American Intellectual History

 

HIST 3501 – Selected Topics in U. S. History (3-0-3)

 

Course Description: 

This course will present significant topics in U. S. history not covered by other courses in the curriculum.  May be repeated for credit when the topic varies.

Prerequisites: HIST 2111 (c ) or HIST 2112 (c ) or HIST 2110 (c ) 

During Spring term 2004, HIST 3501 will examine selected topics in American Intellectual History, from the Progressive Era to the Present.  During the history of the United States cultural and intellectual developments and movements have effected American society in profound ways. As a sub discipline, “intellectual history” focuses explicitly on the ideas of scholars, writers, literary critics, journalists, and others and the effect such ideas have on the evolution of American society.  Students in this course will study the written works of reformers, visionaries, reactionaries, liberals, radicals,  conservatives, neoconservatives, humanists, atheists, fundamentalists, environmentalists, hawks, doves—even perhaps a few dingbats and deadbeats--and evaluate their ideas about politics, culture, government, economics, war, peace, and the quality of life in modern America. 

 

Required Course Text: 

A.     Hollinger, David A. and Capper, Charles. The American Intellectual Tradition, Vol. 2, 4th edition. New York, New York: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2001.

 

Student Learning Outcomes for the History Major

The History degree program is composed of courses on specific aspects of history drawn from a range of time periods, cultures, and geographic areas to provide the context in which students are able to demonstrate learning outcomes.  Thus, graduates of the history program at CCSU will be able to do the following:                                 

1.      Identify and describe basic chronologies of U.S. and world history.

 

2.      Identify and critically evaluate primary and secondary historical sources.

 

3.      Identify and evaluate conflicting historical interpretations of events and personalities.

 

4.      Perform historical research using primary and secondary sources in libraries, archives, and other repositories of historical records.

 

5.      Write in a clear, analytical and organized manner, demonstrating appropriate professional documentation methods.

 

6.      Discuss historical findings in clear and coherent oral presentations.

 

Outcomes 4, 5, and 6 are addressed and assessed in HIST 3501

 

Assessment of Outcomes in HIST 3501

 

In addition to grades assigned on all required course projects and examinations, outcome assessments in HIST 3001 will include the following measures.

 

  1. Assessment of writing assignments/research projects using the CCSU Writing Criteria.    
  2. Assessment of oral presentations  

 

Course Projects and  Assignments

 

1.  Oral and written reports

      2.  Course examinations

3.      Written book report

4.      Oral presentation of book reports

     

Course grade

                                                                                                                        Points

  1. Class reports (4 @ 25pts each)                                                            100

2.   Course examinations (2 @ 100pts each)                                               200

      3.   Book Review                                                                                       100

  1. Research Paper                                                                                    100

 

                                                                                          Total Points     500

 

*CCSU writing criteria will be used in evaluations of research papers, and speaking criteria will be used in the evaluation of research presentations.

 

Instructional Methods

 

1.      Close reading and discussion of assigned original and secondary sources.

  1. Student written assignments and oral presentations for every class.
  2. Class discussion.

 

Make-Up Policy

 

Students will not be allowed to make-up exams or other required assignments in HIST 3501, unless there is a legitimate and verifiable reason–i.e. absence due to circumstances beyond your control. If you think you have a legitimate excuse (medical emergency, death in the immediate family, or approved university event), contact me as soon as possible. Make-ups will be given and allowances will be made only if you supply documentation supporting your reasons for absence. Be warned that I am very reluctant to allow make-ups, in fairness to others who do their work and complete it in on time, despite their adversities.

 

Special Need Students

 

It is the policy of CCSU to afford equal opportunity in education to all qualified students. Therefore, individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations, or obtain this document in an alternative format, should contact the Disability Services Coordinator (disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu),  Student Center 214, 770.961.3719.

 

Class Responsibilities and Attendance Requirements

 

1.           Students must abide by all policies stipulated in the College Student Handbook.  http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentlife/Student%20Handbook/handbk.htm

 

2.           PLAGIARISM. Failure to do your own work or to pass off as your own work the work of another (plagiarism) will result in a grade of zero for assignments where plagiarism occurs.  NOTE: Copying material from the Internet without appropriate quotation marks and references is the same as copying material from a text or other written source.  If you are at all confused about plagiarism please see me. 

 

3.           All written assignments are expected to be presented in proper written format and will be evaluated according to college writing criteria.

 

4.           Students are expected to attend all class meetings and are responsible for any information or work missed as a result of absence from class. Absences will affect grades for course experience contribution. 

 

5.           Students are responsible for all subject matter content assigned during the progress of the course. Class preparation and participation is expected and graded.

 

6.           Students are expected to be in class on time.  If you must leave early, please inform the instructor prior to class. 

 

7.           I know there are emergency situations, but, as a general rule, it is not appropriate to bring children to class.  If you have an emergency, notify me before class. 

 

8.           Turn off phones and Beepers. It is also not appropriate to bring beepers or other electronic devices which may disrupt class activities. Tape recorders may be used to record classroom lectures and activities for the sole purpose of test and class preparation.