History 2232-40, Online Taft College, Fall 2008
Political and Social History of the United States, 1877-Present
Dr. Jennifer L. Altenhofel
jaltenhofel@taft.org
661.763.7700
Course Goals
To understand the context of the American past and the roots and nature of change in
American society. To gain a deeper understanding of American philosophies, doctrines
and society through discussion, reading and review of historical sources, both primary
and secondary.
Required Reading
George Brown Tindall and David E. Shi, America, Vol. 2, 6th Edition, 2004. ISBN: 0393-92427-0.
David E. Shi and Holly A. Mayer, For the Record, A Documentary History of America,
Vol. 2, 2nd Edition, 2004. ISBN: 0-393-92445-9.
You will need the above books for this course. Both can be rented from the Taft College
bookstore.
Course Requirements
Reading Response (10 @ 20 points each)
Discussion Responses (10 @ 10 points each)
Mid-term 1
Mid-term 2
Final Exam
Total
200
100
40
40
100
480
Policy on Academic Fraud
Taft College will not accept or tolerate instances of academic fraud or plagiarism among
its students or faculty. Falsifying data, sources or experimental results, submitting others'
work as if it was yours, presenting the words or ideas of others without full and
appropriate citation, and cheating on exams are all instances of academic fraud. Students
who knowingly commit any of these offenses may ((1) receive a failing grade in the
course and (2) documentation of the event will be provided to the Vice-President of
Student Services, Vice-President of Instructional Services and Director of Distance
Learning.
Plagiarism, copying or initiating the language, ideas and/or thoughts of another author
and passing them off as one's original work.--This means do not copy words, phrases or
ideas from a website, book or other print media without quoting and citing the work.
There is no need to research for exams or essays outside of the course materials.
Fraud, deceit, trickery, sharp practice or breach of confidence by which it is sought to
gain some unfair or dishonest advantage. (American College Dictionary, Random House,
1964)
Students who may be unsure as to whether or not their writing or other work may
constitute academic fraud should seek the advice of their professor prior to formal
submission or presentation. Plagiarism and academic fraud are the most serious of
offenses, but they are easily avoided with a modicum of care and forethought.
Reading Responses from For the Record
At the end of even-numbered reading in For the Record, there are a series of Review
Questions. Choose five readings from each chapter and answer all of the Review
Questions for each of the five readings. This could be up to as many as 25 questions per
chapter. Remember to answer every aspect of each question. Reading responses should
be turned in to the LRC, TCI Instructional Staff or via e-mail to me.
Reading Responses for Chapters 18, 20 and 22 are due by September 25, 2008.
Reading Responses for Chapters 24, 26, 28 and 30 are due by October 30, 2008.
Reading Responses for Chapters 32, 34, and 36 are due by December 11, 2008.
You may use material from both books to respond to the questions. Do not use
information from the web or other books to answer these questions. This is
plagiarism and constitutes cheating. This means do not copy words, phrases or ideas from
a website, book or other print media without quoting and citing the work. There is no
need to research for exams or essays outside of the course materials. Please review the
following material regarding plagiarism.
Each of these must be turned in by 11pm of the due date.
Discussion Responses from For the Record
Questions for discussion are posted in the Class Discussions in the Discussion and
Private Messages Area. Read through the assignment questions in the Class Discussions
and answer accordingly. I will grade these in the Class Discussion and post the grade in
the gradebook.
To access the Discussion, Click on "Discussion and Private Message," then click on
"Class Discussions," then click on the chapter's discussion you want to complete. Points
(up to 10) are awarded for original responses, pertinent follow-up responses and
continuation of ideas previously presented. You may use the material from both books to
respond to the questions. Do not use information from the web or other books to answer
these questions.
Discussion Responses for Chapters 19 and 21 will close on September 25, 2008.
Discussion Responses for Chapters 23, 25, 27 and 29 will close on October 30, 2008.
Discussion Responses for Chapters 31, 33, 35 and 37 will close on December 11, 2008.
Each of these must be turned in by 11pm of the due date.
Completed assignments must be submitted online. If you need to contact me, use the
Message Center available here in ETUDES.
Examinations
The midterms and final exam are multiple-choice format. The final exam is
comprehensive; this means the exam covers the material from the entire course. Do not
use information from the web or other books to answer essay questions on the
exams.
The first mid-term covers chapters 18-22 and must be taken by September 25, 2008.
The second mid-term covers chapters 23-30 and must be taken by October 30, 2008.
The Final exam covers chapters 31-37, has one comprehensive essay question and must
be taken by December 11, 2008.
Each of these must be turned in by 11pm of the due date.
Note: I am available to help you. If you have questions, please e-mail them to me in the
Message Center in ETUDES.
Course Outline, Readings and Exam Schedule
August 25-September 25, 2008
Chapters 18-22 both books Reading Responses and Mid-term 1 due by September 25,
2008
September 26-October 30, 20068
Chapters 23-30 both books Reading Responses and Mid-term 2 due by October 30, 2008
October 31-December 11, 2008
Chapters 31-37 both books Reading Responses and Final Exam due by December 11,
2008