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HIST2265
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In Minorities in American History we will use a combination of lectures, discussions and videos to examine the role of African-Americans, Indians, and various ethnic minorities in the history of the United States. Throughout the course you will have opportunities to expand and refine your basic factual knowledge of U.S. history with regard to the roles of minority persons and events involving them; to develop deeper understanding of the mentalities found in various groups and eras; to understand and apply some methods and standards of professional historians, using precise reading and effective writing. |
At least one college-level survey of US history is a prerequisite for HIST2265 |
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Special provisos: |
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| Open-mindedness: We will understand that history is not a simple tale of good guys and bad guys. We will remain open to complexity, paradox and contradiction. | ||||||||
| Nomenclature: We will attempt to be polite and we will avoid pejoratives, but no one should become unduly exercised over words used to describe any given group. Example: We may say Indian, American Indian, Native American, or Amerind; we won’t under normal circumstances use redskin. | ||||||||
| Mutual respect: When opinions are expressed we will assume good intentions unless strong evidence to the contrary appears. We will state our reactions or objections courteously and we will listen with equal courtesy to the views of others. | ||||||||
Reading
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Important policies:
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| Class procedure: Reading discussions, lectures. |
| You will earn your grade by performing the following activities: | ||
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| activity | %value | Description |
| Class meetings |
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Prompt attendance and thoughtful attention are expected. Questions and occasional comments are welcome |
Online discussions |
10 | Required participation: discuss readings available in
GeorgiaVIEW. Discussions
should demonstrate ability to communicate clearly and think critically.
Posts should be concise--not over 250 words. Objective: expose student to a variety of opinions, primary source documents, and a variety of course information; encourage critical reading and thinking; expression in writing. |
Essays |
10 |
...on your choice from topics that will be announced in class and in
GeorgiaVIEW.
They should demonstrate factual accuracy, clear thinking and ability to
use standard English. One will be due just before midterm and one at the
end of the semester. |
| 10 | ||
Book Review |
10 | Prepare and submit
(via GeorgiaVIEW) a 250-500 word review of a book related to the course. Choose
from the Pre-approved
book list. or propose a similar book. Objective: broaden knowledge base; encourage good reading habits; develop critical reading, thinking and writing skills. |
Museum visit |
5 | Visit Stately Oaks, King Memorial District,
Carter Center, High Museum of Art (look for exhibits that pertain to the
course), New Echota or Atlanta
History Center. Other museums require advance approval. Submit 250-500
word report
via GeorgiaVIEW. Objective: exposure to materials not available in a classroom; develop critical thinking and writing skills |
Exams |
15 | These exams will be fact-based
(not opinion) tests of lectures and reading. Taken online,
in class. May include multiple choice, matching, short answer, and map
questions. No long essays. Objective: both student and instructor evaluate the quality of the body of knowledge developed by the student; opportunity to evaluates study methods, and adjust if necessary, |
| 15 | ||
| 15 | ||
U.S. quizzes |
6 | These multiple choice quizzes test your general knowledge of US history
for a given period of time. They are for your benefit-to discover
whether or not you need to read-up on the background of the period
under discussion. Take them on your own time until you can pass with a grade of 80% or
better. Objective: motivate the student to grasp fundamental aspects of US history that are essential for full appreciation of other materials presented in lectures and readings. |
Participation |
4 | Perfect
attendance will earn 2 bonus points. There is a 1-point deduction from
the final exam for each
unexcused
absence. Objective: encourage timely and regular attendance {also encouraged in the conduct of class meetings.). |
Optional reports |
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You will have opportunities to earn
1-5 bonus points for your exams by attending and reporting in
writing on certain campus events. These will be announced in class and
may also be posted on this site or in GeorgiaVIEW. Objective: expose students to a variety of opportunities for intellectual growth outside of the classroom; encourage initiative. |
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Information on the "Syllabus
All" page also applies to this
class. |
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