U.S. History: Kathryn Jay

Course Overview:

THE CURRENT COURSE WEBSITE:
http://faculty.college-prep.org/~kathryn/ushistory/index.html

This course provides a survey of the political, social, economic, and cultural development of the United States from pre-European contact through the present.  In the fall semester, topics we will cover include: European appropriation and settlement of North America; the forging of a national identity; war and violence in the making of the nation; the institution of slavery and its opponents; “manifest destiny” and westward expansion; social movements and religious awakenings; regional conflicts that led to civil war; the Civil War and its aftermath.

This course will also serve as an introduction to history as a field of study. We will examine how historians work by using the kinds of documentary evidence upon which historians rely, by analyzing the way historians construct arguments, by seeing how historians relate their work to the work of other historians, and by examining differing historical viewpoints.  You will have a many opportunities to be a historian, reconstructing events and constructing historical explanations using documentary evidence and the work of other historians.

Course Themes

• Movement (migration, immigration, westward expansion)
• Freedom and liberty in the American imagination
• The emergence of national identity
• The challenges of diversity
• The shifting boundaries of “community” and the meaning of citizenship

Texts

• Brinkley, Alan.  The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People. 5th ed., vol. I and II,  New York: Mc-Graw-Hill, 2008. (UN)
•  Course reader of primary and secondary sources (CR)

Lateness (on assignments and to class)

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 Mr. Tucker. 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 who are not sitting at a desk at the sound of the bell will be considered tardy. Excessive tardiness, as well as absences and disruptive behavior, will not reflect well on your grade. Recidivists will be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action. Four tardies per semester equals detention!

Office Hours

I'll be available in the History office during 3th and 6th period and by appointment.

A NOTE ON PLAGIARISM
Your papers, homework assignments, on-line postings, and exams should be your own work and your own words.  All students are responsible for understanding what constitutes plagiarism and cheating.  Ignorance is not a valid excuse if you are caught cheating or plagiarizing.  Plagiarism will bring an automatic fail on the assignment, and may involve a referral of disciplinary action to the Dean’s Office.

Other Section Resources:

Assignments

Find recent and upcoming assignments detailed here.

Class Resources

Notes, slide shows, handouts, and other useful items.

Useful Links

A collection of web links relevant to this class.

Student Work

Examples of student work prepared for this course.

Course Description

 

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