SYLLABUS Instructor Information Name: Dr. Theodore P. Syder Department: Social Sciences Department Office location / Hours: Room 2256/14 Telephone: (305) 237 – 1865 Email: tsyder@mdc.edu OFFICE HOURS 9:00A.M. – 10:15 A.M. M-W-F Course Information Course Title: AMH 2010 / U.S. HISTORY TO 1877 Ref. Number: 505132 Schedule: M-W-F 10:25 a.m. – 12:40 p.m. ROOM: 1219 Term: SUMMER B 2008-4 Credits: 3 Text Book: Unfinished Nation (5th Ed.). (Vol. I: to 1877). Alan Brinkley. Columbia University, N.Y. 2008… Course Description This course looks at American history from a global perspective. It surveys the many immigrant groups that have settled in the Americas beginning with the American natives, and how each group has contributed to the struggles and heroics of Western civilization. The purpose of the course is to strengthen students’ appreciation for cultural diversity, ethnic plurality, and interdisciplinary pedagogy. Course Objective The objective of this course is to ensure that students develop the capacity to ably demonstrate the following: Research, analyze, organize, interpret, and report data from a myriad of sources in a scholarly manner Demonstrate the ability to compare and contrast information using graphs, tables, critical writing, organizational charts, etc. 1 Conduct class debates to show evidence of critical thinking using supporting arguments for and against social, historical, ethical, political, economic, and cultural issues from various disciplines Evaluate historical events and draw logical conclusions from the data or scenario given Engage in problem-solving exercises to develop social, analytical, and critical thinking skills Instructional Approach / Strategies Assigned reading for class discussions and content mastery Research assignment for supplemental data for students’ enrichment and enhancement Collaborative learning exercises Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATS) Power point technology Lectures Student Presentations using power point technology Research paper (APA STYLE) Tests (multiple Choice and Essay) Course Competencies At the completion of this survey course in American history from a global perspective, students will be able to ably and satisfactorily perform the following competencies: 1. Write a scholarly research paper following correctly the writing requirements of the American Psychological Association (APA) manual. 2. Apply relevant information from a diverse group of disciplines to solve problems. 3. Use graphs, charts, tables, maps, etc. to demonstrate conceptualization and mastery of course content. 4. Demonstrate use of multi-media technology to make power point presentations and as a database for research projects. 5. Critically examine their written assignments for grammatical errors. 6. Assess their meta-cognitive approach to learning and make the necessary adjustments by means of classroom assessment techniques (CATS). 7. Demonstrate their transcendence of the national boundaries of American history by infusing relevant global, historical events in their written and oral presentations. 2 General Education Outcomes As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to perform all or most of the General Education Outcomes below. Outcomes specific to this course are #1, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7. 1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data. 3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning 4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historic 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 and appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities. 10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment. Course Requirements Assigned Textbook Punctuality and Attendance Class Participation Assignments must be turned on due date or earlier, but not later Students who drop course must inform registration so that your records can be updated 3 Course Evaluation / Grading Policy / Assessment Methods Grade A B C D F ASSESSMENT # 1 CASE STUDY #1 Research Paper (APA) ATTENDANCE & PART Assessment # 2 25% 20% 20% 10% 25% Total 100% points 4 3 2 1 0 7/10/09 7/17/09 7/24/09 7/29/09 Average Ranges 3.5 – 4.0 3.0 – 3.4 2.5 – 2.9 2.0 – 2.4 0.0 – 1.9 Final Grade A B C D F Course / Department Policies Accumulation of two unexcused absences equals one grade deduction. Students who are 15 minutes late to class will be marked as absent and will not be allowed to attend class. Under no circumstances will late assignments be accepted. Assignments, however, can be submitted earlier than the due date. Research papers that do not meet required standards will be returned with a grade of “F”. Make-up Exams will only be given if serious illness results. Make-ups will be at a time and date agreed upon by instructor and student. Cell phones must be turned off before entering the classroom environment. Students are encouraged to network with other students so that they may have an informed source for any missed assignment(s) or important information. No extra assignments will be given to help a student improve his or her grade standing. 4 Assigned Reading Pages Meeting of Cultures (pp. 3-25) Transplantations… (pp. 27-58) Society & Culture… (pp. 61-90) The Empire in… (pp. 93-115) The American Rev. (pp. 117-144) The Constitution… (pp. 147-165) The Jeffersonian… (pp. 169-200) Varieties of Ameri… (pp. 203-221) Jacksonian Ameri… (PP. 225-246) America’s Econo… (pp. 249-276) Cotton, Slavery… (pp. 279-299) Antebellum… (pp. 304-325) The Impending… (pp. 327-354) Civil War &Recon…(pp. 357-422) UNFINISHED NATION “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ DATE 6/22/09 6/24/09 6/26/09 6/29/09 7/03/09 7/06/09 7/08/09 7/10/09 7/13/09 7/15/09 7/17/09 7/20/09 7/22/09 7/24/09 Suggested Reading Berry, F. (Ed). (2001). From bondage to liberation. New York: Continuum. Chomsky, N. (1999). Latin America: From colonization to globalization. New York: Ocean Press. Clarke, J. H. (1998). Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan holocaust: Slavery and the rise of European capitalism. New York: A & B Publishers. Franklin, J. H. & Moss, A. A. Jr. (1994). From slavery to freedom (7th Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Fredrickson, G. M. (2002). Racism: A short history. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Hyman, M. (1994). Blacks before America. New Jersey: Africa World Press, Inc. Klein, H. S. (1986). African slavery in Latin America and the Caribbean. New York: Oxford University Press. Kush, I. K. (1999). What they never told you in history class. (Vol. I). New York: A & B Publishers. Loewen, J. W. (1995). Lies my teacher told me. New York: Touchstone. Mendez, A. (1994). Cubans in America. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Co. Menzies, G. (2003). 1421: The year China discovered America. New York: HarperCollins. Neill, W. T. (1956). Florida’s Seminole Indians. St. Petersburg: Great Outdoors Publishing Company. Patterson, O. (1991). Freedom in the making of western culture. New York: Basic Books. 5