Professor Victor M. Chavez
Office: 450 B
Telephone: 619.421.6700 x5438
Website: www.oocities.org/vchavez75
Office Hours: MWF 10am to 10:50am, TH 8:20 to 9:10am; Th 10:50am to 11:40am11am to 12pm; or by appointment
COURSE OBJECTIVE(S)
1. The primary objective for this course is to provide a comprehensive survey on the historical development effecting the U.S. since the "Civil War/Reconstruction" period (1860's) to modern times. We will focus on selective constitutional topics that impact our lives today. They include: Post-War Reconstruction Era, Progressivism, Road Towards Imperialism, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Civil Rights movement, and relevant contemporary issues (impeachment, abortion, social security, affirmative action). We will ambitiously and boldly span close to two-centuries of American history, so hold on to your seats and books as we take a "roller coaster" ride into the past, present.
2. A secondary objective is to consider whether it is appropriate to use past history to determine current public policy. Specifically, we will discuss whether the State should intervene today to remedy past injustices.
REQUIRED READINGS:
1. America, Vol II. by Tindall
2. Cuban Missile Crisis, by Munton and Welch
3. The Sixities, Anderson
4. Digial History
5. Class Website (www.oocities.org/vchavez75) and Internet access (newspapers--hardcopy or online)
6. Selected handouts
7. Library "reserves"
8. Independent outside research as assigned in class
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 outside assignments. In addition, I intend to aggressively use collaborative techniques, hence, be prepared for "heavy discussion" throughout the semester and make a friend!
ATTENDANCE
This is primarily a lecture/discussioncourse, consequently it behooves you to attend class regularly and engage in aggressive note taking. This will be most 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.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS:
Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss options with me as soon as possible and no later than the third week of the semester. An alternate format of this syllabus & class handouts is available upon request (audio-tape, Braille, etc.) Please feel free to contact Disability Support Services for further details (421-6700 x6512).
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Quizzes (10-15 points each): You will need a scantron sheet (Form #882-e) and a #2 pencil. The quizzes will be based on lecture presentations and I will administer between 5 and 7 throughout the semester.
2. Midterm (50 points): An in-class blue-book examination will be administered during the 9th or 10th week of the semester. I will pass out three (3) essay questions prior to the midterm date and I will select one for you to write on in class.
3. Final Examination (100 points total)
a. An in-class objective examination will be administered during the 17th or 18th week of the semester (20 points.)
b. Three page critique on Cuban Missile Crisis (20 points--deadline to be determined)
c. Five page critique on The Sixties (60 points---deadling to be determined)
d. Parameters for book critiques
4. Extra Credit (variable points)
5. I reserve the right to make adjustments to the course requirment throughout the semester.
6. Note: No "make-ups" will be allowed unless you have a verifiable emergency. Moreover, please keep a running tally of your points and keep copies of all assignments.
GRADES: The following percentages of the total points will determine your final grade:
90% or above = A
80% to 89% = B
70% to 79% = C
60% to 69% = D
59% or less = F
FINAL NOTES:
a. The bulk of the examination questions will be derived from class lectures discussion.
b. You must complete all required assignments and score a minimum of 70% of the points to successfully complete the
course with a "C."
c. To provide for flexibility and creativity I reserve the right to make adjustments on the grading scheme and topical
themes.
e. You have only one semester after the final grade is issued to contest it.
e. It is imperative that everyone conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner. Please arrive on time
and turn off your beepers and cellphones. No electronic devise will be allowed during examination periods.
f. Please, observe appropriate classroom etiquette