United States History (122) I: To 1865 Dr. J. Windham
NVCC, Alexandria Rm. 273 933-3977
NVWINDJ@nvcc.edu. M & W 12:30-2:00
History 122 is a survey of the United States from The Reconstruction Era (1865) to our new millennium. This course examines some 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 122 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 interrelatedness 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 (1-2) 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.
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:
A. Era of Reconstruction: 1865-1877
1.Presidential Restoration
2.Radical Reconstruction
3.Southern Recalcitrance Northern Opportunism
B. Post-Reconstruction: 1877-1896
1. Southern Redemption & Racial Apartheid, & Black Disenfranchisement
2. Manifest Destiny, Dispossession& Genocide Of Americans
3. "Boom & Bust" Towards National Economic Consolidation
C. The Gilded Era: 1870-1900
1. The Rise of Monopoly Capitalism
2. Industrialization & Urbanization
3. Working Class Heroes & Movements of the Masses
D. "Ragtime": Turn of the Century A 100 Years Ago:
1. Populist Responses Towards Survival & Progress
2. The End Of The Continental Frontier
3. The Rise of "Yankee Imperialism"
E. Changes For Better & Worse: 1900-20
1. The Progressive Era
2. Reform, Radicalism & Cooptation
3. Modern American Lifestyles & Outlooks
F. World War I & A Piece Of The Action: 1910-29
1. Global Imperialism & The War For Democracy
2. City Slickers & Country Bumpkins
3. From Party Time To The Big Crash
G. The Big Ones! 1930-45
1. The Great Depression & The New Deal
2. World War II & The Domestic Front
3. The Rise Of Superpowers & Diametrically Opposed Systems
H. Mid-Century American At The Crossroads: 1945-65
1. The Cold War & Scalding Realities
2. Postwar Posterity & Baby Booming
3. The Civil Rights Movement
I. The Politicization Of The American Public: 1965-75
1. Vietnam At Home & Abroad
2. Dupery & Chagrin From High Places
3. Riots, Unrest & Gaps
J. The "Me Decade" The Last Of The "Teens"