Spring 2009

Students in HST 1010-003 and HST 1010-005 may find the syllabus, course schedule, and course documents at Dr. Mark Thompson's website (http://www.uncp.edu/home/thompson/).

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Fall 2008

Course Description and Goals: 
This course is a survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects from its earliest settlement to 1877.  It will provide students with an understanding of the basic facts and concepts of American history through class lecture and discussion.  It will measure understanding of the aforementioned facts and concepts with exams, and develop communication and critical-thinking skills through writing assignments.

Texts: 
Robert A. Divine, et al., America: Past & Present, vol. 1 (brief 7th ed.)
Melton A. McLaurin, Celia, A Slave

Grading Scale: 
A         94-100
A-        90-93
B+       87-89
B         83-86
B-        80-82
C+       77-79
C         73-76
C-        70-72
D+       67-69
D         63-66
D-        60-62
F          0-59

Exam Policy: 
There will be three exams given during the semester, including the final.  Test questions will include information from class lecture, discussion, additional readings, multimedia presentations, and the textbooks.  These questions may include the following formats:  essay, short answer, identification, matching, and multiple-choice.

Writing Assignments: 
There will be one in-class writing assignment where students will answer questions and provide a critical analysis of Celia, A Slave.  As with any writing assignment in this class, the rules of plagiarism apply; be sure you properly cite quotations from the book.  Other readings may be assigned and discussed throughout the term. I reserve the right to administer pop quizzes or require additional writing assignments if I suspect students have not read the material by the designated class meeting.

Attendance Policy: 
Students are expected to attend class regularly and be on time.  You are responsible for getting any information from class lecture and discussion that you might miss due to your absence before the next class meeting.  Please consult the section on Class Attendance Policy in the catalog for official University policy.

Make-up Policy: 
Students should provide me with an approved written excuse (medical excuse, jury notice, obituary, etc.) if they must miss an exam or writing assignment.  Make-up exams will be in identification and/or essay formats.

Code of Conduct:
Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the University’s Code of Conduct outlined in the student handbook.  Disruptive behavior in the classroom, including extraneous talking and the use of electronic devices, will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the class.

Communication Policy:
Students should regularly check their University email accounts and the Announcements section of the Blackboard site for information about the course. It is the students’ responsibility to consult these sources and be aware of any announcements or revisions to the course schedule.

Students with Documented Disabilities: 
Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments should speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor during the first two weeks of class.  All discussions will remain confidential.  This syllabus is available in alternative formats upon request.  For assistance, please contact Mary Helen Walker, Office of Disability Support Services, D. F. Lowry Building, (910.521.6695) or visit the Office of Disability Support Services website.

Withdrawal from the Course: 
The last day you may drop this course with a grade of “W” is Monday October 20, 2008.

Academic Honesty: 
Academic misconduct in any form will not be tolerated.  It is your responsibility to recognize and understand the various types of academic misconduct, including plagiarism.  Please consult the Academic Honor Code in the Student Handbook or at UNCP’s Division of Student Affairs website for official guidelines regarding the definition and handling of academic misconduct.  You may also consult the following websites for more information regarding plagiarism:

http://www.uncp.edu/tlc/plagiarism/index.htm

http://www.historians.org/governance/pd/Curriculum/plagiarism_intro.htm

http://plagiarismtest.org/

Grade Notification: 
To protect the confidentiality of student records, I will not discuss grades via the telephone or email.  Please see me personally or consult Blackboard or Braveweb if you wish to know your grades.

Important Dates:
Exam 1: Thursday September 18 (20%)
Exam 2: Thursday October 16 (25%)
Final Exam: 8:00-10:30 Thursday December 11 (30%)
Book review: Tuesday November 18 (25%)
Holidays: September 1; October 9-10; November 26-28

Course Schedule:
Topic 1:  Colliding Cultures: Chapter 1
Topic 2:  Establishing English Colonies in America: Chapter 2
Topic 3:  Colonial Society Develops: Chapter 3
Topic 4:  Imperial Rule: Chapter 4
EXAM #1
Topic 5:  American Revolution: Chapter 5 – “The Stamp Act Controversy”
Topic 6:  Consolidating the Revolution: Chapter 6
Topic 7:  Federalist Era: Chapter 7
Topic 8:  Early Republic: Chapters 8-9
EXAM #2
Topic 10:  Age of Jackson: Chapter 10
Topic 11:  Revolution, Religion, and Reform: Chapter 12
Topic 12:  Manifest Destiny: Chapter 13
Topic 13:  Slavery and the Old South: Chapter 11
Topic 14:  The Impending Crisis: Chapter 14
Topic 15:  Civil War and Reconstruction: Chapters 15-16
EXAM #3