Rosemary Bell, Professor
History 202 AA, United States History II
CRN: 41279
MWF 10:10am-11am, Room 1-1219B
Office Hours: MW 1:30-2:00 pm or by appt., TTh 9:30-10:30
Email: bellro@smccd.edu
Voicemail: 650 738-4213
Website: http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/bellro/

HISTORY 202AA, UNITED STATES HISTORY II

Partially satisfies American History and Institutions requirement. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100, 105 or equivalent. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D1).

Course Description:
The forty years after the end of the Civil War saw America become the world's greatest industrial power. Industrialization fueled the growth of the cities, and encouraged immigration and imperialism. We also would have to define what was meant by "and liberty and justice for all." America entered the twentieth century in a euphoric mood. We were proud and optimistic about our future. Sure we had problems, but nothing we couldn't fix. Experience our great progressive experiment, watch us lose our innocence in WWI, emerging from the war more cynical and disillusioned before rising to world domination during WWII.

Required Book:
We the People, Vol II, Since 1865, 1st edition, by Peter Carroll.  ISBN 0-534-59357-7.  Publisher: Thomson Wadsworth.

We The People tells the story of America through five recurring, interwoven themes: (1) the role of interacting cultures in the development of the American nation; (2) the social/cultural environment's interaction with political forces; (3) the evolution of a national identity; (4) changing cultural values; and (5) individuals' attempts to impose order on physical place and chronological time.

Course Objectives:
I am aware that students sometimes feel overwhelmed by the vastness of the subject. We will make no attempt at a comprehensive examination of all the information; however, we will focus on the important aspects of the social life, political behavior and cross-cultural relationships of the people we meet. This course is not meant to be rote memorization, and students who actively engage the course material and assignments will not only be gaining knowledge, but will also be developing important skills. 

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course I hope you will be able to do the following:
1. Communicate effectively your ideas both orally and in writing.
2. Develop critical reading and interpretative skills.
3. Understand and apply definitions of words and strengthen your vocabulary.
4. Listen responsively and attempt to maintain a level of open mindedness.
5. Apply ideas and concepts from America's past to present day events.

Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities include reading the required assignments before coming to class and being prepared for exams or written assignments. This means having a scantron/bluebook and pencil.  It also means being on time.

Attendance:
It is important that you come to class. You will be allowed four absences, any over this number and I will deduct three points for each additional absence from your final grade. Chronic lateness will also be penalized by a deduction of five points at the end of the semester. I have the option of dropping you from the class for missing six or more classes, chronic lateness or poor academic performance. I will advise you via email if I intend to drop you from the course.

Exams:

There are numerous ways to assess your success in the class. First, is by class participation. Second, is by written assessments, or as we disdainfully call them: exams. Keep up with the readings, come to class, ask for help and you shouldn't have any difficulty. Exams must be taken on the days assigned. There will be no make-ups unless a doctor's note on official stationary is provided.  Make-ups must be taken within four calendar days.  After that-forget it.  Format of the make-up exams will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Assignments:
You can earn a total of 400 pts. for this class.
2 in-class exams - 100 pts. each
2 crossword puzzles - 25 pts. each
1 map quiz - 25 pts.
1 reflection paper -25 pts.
Cumulative Final exam - 100 pts.

Exam dates as well as the format of the exam will be announced in advance.

NOTE: Once the semester officially ends I will grade you on all of the materials that are in my possession.

Grading Breakdown
400-365 =A
365-330 =B
330-295 =C
295-260 =D
below 260 =F

Please:
1. Be ready, willing and able to go!
2. If you are going to be absent for more than one consecutive class, please call or email me. This is for your protection as well as mine.
3. If you need to leave early please let me know before class begins.
4. Do not give me elaborate excuses as to why you weren't in class or why you did not do the assignments. I'll respect you more if you tell me the truth.
5. Be courteous and respectful of others.

Students With Disabilities:
In coordination with the DSPS office, reasonable accommodation will be provided for eligible students with disabilities. If you do not yet have an accommodation letter, please contact the DSPS office and meet with an advisor. (650) 738-4280.

Basic Information:
1. Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class. For each weekday an assignment is late I will deduct 10 pts.
2. There is no extra credit available.
3. If you are late to any exam I am willing to give you a makeup (see above), however, I ask that you not enter the classroom and disturb others.
4. If you simply stop attending class and do not withdraw through Admissions and Records you will receive an F grade.
5. Attendance will be taken daily.
6. Please turn off all electronic equipment before class begins. In case of emergency - and only in these cases - the cell phone may be placed in silent mode.  At no times are cell phones to be answered or used in class for any purposes.
7. I understand that some of you may want to take notes on a computer.  I would.  But, if I see you're not using the computer for appropriate purposes I will request you not bring it to class.
8. All submitted work must be typed (double-spaced) and stapled with your G# on it.  I will not accept papers with social security numbers on them.
9. Each student has the obligation to know and uphold the College Rules and Regulations. Students who engage in disruptive behavior-conduct that interferes with the instructional, administrative, or service functions of the course-can be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from the course and/or college. Specifically, cell phone interruptions, the use of iPods, habitual profanity or vulgarity and continued willful disobedience will result in disciplinary action.

Integrity:
I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of maintaining and respecting academic integrity. What we're talking about is cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is the act of obtaining academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent acts. Plagiarism is taking someone else's work and passing it off as your own. I have "zero tolerance" for cheating and plagiarism. If I catch you plagiarizing (and believe me I will!), you will receive an F for the course. If you want to discuss this further please see me or check out page 24 in the Skyline College catalog.
 
My door is always open should you have questions, concerns or problems.

 

Sp. 2011