SYLLABUS
Course Title:
Number:
Schedule:
Term:
Credits:
HISTORY OF THE U.S. FROM 1877
AMH 2020 REF #863979
T-R 8:25am – 9:40am, Room 8213
Fall 2015 (2015-1)
3
Instructor Information
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Name/title: Paul Tisevich, Associate Professor, Senior
Department: Social Sciences
Office location: 3506-5
Office Hours: M, W, F: 9am-10am; Other times by arrangement
Telephone: 305-237-3094
Email: ptisevic@mdc.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION & GOALS:
This course surveys the major political, social, economic, military, and diplomatic trends
that have shaped the United States since the industrial revolution. It is an introductory
course designed to expose students to the major themes, interpretations, and events that
have shaped modern America. The course will emphasize the events of the last eighty
years, and their influence on today’s world.
The major objectives of the class are to familiarize students with the major trends and
ideological forces that have shaped the United States since the late 19th century; to
enable students to understand the interplay between the past and the present; to introduce
students to the dynamic nature of history by acquainting them with important historical
controversies and recent interpretations; and to develop skills in analysis and critical
thinking through the interpretation of historical evidence. This class will also encourage
students to take an active interest in current domestic and foreign issues to develop the
understanding necessary for the exercise of responsible citizenship.
Emphasis will be on historical trends and concepts in modern American History and how
they relate to and interact with the wider world, rather than the memorization of a list of
names and dates.
TEXTBOOK: Mark C. Carnes & John A. Garraty, The American Nation, Volume 2. 15th
Edition, 2015 ISBN: 9780134138442
OTHER REQUIRED MATERIAL: As directed; will possibly include readings from
Internet and other online sources.
Learning Outcomes
AMH 2020 will foster the following learning outcomes as formulated by the
college to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills and the
development of attitudes that foster effective citizenship and life-long learning. While all
Learning Outcomes come into play in any course, AMH particularly emphasizes
Outcome 5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information.
Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical
perspectives.
6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social
responsibilities.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the
environment.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
All students are required to keep up with reading assignments as listed and are
responsible for the content of lectures, film, handouts, emails or other material presented
or discussed in class. Textbook and other assignments must be read BEFORE class
lectures and discussions. Also, be sure that you have a College email address, and check
it regularly, as I will be sending you information by that method.
Attendance is mandatory and essential to satisfactorily completing the course. If you miss
more than 3 classes (which may include arriving late and leaving early for any reason),
you may be purged from the rolls. This means, that I may drop you from the class. Also,
you may possibly receive a grade of “F”. Students should notify the instructor of any
planned absences; this still does not relieve you of the obligation to attend class.
Withdrawal from a course is not encouraged and should be considered as a last
alternative. You are responsible for filling out the withdrawal card and turning it in to the
Registration Office before the deadline.
Please note that cell phone use in class is prohibited, except on occasion when
your Professor directs you to use them. Please turn them off and put them away
before class begins. Using cell phones – including texting and/or leaving to make
or take calls – will be penalized by class participation grade reductions and may
make you ineligible for extra credit.
Students who bring in laptops or tablets to take notes must ONLY be used for purposes
of this class – no doing emails, chatting, surfing, etc. Doing so will result in the same
penalties mentioned in the above paragraph.
This class demands your complete attention and as in all Miami Dade College classes,
courteous college behavior is expected at all times.. Please have consideration for your
fellow classmates and Professor and refrain from doing things that would disturb the
learning environment of the class. Students are encouraged to meet with instructor
regarding any concerns they may have in relation to the class. Please do not hesitate to
discuss any issues or questions that may arise, in person, by phone, or through e-mail.
GRADING: All work must be completed and turned in by the due date. No work will be
accepted past the due date unless approved by the instructor. (Note: There will be
absolutely no make ups of pop quizzes). There will be a Midterm and a Final Exam,
one presentation, a Map Test, and a film critique. The key to success is to stay on
schedule with the work and do not get behind, as you may never catch up.
Assignments
number
points each total points
Final Exam
one
100
100
Midterm Exam
one
60
60
Group Presentation
one
80
80
Film Critique
one
60
60
Map Test
one
50
50
Attendance and Participation
(will include open-book pop quizzes and reflections)
150
TOTAL
500
(Note: Extra credit assignment(s) MAY be made available during the Semester.)
A = 450-500 of 500 total points
B = 400-449 of 500total points
C = 350-399 of 500total points
D = 300-349 of 500total points
F = 0-299 of 500 total points
The Midterm and Final Exam are multiple-choice; .
For the Presentations, Film Critiques, and possible extra-credits, detailed instructions will
be provided. Presentation dates TBD
Pop Quizzes and Reflections are open book, done in class; some are cooperative.
The Map Test (date TBD) requires identification of geographic features on maps.
Course Schedule (note: 11/26 is a Holiday!)
Week 1 (8/25, 8/27) Introduction; Syllabus; Historical Research
Theme: The “Conquest” of the West.
Readings: Chapter 17
Week 2 (9/1, 9/3)
Theme: Industrialization, Immigration
The Rise of Cities; Recreation
Readings: Chapters 18 & 19
Film Critique Assignment distributed;
Group Presentations assigned
Week 3 (9/8, 9/10)
Themes: Late 19th Century Culture & Politics
Readings: Chapters 20 & 21
Week 4 (9/15, 9/17) Themes: The Progressives; Teddy Roosevelt
The Beginnings of the “American Empire”
Readings: Chapters 22 & 23
Week 5 (9/22, 9/24) Themes: The Great War
Readings: Chapter 24
Week 6 (9/29, 10/1) Theme: The Roaring Twenties
Readings: Chapter 25
Week 7 (10/6, 10/8) Theme: The Economy: Boom, Bust and the Great Depression
FDR and the New Deal
Readings: Chapter 26
Week 8 (10/13, 10/15)Themes: The Dictators: The Coming of World War II
Readings: Chapter 27
Week 9 (10/20, 10/22)Themes: The Second World War and its Aftermath
Readings: As directed
Week 10 (10/27, 10/29)Themes: The Cold War
Readings: Chapter 28
Week 11 (11/3, 11/5) Themes: From Kennedy to Nixon: Civil Rights, Vietnam, The
Counterculture
Readings: Chapter 29
Week 12 (11/10, 11/12)Themes: From Kennedy to Nixon: Civil rights, Vietnam, The
Counterculture
Readings: As directed
Week13 (11/17, 11/19)Themes From Nixon to Reagan:
Readings: Chapter 30
Week 14 (11/24)
Themes: The Nineties
Readings: Chapter 31
Week 15 (12/1, 12/3) Themes: The 21st Century
Readings: Chapter 32
Film Critique due 12/1
Week 16 (12/8, 12/10)Themes: Recent History: “And so it goes”
Readings: As directed
Students will take the final exam on Thursday, December 17, 8:25am –
9:55am
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Please read the section in your Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (located
in the Current Students page) regarding this issue. Any form of academic dishonesty,
including plagiarism, will result in an “F” for that test or assignment. Violations of Miami
Dade College’s policies regarding academic integrity may also result in a student’s
receiving a grade of F for the course.
Cheating is the attempt – successful or not – to give or receive help or information by
illicit means in meeting any academic requirements, including exams. Plagiarism is the
use, without proper acknowledgement, of the ideas, phrases, sentences or expressions of
another writer.
Available Support Services
Access Disability Services:
Students with documented disabilities should contact ACCESS Disability Services in
advance for information and for obtaining assistance. No retroactive accommodations can
be provided. The ACCESS department is located in Room 1180 They may be reached at
(305) 237-3072. Hours of operation: M-R 7:30am-6:00pm; F 7:30am-4:30pm.
College Writing Center: If you need assistance with papers or other writing
assignments, the writing center can assist in tutoring or general questions regarding
written work. They are located in Building 2000, room 22301-3. They can be reached at
(305)-237-3466. Hours of operation: M-R 9:00am-7:00pm & F 9:00am-1:00pm
COURSE COMPETENCIES
COMPETENCE I By the end of the term, the student will demonstrate his/her
knowledge of the location of the world’s continents, oceans, seas, major rivers and
mountain ranges. Also, he/she will demonstrate geographical knowledge of North
America.
COMPETENCE II By the end of the term, the student will demonstrate an ability to
categorize and relate historical developments sequentially. He/she will show proficiency
by earning satisfactory grades on a series of tests whose answers elicit such knowledge.
COMPETENCE III Cause and effect: By the end of the term, the student will
demonstrate an ability to recognize and to analyze how it is that certain factors coalesced
and rendered change in the course of human events; how that change causes or came to
be influenced by other factors.
COMPETENCE IV Recognition of Legacy: By the end of the term, the student will
demonstrate awareness and an understanding of the principal historical inheritances
provided by those who have gone before. This includes study in the fields of philosophy,
ethics, religion, politics, economics, science, diplomacy, architecture, literature, sculpture
and warfare.
COMPETENCE V Terminology: By the end of the term, the student will demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of the terminology related to ideological, political,
economic, artistic and sociological trends, as well as those of organizations, movements,
and/or individuals which are identified with such process.
Let’s make this course a successful one, by participating in class discussions. Your
constructive opinions are welcomed.
Course Syllabus
Students will receive a copy of this syllabus in a digital format via e-mail. Students
should print out a copy of the course syllabus and create a back-up digital copy.
Students should consult the syllabus often (at least weekly) in order to remain up to
date on all readings and assignments. Should a student lose his/her copy of the
syllabus, it is his/her responsibility to contact the professor immediately to receive
another copy.
The Professor reserves the right to make changes as he may deem
necessary to class assignments. This syllabus is tentative & may be
subject to change.
8/21/2015