HIST 102-1001
United States History 1865 to Present
Number of Credits: 3
Transferability of Course within Nevada: Transfers to all NSHE institutions
Prerequisites: No course prerequisites but it is recommended that students taking this
course are eligible to enroll in English 101, are currently enrolled, or have completed
English 101.
Instructor:
Kim DesRoches
Contact Info:
kim.desroches@wnc.edu
327 Bristlecone: 445-4288
M-W:
9:30-10:45
Required Texts:
American Horizons: US History in a Global Context, Vol. II Since 1865, Scahller,
Schulzinger, Bezís-Selfa et al., Oxford University Press, 2014.
ISBN: 978-0-19-973991-2
Reading American Horizons: Primary Sources for US History in a Global Context Vol.
II, Scahller, Schulzinger, Bezís-Selfa et al., Oxford University Press, 2014.
ISBN: 978-0-19-976850-9.
Course Details
I.
Course Description
Covers American history and civilization since the end of the American Civil War
II.
Course Objectives and Linkage to General Education Program
The purpose of this course is provide a foundation of knowledge that allows students to
further their study of American History and/or apply this knowledge to meet their
personal and professional needs. The information in the parenthesis after a course
objective refers to the specific general education (GE) learning outcome that the
objective meets. Objectives without this information are not linked to WNC’s general
education program.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated they can:
1. Exhibit factual knowledge of fundamental principles, factors for change, theories,
and generalizations from the field of American history after 1865 (GE 1).
2. Examine historical and cultural changes through the location and evaluation of
information including primary and secondary sources (GE 4).
3. Describe diverse historical and/or contemporary positions on selected democratic
values or practices (GE 5).
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4. Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking through substantially error-free prose
suitable in style and content to the purpose of the document and the audience (GE
2, 9).
5. Draw a conclusion about a contemporary or enduring issue in American History
and support the conclusion with appropriate reasoning and evidence (GE 10).
This course is also designed to encourage the critical analysis of ideas, argument, and
points of view. This is demonstrated through written communication, asynchronous
discussion posts and in class discussions. Students will learn to apply course materials
and in class experiences to improve analytical skills and rational thinking. This goal is
achieved by formulating questions, seeking answers, and participation during class. As
such, attendance is mandatory and will be monitored each class session. Should you
need to miss class, contact me prior to the event to make any necessary alternative
arrangements.
Policies and Procedures
1. Classroom conduct: This course is designed to encourage a great deal of
discussion about a variety of topics and issues including controversial themes and
adult material. It is quite possible that there will not be a consensus on these
issues; thus, we will work together to create an environment where all participants
feel free to express themselves. This will be accomplished by following basic
rules of courtesy: no name-calling, interrupting, or use of pejorative language
directed at either classmates or outside groups.
2. Academic Dishonesty: This category includes: plagiarism, cheating, and /or
falsifying medical excuses for absences. This includes the use of “cut and pasted”
information from the internet without attribution, submitting passages of quoted
text without use of quotation marks or attribution. Any violation will result in a
failing grade on the particular assessment where the infraction occurred, and
may result in a failing grade for the overall exam or assessment, and could result
in a failing grade in the course at the instructor’s discretion. The determination to
assign a failing grade is subject to the College’s Appeal process. To avoid the
issue in the first place, review the following from WNC’s Academic Dishonesty
policy at http://wnc.edu/policymanual/3-4-5.htm.
From WNC Manual Section 4: What are Specific Acts of Academic
Dishonesty?
A. Cheating
Cheating is an act of deception by which a student misrepresents that he or she
has mastered information on an academic exercise, which in fact has not been
mastered. Examples include:
 Copying from another student's test or assignment.
 Allowing another student to copy from a test or assignment.
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
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Collaborating during a test with any other person without instructor
permission.
Using the course textbook or other course materials during a test
without instructor permission.
Using prepared materials during a test (e.g., notes, formula lists, notes
written on the student's clothing, etc.) without instructor permission
Taking a test for someone else or permitting someone to take a test for
the student.
B. Plagiarism: Plagiarism is presenting someone else's words, ideas or data as
one's own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas or data
of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged through
complete, accurate and specific references, and if verbatim statements are
included, through quotation marks as well. In academically honest writing or
speaking, the student will acknowledge the source whenever:
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Another person's actual words are quoted.
Another person's idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is
completely paraphrased in the student's own words.
Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the
information is common knowledge
3. Americans with Disabilities Act: This institution and this instructor are
committed to accommodating any student who requires additional or optional
resources in order to succeed in this course. Disability support services are
available to any student requiring accommodations. You can access the Disability
Support Services office at (775) 445-3268 or by email at
http://www.wnc.edu/studentservices/dss/index/php.
4. Electronics: Use of cell phones, PDA’s, and any audio or video recording devices
is prohibited unless prior permission of instructor obtained. To comply with
WNC’s Emergency Management plan, cell phones are to be left on but set to
vibrate so emergency communications are received.
5. Instructor Communication: I will make every effort to respond to email
requests/correspondence within 48 hours Monday through Friday. I will notify the
class prior to any changes in this schedule.
6. For Student Grievances: Any issues with the class are to be addressed first to
me. If you are not satisfied that a just solution has been reached, you have 30 days
to contact the division head and file a written grievance. The attached link
provides the College Policy for Student Grievance procedures.
http://www.wnc.edu/policymanual/3-5-2.php
7. Canvas Learning Management System. ALL written work is to be submitted
to Turnitin via the Canvas Learning Management System. Canvas is also
used for all Discussion Forum assignments. All students are required to create a
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login to Canvas if not already established. You will have received an invitation to
join the course prior to the start of the semester.
8. Ask the Class Forum on Canvas: This is a semester long opportunity to pose
specific questions about navigating the course, issues concerning access to
external links or material, areas of concern in the readings, or to pose questions of
related interest that can benefit the whole class. This provides an opportunity for
peer-to-peer problem solving as you are encouraged to ask questions and provide
answers to others.
9. Canvas Orientation: You will find an orientation to Canvas provided in the class
modules. Complete this orientation by the end of week one. Please review the
topics and refer to the orientation for technical and navigation questions.
Assessments
Assessment Overview: Course evaluations will be based upon four scheduled exams,
five short papers, five discussion posts, one research proposal including an outline and
annotated bibliography, and one 8-10 page research paper. Schedule your time
accordingly as no late work will be accepted. All exams are scheduled and no
makeup exams will be allowed except in the case of verifiable medical
emergency. Should you anticipate the need to reschedule an exam please contact me
prior to the scheduled exam date.
1st Exam
2nd Exam
3rd Exam
4th Exam
Five short papers @ 30
Five Discussion posts @ 30
Research Proposal
Research paper
Attendance and Participation
Total:
Grade Scale
100-94%
93-90%
89-87%
86-83%
82-80%
79-77%
76-73%
72-70%
69-60%
59-00%
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
150 points
150 points
100 points
200 points
50 points
1050 points
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD No plus or minus grades will be earned below 69% achievement.
F
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Withdrawals are the sole responsibility of the student. The last day for a student to
withdraw from the class is Friday of Week 9. Students who discontinue attendance
without going through the withdrawal procedure will earn a final grade based upon total
number of points earned by the last date of attendance.
Discussion Forums
After completing the assigned primary source readings for the Discussion Forum,
select themes from one or both readings, think critically, and then respond at least
twice during the week. Your first response is due on Thursday the week it is
assigned. Your two (or more) responses must be posted by 11:59 on Sunday the
week it is due. Participation in the discussion is mandatory—failure to participate
will result in the loss of available points. A specific grading rubric is attached to each
forum.
 Format: Using paragraphs of 200-250 words, provide a thoughtful and analytical
discussion of selected themes. Unlike the short papers, you are not required to
compare the readings but have the discretion to select what you believe to be the
most salient points to discuss.
 Submit at least two substantive “reply” posts of 100-150 words. Substantive
replies to other students or the instructor make up your participation grade.
Substantive replies go beyond “I agree,” or “I see your point.” Effective
responses relate course readings, theory, research, or personal experience to the
discussion topic.
Grading Criteria: This assignment will be graded on adhering to the above format and the
following provisions: Try to tie your analysis into the readings for the week in direct ways (such
as citing a key phrase). I do not want a summary of the readings by any means, but this can
improve and support your argument. The ultimate goal is for you to address the readings in a
critical way (positive or negative). Cite a key phrase, analyze intent, sources, structure, thesis, and
apply this to your own ideas about the subject. This means including an in-text citation for any
section of the text or another source used for developing ideas and including a full reference page
for citations. An in-text citation includes the publisher(s) name and the year of publication; for a
direct quote the page number should also be included.
Written Assignments:
This section contains information on the Short Paper and Research Paper assignments.
For more information on APA style information go to Purdue Owl site:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Short Papers (30 points)
All short papers are due on the Friday of the week they are assigned and will be
submitted through Canvas. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. Write a short, 2-3
page paper for the primary source readings listed in the schedule. All short papers will
include an APA formatted cover page (not included in the page count) and be composed
using the Five-Paragraph essay model. Reading selections are found in the Reading
American History text. Papers are typed, double spaced, and will convey your analysis of
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each work. Focus on analysis over plot summary. Include in the analysis discussion of
how the short selection reflects the time in which it is written, how it relates to
becoming a nation; cultural, economic, or constitutional issues addressed, how it
compares with the second and/or third selection, and what relevance can be
identified that is useful in the contemporary world.
Short Paper Rubric
Five-paragraph essay format is
mandatory. Essay is well organized,
contains an introduction, thesis statement,
logical body paragraphs and conclusion.
Paragraphs adhere to 5-7 sentence model
and are internally coherent.
Analysis of text (6pts)
The focus of the essay is analysis not
summary or literary critique.
Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation (6pts) Document is carefully edited to remove
errors
Appropriate use of source material and/or Citations are mandatory after ANY quoted
citations (6pts)
material and must be used after
paraphrased or summarized information if
taken from a source other than the primary
source reader.
Application of historical thinking (6 pts)
Discussion of context, complexity,
contingency, change over time, causation
or empathy.
College Level Writing (6pts)
Research Proposal and Paper

Research Proposal: You will select a topic from the timeframe of the course
1877-21st Century. A complete proposal contains the following: Cover page,
abstract, brief outline, and annotated bibliography.
o You must select ten (10) academic articles on the selected topic. Your
abstract contains your research topic, research questions, and anticipated
conclusions. Your abstract should be a single, non-tabbed, paragraph that
is double-spaced. Your abstract should be between 150 and 250 words.
o Sources: Your sources must come from peer reviewed/academic
sources and can include books, or journals articles available through
WNC Library resources (http://library.wnc.edu/). NO NON-ACADEMIC
INTERNET SOURCES ALLOWED including Wikipedia,
Encyclopedia or .com sites found through Google type searches. Do not
use Blogs, Newspaper articles, Trade Journals, book reviews or news
weeklies. Do not include any source that does not contain a bibliography
(for example WWI Magazine or WWII Magazine) Failure to use
acceptable sources will result in the rejection of the project.
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o All projects must be submitted following APA formatting for cover page,
abstract, and annotated bibliography. Assignment grade will be based on
appropriate choices of reference material, proper use of APA style
bibliography and proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation of abstract
and cover page in APA style.
Sample Annotated Reference Entry in APA style
Example: Annotated Entry for a Scholarly Journal Article (NOTE: Any annotation starts
on a new line and is indented an extra one-half inch)
Author, A. A., Author, B.B., & Author, C. C. (Year of publication). Article title: Article
subtitle. Journal Title: Journal Subtitle, volume number, page range. doi: (doi
number, if available)
Osthaus, B., Marlow, D., & Ducat, P. (2010). Minding the gap: Spatial perseveration
error in dogs. Animal Cognition, 13, 881-885. doi:10.1007/s10071-010-0331-z
After domesticated dogs followed a course multiple times, the study
measured their success of navigating a changed route. The results indicate
dogs develop spatial memory and navigation as a conditioned response,
and have difficulty overcoming and unlearning that response.
Outline
As part of the research proposal you will construct a brief outline identifying general
structure of the paper including introduction content, body paragraph organization and
conclusion. A sample outline is provided in Canvas.
Research Paper: (200 points) See sample in Canvas (from AMU MILH 621)
Analytical Essay: No later than the end of Week 13 (Sunday) you will submit an 8-10
page, double-spaced -- excluding cover page, abstract and references-- analytical essay
that addresses your topic. Your essay must be documented following APA criteria.
Grading Criteria: The research paper will be graded according to the following essential
elements: 1) introduction providing a thesis statement; 2) body providing a discussion of
central themes supported by primary / secondary sources; 3) conclusion drawing together
the themes of the paper in a succinct, organized, and persuasive manner; and, 4) citations
that are properly used for quoted and paraphrased material.
Format: The research paper will be 8-10 text pages using Times New Roman or other
common 12-point font and double-spaced throughout. The title of your paper found on
the cover page and in headers should accurately reflect the content of your paper’s text.
The research paper must include a reference page of at least six of the ten annotated
academic sources. See acceptable sources list above. If there is a question about whether
a source meets the academic criteria, contact the instructor. You are encouraged to use as
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many sources as appropriate. However, a huge bibliography will not compensate for a
weak or poorly-constructed paper.
Research Paper Grading Rubric
College level writing (20 Points)

Essay is well organized, contains an
introduction, thesis statement,
logical body paragraphs and
conclusion. Paragraphs adhere to 5-7
sentence model and are internally
coherent.
Proper use of reference material (20
points)

Accuracy and Proper use of APA citation
format (20 Points)

Reference material is well
summarized and relevant. Quoted
passages are kept to a minimum
and all paraphrased information is
properly cited.
Citations are formatted and used
properly. This includes proper
citation format (APA), avoiding
plagiarism, and accurately
representing the author’s work.
Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, and
Sentence Structure (20 Points)

Sufficiency and Relevancy (20 Points)

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Few to none errors in grammar,
spelling, or punctuation. Few to none
instances of incomplete or runsentences.
Writing is sufficient according to the
requirements of the assignment. You
have explored all questions posed
from thesis or through analysis. Your
writing is relevant. You have stayed
on topic
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Schedule of Readings and Assignments
Week I:
August 31-September 2 2015
Course Introduction and Canvas Introduction
Historical Thinking and exercise
Reconstruction Review
Read Chapter 15 and 16
PS 15.5, 15.7
Week II:
September 7-9 2015
September 7 Labor Day No Class
Forging a Transcontinental Nation
Short Paper 1 Due (PS 16.1, 16.5)
Read Chapter 17
Week III:
September 14-16 2015
Second Industrial Revolution
A New Labor Order
Discussion Forum 1 (PS 17.3, 17.6)
REMINDER: Initial post due Wednesday; final posts by Sunday
Read Chapter 18
Week IV:
September 21-23 2015
Cities, Immigrants, Culture and Politics
PS 18.2, 18.4, 18.5
Research Proposals Due
Week V:
September 28-30
Exam 1: Chapters 15-18
Read Chapter 19
PS: 19.1, 19.3
Week VI:
October 5-7, 2015
The United States and Imperialism
Short Paper 2 Due (PS: 19.2; 19.4)
Read Chapter 20
PS: 20.3, 20.5
Week VII:
October 12-14, 2015
Age of Progressivism and Reform
PS 20.4—critical analysis in class
Read Chapter 21
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Week VIII:
October 19-21, 2015
World War I and the United States
Discussion Forum 2 due (PS 21.2; 21.4)
Read Chapter 22
PS 22.2, 22.3, 22.4
Week IX:
October 26-28, 2015
Aftermath of WWI
The Roaring Twenties
Short Paper 3 Due (PS 21.5, 21.6)
Week X:
November 2-4, 2015
The Roaring Twenties Cont’d
Discussion Forum 3 Scopes Trial and Prohibition (PS 22.5 and 22.6)
Exam 2 Chapters 19-22
Read Chapter 23
PS 23.2, 23.3
Week XI:
November 9-11, 2015
November 11 Veterans Day
Great Depression and the New Deal Era
Discussion 4 Due (PS 23.2, 23.3)
Read Chapter 24
PS: 24.1, 24.2, 24.3
Week XII:
November16-18, 2015
World back at War
Short Paper 4 Due (PS 24.1 24.2)
Read Chapters 25 and 26
PS 25.4, 25.5 OR 26.4, 26.5
Week XIII:
November 23-25, 2015
Cold War and Roaring 50’s
Exam 3 Chapters 23-26
Happy Thanksgiving 25-27
Research Paper Due Sunday
Read Chapters 27-28
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Week XIV:
November 30-December 3, 2015
Cold War and Roaring 50’s
The Turbulent 1960s and 1970s
Short Paper 5 due (27.2, 27.4 or 27.5, 28.2)
Read Chapter 30 and 31
PS 30.3, 30.4
Week XV:
December 7-9, 2015
Post-Cold War and the 21st Century
Discussion Five Due PS 31.2, 31.3 or 30.3, 30.4
Week XVI:
December 14-16, 2015
Post-Cold War and the 21st Century Continued
Exam 4 Chapters 27-31
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SIGN THIS PAGE, DETACH FROM THE SYLLABUS AND RETURN TO THE
INSTRUCTOR.
COURSE: HIST 102
INSTRUCTOR: Kim DesRoches
My signature below indicates I have read and understand this syllabus and have been
given a copy of my own to keep.
I understand that the syllabus may be changed at any time.
Student Signature
Student Name (print)
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