Victor M. Chavez, Professor of History, School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Office: 450 B: (619) 421-6700 x5438 vchavez@swccd.edu webpage: www.oocities.org/vchavez75
Office Hours: MW 12:pm to 1:25pm and T 9:25am to 10:45am or by appointment
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. The primary objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive survey on the historical development of the United States since the "Age of Discovery" (1400s) through "Reconstruction" (`1870s). For specific objectives/themes please click here or consult the departments approved course objectives.
2. We will attempt to ask ourselves if it is appropriate to consider the past when developing current public policy. To evaluate this complex issue we must search the past, digest its lessons, and continue to redefine its relationship to the present and future. Throughout this semester keep this simple question in mind: should the "past" be used to forge current public policy?
3. A tertiary theme is to develop effective note-taking, writing, and oral communication skills through the study of history. Therefore, the course requirements are tailored to secure this goal.
READINGS
Unfinished Nation, by Brinkley. If you do not purchase The Unfinished Nation, then please secure any general US history text that covers the following periods: Age of Discovery (1200ad) through Reconstruction (1870s)
Defending Slavery, Finkelman, Paul (required)
James K. Polk: A Clear & Questionble Destiny, Leonard, Thomas (required)
Selected Websites (required---Internet access is required)
Online Text via: www.digitalhistory.uh.edu
Media (newsprint) (required---Internet Accepted)
Library Reserves: to be assigned
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
To encourage participation and award independent effort the "Socratic" approach towards teaching will be used. With the aid of the attendance roster, I will call upon individuals to discuss or evaluate points made during class or found in the readings. You will be graded on your responses and participation in class. The art of oral communication is essential to human growth.
ATTENDANCE:
This is primarily a lecture/discussion course, consequently you are expected to attend class regularly, arrive on time, remain throughout the class period, and engage in aggressive note-taking. This will prove important when preparing for examinations/quizzes. If you are absent, you will be responsible for the materials missed in class. I will be more than happy to assist you, but in the final analysis, you are solely responsible for the subject matter. Please access the course website for updates. I will seriously consider dropping students who accumulate more than three hours of unexcused absences. Finally, habitual tardiness will impact your final grade.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS:
Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss options with me as soon as possible and no later than the second week of the semester. Please feel free to contact Disability Support Services for further details (421-6700 x6512).
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1.Objective Quizzes (10-15 points and usualy every two weeks.) You will need a scantron sheet (#882-E) and #2 pencil. Both are
available for purchase at the bookstore. The quizzes will be based on lecture presentations and I will administer between 6-9
throughout the semester. Dates will be announced in class.
2. Objective in-class midterm examination (40 points.) The midterm will be administered in-class during the 9th or 10th week of the
semester. It will be comprehensive and consist of some identification, multiple-choice, and true/false questions.
3. Class Participation (10 points). This will include your attendance record and contribution (Socrates) in class.
4. Final Examination worth 100 points will consist of:
a. In-class comprehensive objective/subjective test (20 points)
b. Lecture critique: a three-page typewritten (MLA & Microsoft Word format) critique on any one lecture will be due anytime during the
10th and 12th week of the semester (20 points.) Please click here for insturctions on the critique
c. Five-page typewritten (MLA and Microsoft Word format)--60points) critical analysis on Defending Slavery will be due by the 17th
week of the semester (60 points) Please click here for instructions on the critique
GRADES: The following percentages of the total points (approximately 200 points) will determine your final grade:
90% or above = A
80% to 89 = B
70% to 79 = C
60% to 69% = D
Extra Credit (10 points): A Three-page book critique on Leonard's James K. Polk will be due without exception on the 17th week of the semester. Please click here for instructions on the critique
FINAL NOTES:
The bulk of the examination questions will be derived from class lectures & discussion. You must complete all required assignments and score a minimum of 70% of the points possible to successfully complete the course with a "C." Students must keep a running log of their accumulated points. Please save all of your work in the event of a grade dispute. Moreover, to provide for flexibility and creativity, I reserve the right to make adjustments on the grading scheme. Finally, plariagarism or academic dishonesty of any type may be grounds for disciplinary action by me or the college. .
Conduct:
It is imperative that everyone conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner. Please arrive on time and turn off your beepers & cellphones. You may tape record the lectures and use a laptop computer. Please, observe appropriate classroom etiquette.
Academic Success Center
To ensure student success, I reserve the right to refer students to the ASC for tutorial services.