History 1301: United States History To 1877
Arp High School DC Syllabus
Required Textbook:
The American Nation by Carnes, Garraty
Thirteenth Edition, 2008, ISBN 0205562728
Course Description:
The primary goal of History 1301 is to increase your knowledge and understanding of
how and why the United States came to be what it is today. This course traces the growth
of the United States, beginning with some of the historical developments and events
which occurred before the voyages of Christopher Columbus. It continues with those
which have occurred since the late fifteenth century through the Civil War. Emphasis is
placed not only on political and economic issues, but also on military, diplomatic,
religious, social, and philosophical ones as well. This survey course of United States
history to 1877 is intended to provide an introduction to the framework of American
history and to lay the groundwork for any future study. The course is designed to help
students understand and evaluate their society, comprehend the historical experience, and
further develop reading competency and critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged
to participate in discussions pertaining to the lectures and issues from the textbook.
Videotapes may be used during the course of the semester to supplement the textbook.
Core Curriculum Intellectual Competencies:
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Analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials – books, documents and
articles – at a college level.
Analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication and possess
sufficient literary skills of writing and reading – at a college level.
Think and analyze at a critical level.
Course Requirements:
There will be four major exams (100 points each) which includes the final exam. Each
exam will consist of 100 questions. Each exam may consist of multiple choice questions,
short answer/identification questions, and essay questions. Test questions may be taken
from the lectures, the textbook and supplemental readings when assigned. The course
grade will be determined by the average of the four major exams.
No extra-credit projects will be offered for the semester.
Attendance
Regular and punctual class attendance is expected. Since exams are based on assigned
readings, lecture material, and class discussions, class attendance is important. Students
need to come to class, be on time, and remain in class until dismissed.
Course Goals/Objectives:
The instructor may choose and emphasize course content, determine the order of course
content, and discuss related topics to United States history to 1877. Some of the
discussion topics are as follows:
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Describe the major Indian cultures in North America prior to European settlement
and analyze the effects of that settlement on the indigenous peoples of America.
Discuss the motivations for European colonization of North America and identify
differences between the British and Spanish experiences of colonization.
Compare and contrast the social, economic and political development of the
British colonies in the area that became the United States.
Describe and explain the origins of racism and slavery in America and analyze the
long-term effects of slavery on American society.
Describe the social and political implications of religion in America to 1876.
Analyze the causes, consequences and the meaning of the American Revolution.
Discuss the significant military and diplomatic operations of the Revolutionary
War.
Analyze the immediate and long-term effects of the Declaration of Independence.
Describe and explain the development and meaning of the Constitution and the
Bill of Rights.
Discuss the development of the American economic, political and diplomatic
systems during the Federalist Era.
Discuss the factors shaping America during the early national period.
Analyze the meaning of Jacksonian democracy and social reform in America
during the 1830s and 1840s.
Discuss the concept of Manifest Destiny and describe the expansion of the
United States from 1800 to 1848.
Analyze the causes, consequences and the meaning of the Civil War.
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Discuss the social, political, economic, diplomatic and military aspects
of the Civil War.
Discuss and evaluate the meaning of Reconstruction.
Assess the significance of geography in the process of shaping America.
Analyze the meaning of freedom, equality and identity in America to 1877.
Academic Dishonesty
Mr. Herrington’s official policy is that academic dishonesty is unacceptable and will not
be permitted. Any student caught in an act of scholastic dishonesty will be disciplined in
accordance with TJC’s regulations and procedures.
Classroom Decorum:
If a student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain any handouts from the
instructor. In addition, if a student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain
class notes from another class member. The instructor will not lend his/her notes to a
student.
Rudeness is unacceptable and common courtesies will be enforced. Thank you for your
courtesy to both me and the rest of the class. Newspaper reading or other inappropriate
or disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated. Do not sleep or work on material for other
classes during this class. No eating is permitted in class. If a student is unable to comply
with these requirements, the individual should drop the class.
Code of Student Behavior: If behavior should occur that I deem disruptive, I will
privately let you know that your behavior is disruptive. If behavior occurs a second time
that I deem disruptive, you will be reported to the proper authorities.
Keep a record of all grades so you will know your standing in the course at all times.
It is important to have comprehensive class notes to prepare for major exams. If need be,
consult with other students to make certain you have a good set of chapter notes.
Supplement your chapter notes with material from the textbook, and suggested
supplemental reading materials.
Please ask for help when you need it. Ask questions when you don’t understand.