to discuss study methods, course content, assignments, etc.

Required Conferences – Any student who makes a D or F on the first exam is required to meet me for a conference. Please contact me for an appointment.