U.S. History: Preston Tucker

Course Overview:

course description

    Using artifacts from and about this country's social, cultural, political, and economic institutions, we'll survey the sweep of U.S. history, from pre-Colombian societies through Y2K. In discussing, writing, and interpreting this history, we hope to come to a fuller understanding of our current society.
    Our understanding of history is mediated. The details of the past come to us through the observers who have reported the events, through archivists who have assembled historical artifacts, through other historians who have interpreted the records. Therefore, as we practice researching, interpreting, and writing history, we'll also practice evaluating bias in media, an essential skill in contemporary society.

course goals

➢    Gain a foundation in the people, places, and events that inform the American experience.
➢    Track the development of the course themes through the years, as we try to evaluate them from multiple perspectives.
➢    Find, assess, and utilize balanced historical evidence and illustrations (primary and secondary source material) in support of a cohesive and informed interpretive argument.

course themes

➢    (im)migration
➢    defining the meaning and membership of the citizenry
➢    the tension between individual freedom and collective power
➢    slavery and its legacies
➢    the changing physical environment and attitudes towards it
➢    the nation’s role on the global stage

required texts

    When a reading assignment is due, you should always bring that text to class. This rule does not, however, apply to our main text, The Unfinished Nation.
➢    Brinkley, Alan.  The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People. 5th ed., vol. I and II,  New York: Mc-Graw-Hill, 2006. (UN)
➢    Davidson, James West, and Mark Hamilton Lytle.  After the Fact: the Art of Historical Detection.  5th ed.  New York: Mc-Graw-Hill, 2002. (AtF)
➢    Course Reader of selected primary and secondary sources. (CR)
➢    Successful completion of some assignments will require access to the web and to our class conference on CPSNet. If you do not have access to a computer at home, and if you anticipate that you won't be able to complete online assignments in the CPS computer labs, see me as soon as possible.

points of evaluation ^{_{(first semester %/second semester %)}}

➢    class participation (20% / 20%)

• completion of reading assignments; brief in-class writing; participation in discussions and simulations, demonstrated respect and consideration towards teachers, classmates, speakers, and those that have come before.

➢    quizzes (20% / 20%)

• There will be a short quiz following the completion of each reading unit. The scores of your four worst quizzes will not count towards your semester grade.

➢    papers (30% / 20%)

• The DBQ’s and out-of-class writing that you turn in will count towards this grade, exclusive of the term paper.

➢    semester exam (20% / 20%)
➢    term paper (10% / 20%)

• You will do much of the research and outlining for your term paper during the first semester.

absence, lateness, and other signs of slack

    If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to get notes, handouts, and any other materials that were distributed during your absence. All missed assignments must be made up within two days of your return to school. If a co-curricular commitment requires you to be absent during your normal U.S. History class period, you can attend any other U.S. History class section, including those taught by Dr. Jay. You should let me know if you are going to miss your regular period. no late work will be accepted unless you clear it with me first.
    Turn in all of your assignments on time. If something is likely to prevent you from doing so, plan ahead and talk to me about it. Without a prior arrangement between student and teacher, you will receive no credit for late homework or other assignments.
    Students not at a desk at the sound of the bell will be considered tardy. Excessive tardiness, as well as absences and disruptive behavior, won't reflect well on your grade. Recidivists will be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action. Four tardies per semester equals detention! Don't go there!

plagiarism

    Passing off the work of others as if it were your own is unacceptable. Apart from the moral and ethical problems with plagiarism, there are specific prohibitions against it in the CPS Handbook. You will receive no credit for plagiarized work, and, in some cases, you may be expelled from school.
    If you do not specify otherwise, I'll assume that work you submit is your own. If you work with a group as part of an assignment, I'll know that the work is a collective product. If you collaborate without citation on homework that is presented as your own, that is a form of plagiarism.
    Historians rely heavily on the work and interpretations of others in pursuit of their art, but obsessive care must be given to properly credit those who have contributed to your ideas and work. Good citations bolster good arguments. If you have doubts about when to cite, talk to me. We'll further discuss this critical issue in class.

office hours

    I'll be available in the History Office during 2^nd, 3^d, and 6^th periods and by appointment. E-mail is the best way to contact me if you cannot find me. If you e-mail me after 5:00 P.M., you cannot be assured of a response until the next work day.

publications

This, and other documents will be stored electronically on our class conference on CPSNet.

Other Section Resources:

Useful Links

A collection of web links relevant to this class.