This course is designed as an introduction to American history from the first migrations by the continent’s earliest inhabitants through the period of the Civil War. We will examine the major political, social, cultural, and economic developments of the pre-1492 period, colonization, settlement, the American Revolution, the formation and growth of the early republic, Jacksonian democracy, westward expansion, growing differences between North and South, and the Civil War. We will also explore the themes of what it means to be an American and how the notions of liberty, equality, freedom, and democracy emerged and evolved throughout this period and affected the lives of Americans on a personal level. Consequently we will look at the differences that resulted in conflict between Americans as well as the ties that bound them together and made for cohesion as the new nation developed.

As a student in this course you should develop a better understanding of the forces that have produced changes in the American past, develop historical perspective by examining change and continuity over time, and learn about historical methodology and interpretation. In addition, through discussion of course topics as well as interactions in and outside the classroom, this course should contribute to a deeper understanding of a Christian world-view. The mission of Campbell University is to provide students with the option of a Christian world-view and a commitment to helping students develop an integrated Christian personality characterized by a wholeness that includes: a method of critical judgment; an appreciation of our intellectual, cultural, and religious heritage; and a sensitive awareness of the world and society in which we live.

Your grade for the course will be based on your performance on ten quizzes, three examinations (two midterms and one final), and your participation in class. I will calculate your grade on the basis of the number of points accumulated during the term.

On nearly every Monday you will have a quiz which will be objective in format (most likely matching). You must take 10 of the 12 quizzes (i.e. you may drop two).

N.B. I do not give make-up quizzes.*

The examinations will cover the readings and material presented and discussed in class. The exams will consist of matching, multiple choice, and essay questions. In addition, the final exam will also include an essay that is comprehensive (i.e. covers material from the entire term).

N.B. I do not give make-up exams.*

Class participation is part of the course and it is essential that you keep up on the readings. Coming prepared to class will also assist you in mastering the course material. To assist your preparation, I have drawn up reading guides for each topic covered. Because I do provide such guides, there is no excuse for coming to class unprepared.

In order to participate in class, you must first be present. When a student is absent without a legitimate and documented reason, he or she will receive zero participation points for that day. Daily participation points in the case of an excused absence will be calculated on the student’s average participation when present. However, mere attendance is not enough. You must talk (and you must also talk loud enough so that the whole class hears you). In addition, students will observe rules of common courtesy during class. Private conversations, late arrivals, early departures, sleeping in class, and any form of disrupting the class will count against you.

You should also note that the University requires you to attend 85% of all scheduled class periods to receive credit for the course. At the start of each class I will pass around a sign-in sheet. Make sure you sign it (and not your friend/s if you are in fact absent or this too shall count against you). In regard to the number of absences permitted, no distinction is made between excused or unexcused. Six is the total number of absences permitted in accordance with University policy so use them wisely (illness, university-sponsored activities such as athletics, mock trials, etc.). If you obtain more than six absences, for whatever reason, you will fail the course. Furthermore, while it is my responsibility to take attendance, it is not my responsibility to "warn" students when they are approaching the magic number of absences. Ultimately, this is the student’s responsibility. However, you may check with me periodically if you are unsure of how many absences you have accumulated. Finally, I require each student to come see me for a brief interview of 5 minutes or so (during office hours or by appointment if our schedules conflict) at some point during the semester so I may get to know each and every one of you by name. The interview counts for up to 5 points of your participation grade depending upon when in the term you stop by (5 points for weeks 1-4 [Aug. 23-Sept. 15]; 4 points for weeks 5-7 [Sept. 18-Oct. 6]; 3 points for weeks 8-10 [Oct. 9-Oct. 27]; 2 points for weeks 11-13 [Oct. 30-Nov. 17]; 1 point for weeks 14-16 [Nov. 20-Dec. 6]; and 0 if you do not stop by at all).

* Please note that make-up quizzes and exams will only be tolerated in cases where an absence is excused. You must provide documentation as to why you missed class.

Opportunities for extra credit may be available at various points throughout the semester. In particular, you may receive extra credit for attending certain lectures announced in class (such as the "Lunch and Learn" series). You will need to attend the lecture or talk, sign the attendance sheet at the talk, write up a brief but well-written paragraph on what the speaker said or argued (250 words or so) and then turn it into me no later than one week after the event or you will NOT receive credit for attending the event. Each lecture attended will be worth one point. The maximum number of extra credit points allowed is ten.

Quizzes (16 %; 10 @ 5 points each) 50 points

Exams (70 %) 210 points

First Exam (20 %; 60 points)

Second Exam(20 %; 60 points)

Final Exam (30 %; 90 points)

Participation (13%) 40 points

Interview (5 points)

During class (35 points or not quite one point per session)

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Total points available 300 points

A 90-100 % [270-300 points]

B 80-89 % [240-269 points]

C 70-79 % [210-239 points]

D 60-69 % [180-209 points]

F 0-59 % [0-179 points]

"Books are to be call’d for, and supplied, on the assumption that the process of reading is not a half sleep, but in the highest sense, an exercise, a gymnast’s struggle, that the reader is to do something for himself." Walt Whitman

 

Textbook: James L. Roark, et al., The American Promise: A History of the United States. Boston: Bedford Books, 1998. [abbreviated as AP in the class schedule]

Document Reader: John Mack Faragher, et al., Out of Many: A History of the American People, Documents Set, Volume I: To 1877, third edition. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2000). [abbreviated as OoM in the class schedule]

Additional Readings: additional required readings (as noted in the class schedule) will be placed on reserve in Carrie Rich Memorial Library. Furthermore, additional required readings may be assigned or handed out in class throughout the semester.

 

 

 

 

The Campbell University Honor Code applies in all instances for this class. Students will refrain from any form of cheating, including plagiarism, and dishonest behavior.