Every student has the right to learn as well as the responsibility not
to deprive others of their right to learn. In order to establish a classroom
environment that promotes academic learning seating may be restricted and
students must refrain from eating, using pagers, cell phones or personal
stereos in the class. If classroom distractions interfere with your ability
to participate and learn please bring them to the attention of the instructor.
Attendance, punctuality and class participation are essential for all students
in all class sessions. This is an information intensive course and your participation
in class is necessary for you to gain the most benefit from the course. Be
prepared to discuss and ask questions about the readings by finishing the
assignments before the meeting indicated on the schedule. Approximately ten
percent of your final grade will be based on attendance and class participation.
Students are allowed two (2) absences during the term. If an exam must be
missed for any reason, students must notify the instructor, in advance, in
order to make up the exam. Students arriving to class late (don't make it
a habit) should do so quietly and without drawing attention to themselves.
This course may differ from previous history courses you may have taken
in that it requires you to consider the big picture, making connections between
several topics over broad, sweeping periods of time rather than testing you
weekly over shorter periods covering a single theme. Mid-Term exams will be limited to one (1)
class hour. The two exams will be worth 100 points each. Each exam will be
composed of one essay covering the lectures and textbook worth 60 points,
and five identification terms worth eight points each. The Final will contain
the following additional essay for 50 points:
Consider the themes and controversies we have discussed this semester. What, in your opinion, has been the most significant factor in the development of American society? You must make a choice, and support your conclusions with specific detail.
Grades are calculated on the scale 90-100% A, 80-89% B, 70-79% C, 60-69%
D. Plus and minus grades will be assigned as appropriate. In borderline cases
the instructor will make the final determination based on improvement. No
extra credit work will be accepted.
Students are required to complete all work assigned for this class as scheduled
in this syllabus. Work turned in after the assigned date will be subject
to a half letter grade penalty for each class period late.
Academic Honesty, expected of every student as a member of the University
community, is essential to the process of education and to upholding high
ethical standards. Cheating or any other kind of unethical behavior may subject
the student to severe academic penalties, including failure of the course
and possible expulsion. This policy and will be enforced in this class.
Last Updated: January 2, 2003