United States History (121) I: To 1865 Dr. J. Windham

NVCC, Alexandria Rm. 273 933-3977

NVWINDJ@nvcc.edu. M & W 12:30-2:00

History 121 is a survey of the United States from its indigenous and colonial beginnings to the Civil War and early Reconstruction eras. This course examines some of the major themes and topics that helped shape this nation’s diverse society, republican government and capitalistic economy. Along with an interesting observation of America’s domestic growth, we will study the foreign policy of this nation and its impact on the world community.

Objectives:

History 121 is designed to (1) assist students in improving their skills in reading, critical thinking, logical reasoning, clarifying, articulating, summarizing, synthesizing and listening; (2) stimulate dialogue and enhance knowledge of bibliographical sources; (3) acquaint students with the tools for analyzing the masses, personalities and events as well as their effects on the functioning of this society; (4) help students understand continuity and change in historical development; (5) teach students to articulate the interelatedness of American historical themes to other disciplines, especially in the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences and fine arts; and highlight the significant contributions of the cultures, races, genders and classes of the United States.

Expectations:

All students are expected and required to be present and on time for each class session! If a student accumulates more than 3 unexcused absences the student will lose a grade rank. Any student will be considered tardy if you arrive after attendance is taken or I begin our lecture. Three tardies will be equivalent to one absence. All assignments are to be submitted on time in order to receive full credit.

Grading:

Examinations (2-3) and 1 Book Review = 1/3 A=90-100% B=80-89%

Research Paper = 1/3 C=70-79% D=60-69%

Comprehensive Final Examination = 1/3 F=Below 60%

Extra Credit Assignments may be offered to the entire class as optional (7pts.)

Our Text will be America, Past & Present, by R. Divine et. al.

Our Reader will be

Book Review: Students are required to complete a critical review of a scholarly book on a topic within the course outline. Instructional guides will be provided early in the semester. The B.R. will be due in class on typed, double-spaced, & 2-3 pages.

Research (Term) Paper: Students shall also complete a 7-10 page research paper on any historical topic within the course outline. These papers are to be typed, double-spaced and cited properly (Turabian Format). At least three scholarly sources are to be used, including relevant books and journal articles. The R.P. will be due in class on:

Windham 121 Syllabus...

A. Background & Early Encounters:

1. Native American History

2. European Nationalism to Expansionism

3. African Civilization & Diaspora

B. Early Colonial Development:

1. Southern "Settlements" & The Export Economy

2. Northern Colonial Communities "Errands In The Wilderness"

3. Red. White & Black: "Close Encounters Of A Strange Kind"

C. America & British Imperialism:

1. Mercantilism & Salutary Neglect

2. The Imperial Crunch of 1763

3. Colonial Reaction & Rebellion

D. The American Revolution:

1. War For Independence

2. Establishing The Republic

3. Constitutional Reform

E. Party Politics:

1. The Federalist Era

2. The Rise Of The Republicans

3. American Developments In The Age Of Revolution

F. The Early Republic Domestically & Abroad:

1. The War Of 1812

2. The Era Of Nationalism

3. The Monroe Doctrine & Latin American Independence

G. The Ante-bellum Era:

1. Rise of Sectionalism

2. Slavery & American Racism

3. Democracy & Demagoguery

H. The Socio-Economy:

1. Industrialism, Migration & Conquest

2. Fundamentalism & Reform

3. Westward Ho! & The Bottleneck Theory

I. The Civil War:

1. Secession & Federalism

2. Regional Concerns & Warfare

3. African-American Emancipation

4. Restoration Or Reconstruction?