Syllabus History 17A (MW) Spring 2007

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Syllabus • History 17A (MW) • Spring 2016

ELIZABETH M. NAVA EVERGREEN VALLEY COLLEGE

OFFICE: C-109 SPRING 2016

PHONE: 274-7900 x 6630 17-A MONDAY & WEDNESDAY OFFICE HOURS: 9:15-10:35/10:45-12:05/12:15-1:35

Mon. /Wed. 2:00 –3:00 Website: emnavahistory.com

Tues. /Thurs. 12:30 –1:30

Email:

UNITED STATES HISTORY 17A

1500 to 1877

Colonialism through the Reconstruction Period

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent –about things that matter.”

Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this course, we will identify, examine and explore economic, social and political events and issues that have shaped the development of the United States from the Colonial Period to the Civil War. We will evaluate and discuss life during the Colonial Period, American Indian communities and their relationship to the Colonist, the American Revolution, Slavery, the Development of the Working Class, the Settling of the West, the Civil War, and a brief overview of Reconstruction. We will give special attention to the social aspects of how this country was settled and how it developed from the 1500's through the Civil War. The lectures are designed to supplement the required readings for the class. The development of colonial, enslaved and freed communities, the working class, women and American Indians will be our focus. This course deals with class, cultural and racial issues, with an emphasis on particular moments in history.

COURSE OBJECTIVES & LEARNING OUTCOMES

One of the objectives of this class is to connect the development of the nation to the present situations affecting our lives. By studying the diversity of the country's population and how different cultural groups developed their communities, we can begin to understand events that have shaped our political, social and economic views. The second objective is to redefine and develop an understanding of Community and the real meaning of Democracy. We will also look at American policies and how they have evolved through time, as well as ponder attitudes towards our heritage, freedom, morality, and our consciousness and social inequalities that have affected different ethnic groups throughout history. We will discuss and analyze what collective sacrifice means to us and how we can best serve and improve our communities and our planet. Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas and theories concerning the development of these historical concepts. My goal is to develop knowledge of the working class and its diversity, our heritage and what it means to live in a real democracy and to have a sense of community in the 21century.

WRITING OBJECTIVES.

Students will be writing an average of 3000 words this semester. The exams are designed to help the student understand and critically analyze eras in American History. The student is expected to assess and critically evaluate the political, social, and economic issues, policies and that have developed during the various periods in history. The objective is for the student to develop writing and analytical skills and to make historical connections through the readings, documentaries and lectures. The student will be expected to write a college level essay by critically analyzing different historical concepts, events and theories. The student will also have an opportunity to read a historical novel and write a book review. This will enable the student to have a better understanding of the different time periods in which the novel takes place. The oral presentations help the student to develop research skills, critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

After completing the assignments, the students should be able to:

1.  Assess the influence various ethnic groups played throughout history.

2.  Differentiate past eras in history and how they relate to the present.

3.  Assess the different waves of immigration to the United States.

4.  Critically evaluate institutionalized racism.

5.  Critically evaluate a historical era, a policy and/or a law in essay form.

6.  Interpret the significance and contributions of the working class.

7.  Write a college level essay.

EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING

Two short answer essays, a blue book exam, a book review exam (optional) and a final exam will be required of all students. The short answer exams will cover all the material from lectures and reading assignments given up to the test dates. Essay answers must incorporate information from lecture notes, the reader, films and documentaries. Students will be expected to take the examinations on the scheduled dates. A make-up exam day is scheduled on May 4 for those students who miss an exam because of illness and/or a death in the family. You must inform the instructor concerning your absence by email or phone. If you fail to inform the instructor you will not be allowed to make-up the exam. You are only allowed to make-up one exam. The make-up exam will cover the Mexican- American War and the development of the West. The Final Exam will cover the Mexican-American War, the Civil War and a brief overview of the Reconstruction Period. The book review, the three essay exams and the final exam are worth 100 points each. Students are required to take all exams on the scheduled dates. No one is allowed to leave the classroom during exams. Students are not allowed to come in late for an exam. If you miss an exam without an excuse, you will receive an "F" and the "F" will not be dropped and your overall grade will suffer.

Syllabus • History 17A (MW) • Spring 2016

Students are not allowed to plea a case on the day that exams are given. Please see me in my office to discuss any personal issues concerning your situation. Grading scale is on page 10.

Cheating will not be tolerated. Students caught cheating will be automatically terminated from the class and you will be reported to school officials.

Every week we will divide into groups and discuss the assigned chapters in the required reader. The purpose of the reader, A Different Mirror, is to enhance your knowledge of U.S. Ethnic History. This reader will assist your understanding of Multi-Cultural America. The essay questions on each exam will come from the, text, reader, documentaries and my lectures. Please note we will not cover every chapter in the reader. The chapters that you will be required to read will supplement your understanding of the different ethnic groups in this country.

You will be graded on a standard letter scale, A-F. You can earn extra points for participation in the discussions and handing in extra credit assignments. The scores on the exams, attendance, participation in class, extra credit assignments and oral presentations determine your final grade. Three unexcused absences and tardiness will affect your overall grade. If you have questions concerning your grade, please see me during my office hours. Please make an appointment if you cannot see me during my office hours.

Dates of examinations, book review and extra credit assignments are as follows:

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

Class attendance is expected of every student. Participation in-group discussions are expected of every student. You are also expected to have read the week's assignment before coming to class. Be prepared and come ready to critically analyze the readings and lectures. Students who make a habit of taking exams without attending class are not active members of the class and will be dropped from my personal roster. Students who do not attend class and do not drop the class officially will receive an “F" for the semester. Students who are absent more than three times without an excuse will be dropped from my personal roster. This does not mean I will drop you officially. That is your responsibility. If I indicate to you or the class that I have dropped you from my personal roster, this does not mean that you have been dropped officially. It is your responsibility to drop this class with Admissions and Records. Therefore make sure you drop this class officially. The student is responsible for attending class, participating in discussion groups and taking exams on time.

Lateness will not be tolerated. Students who are late disrupt the flow of the class and will be counted absent. Lateness will affect your overall grade. No one is allowed to come in late for an exam. Once the exam begins students are not allowed to leave the class room for any reason.

This class requires active college students willing to contribute their ideas and critical evaluations concerning American history. In order to develop a strong understanding of the material, it is imperative that you read the assigned material and attend class. It is your responsibility to officially drop this class if you are not able to meet the class requirements. If you do not drop by the deadline, I am required to give you an "F" at the end of the semester. * Note to Students: Please refer to the Evergreen College Catalog for Student Disciplinary Procedures and Complaint/Grievance Policy.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

FEBRUARY 11: Last day to drop and apply for a refund of all eligible fees.

FEBRUARY 15: (MONDAY/11P.M.) Last day to add via MYWEB using add codes

FEBRUARY 11: Last day to drop a class WITHOUT receiving a "W" on your record.

APRIL 28: Last day to drop a class and receive a "W" on permanent record card.

REQUIRED TEXTS

·  TEXTBOOK: Give Me Liberty: An American History. Volume One: Seagull Fourth Edition by Eric Foner

·  READER: A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America, by Ronald Takaki.

Syllabus • History 17A (MW) • Spring 2016

BOOK REVIEW EXAM. THIS EXAM IS OPTIONAL 5 NOVEL LIST FOR BOOK REVIEW EXAM.

BOOK REVIEW IN CLASS EXAM ON MAY 11. Please bring a small Blue Book. (8.5x7)

You will be required to read one of the following novels. You will have 50 minutes to write this book review in class for a grade. The novels will be available at the Evergreen College bookstore. The book review is considered an exam and is worth 100 points.

·  Ramona, by Helen Hunt Jackson

·  Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown

·  O' Pioneers, by Willa Cather

·  Kindred, by Octavia E. Butler

·  The Known World, by Edward P. Jones

·  Jubilee, by Margaret Walker

·  A Mercy, by Toni Morrison

·  Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne

EXTRA CREDIT

This semester you will have an opportunity to do written and/or oral presentations. For the written work you may read any article in “First Hand America” and any two articles in” The 100 Greatest Americans in the 20th Century”, on reserve in the library. The written extra credit is due on the following dates, March 9, April 6 and May 4.

For the oral presentation you may read any newspaper or magazine article concerning the war in the Middle East, international news, issues on education, the environment, national, state and local politics and/or issues concerning different ethnic groups. Please see last page for details concerning this extra credit.

Extra Credit will not be added to missed exams, rewritten and/or a take home exam. The highest score on a rewritten or take home exam is a “C”-. Note: Extra Credit Assignments announced in class are due the next class meeting. Late extra credit assignments will not be accepted. All written extra credit must be typewritten and double – spaced otherwise I will not accept your work. No exceptions!

COURSE PLAN

February 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

·  Requirements ( Review of the syllabus)

FEBRUARY 3, 8 & 10: THE AGE OF EXPLORATION: COMMUNITIES BEFORE COLUMBUS

Read: Give Me Liberty (Chapter 1)

A Different Mirror (Chapter 1)

·  The Chacoans of the Southwest

·  American Indian Communities Before Columbus: The Iroquois, Choctaws, and the Ohlone of California

·  The Lure of Discovery

·  The Spanish In the Americas: The Fall of the Aztec Empire

FEBRUARY 15: HOLIDAY, NO CLASSES!

FEBRUARY 17, 22 & 24: THE ARRIVAL OF THE ENGLISH

Read: Give me Liberty (Chapter 2 and read Chapter 3 pp.104-117)

A Different Mirror (Chapter 2)

·  The Founding of Virginia

·  New England Communities

·  Anne Hutchinson And The Witch Hunts

·  Colonial Wars- King Philip's War and Bacon's Rebellion (Extra Credit

Presentations)

·  New Mexico Settlements and the Pueblo Indian Revolt

FEBRUARY 24 & 29: COLONIAL TRANSFORMATION AND AFRICAN

ENSLAVEMENT