Heartland Community College
Social and Business Science
Course Syllabus for Students Spring 2011
Course Prefix and Number: HIST 136
Course Title: History of the U.S. Since 1865
Section : 02
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 0
Days and times the course meets: Monday, Wednesday 9:30-10:45
Introduction:
This course will provide knowledge of the people and events that have transformed the United
States in the last century and is essential to an understanding of contemporary American society
and the issues confronting the nation. American History courses not only encourage an interest
in the nation's past as well as an understanding of our society’s cultural and ethnic background,
but also aid students in exercising current responsibilities of citizenship in the world community.
Catalog Description:
This course covers the major political, social, economic and diplomatic trends that have shaped
the United States from the end of the Reconstruction to the present.
Prerequisite: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, ENGL 101 or its equivalent.
Instructor Information:
Instructor name: Dr. Scott W. Rager
Phone number to contact instructor: 268-8585, e-mail: scott.rager@heartland.edu
Location of instructor’s office: ICB 2110
Hours and days of instructor’s office hours: MW: 11:00-12:00; TTR: 2:00-3:00;
F: 10:00-12:00
Textbook:
Required:
Liberty, Equality, Power, Compact Fifth Edition, Vol. 2, Murrin Et. Al,
Harcourt Brace Publisher.
Major Problems in US History, Vol. 2, Hoffman and Gjerde, WadsworthCengage.
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transfer:
This course fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Social Sciences required for the A.A. or
A.S. degree. This course should transfer as part of the General Education Core Curriculum
described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois colleges and universities
participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an academic advisor for transfer
information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page at www.itransfer.org for
more information.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes):
Learning Outcome
General
Education
Outcomes
Range of Assessment
Methods
Distinguish between primary and secondary sources as PS1
the foundation of modern historical scholarship from
1865 to the present.
exams, quizzes,
research paper, group
project, other methods
Interpret primary sources critically by analyzing their
historical contexts.
exams, quizzes,
research paper, group
project, other methods
CT3
Formulate historical interpretations, both in discussion CO4
and in writing, and defend them critically with reference
to primary and secondary sources.
exams, quizzes,
research paper, group
project, oral report,
other methods
Incorporate into historical interpretations, both in
CT3
discussion and in writing, an understanding of historical
causation reflecting a) knowledge of important figures
and events and their chronological relationship to each
other and b) an awareness of the contingent
relationships.
Acquire at one and the same time a comprehension of DI3
diverse cultures and shared humanity, as evidenced both
orally and in writing.
Exams, quizzes,
research paper, group
project, oral report,
other methods
exams, quizzes,
research paper, group
project, oral report,
other methods
Topic Outline for the Course:
The following topics are to be covered during the instructional process:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Reconstruction
Closing of the Frontier and Western Expansion
Industrialization and Its Impact
Gilded Age Politics, 1876-1896
Overseas Empire and Expansionism
Progressive Era, 1900-1917
World War I
Jazz Age: The 1920’s
The Great Depression and New Deal
Isolationism to Involvement: World War II
Cold War and McCarthyism
Eisenhower Era, Civil Rights and the 1950’s
The 1960’s: Kennedy, Johnson and Vietnam
Nixon through Carter
Reagan through Bush: Recent Trends
Course Policies:
Method of Evaluation (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
1 midterm exam 100 points
1 final exam 150 points
2 quizzes, 50 points each
2 discussion assignments, 50 points each
1 research topic proposal, 15 points
1 research progress assignment, 35 points
1 research paper, 8-10 pages, 100 points
600 Points total:
90% 600-540=A
80% 539-480=B
70% 479-420=C
60% 419-360=D
Below 60% = F
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes and participate meaningfully in the activities of
each class session. Attendance will be taken at every class meeting. Outstanding attendance as
well as participation will impact the determination of borderline final grades.
Incompletes
An incomplete may be given at the instructor’s discretion, if the student, by the withdrawal date,
can reasonably be expected to pass the course. Incompletes may be granted only when justified
by extreme circumstances (e.g., serious illness, accident, death or serious illness in the immediate
family) See College Catalog for further information.
Extra-Credit: No extra credit is anticipated for this class.
Make-up of Tests and Assignments:
All make-ups are granted at the discretion of the instructor and will be determined according to
the individual merits of the case. Students are required to contact the instructor by email or
by phone within 24 hours after a quiz or an exam is missed to make arrangements for a
make-up at the testing center. Failure to follow this policy will result in grade penalties.
Deadlines: Assignments received late will be penalized. Please note: All students must
complete a research paper in order to pass this class.
Required Reading and Writing: This course requires approximately 30-40 pages of reading
per session or 500 per semester. A minimum of 15 pages of college level writing is required in
this course. Writing assignments include an 8-10 page research paper, essays on exams,
discussion write-ups and other projects as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
Specifications for written materials:
Written materials will be formatted exactly as they are in English classes, ie standard MLA
format.
Student Conduct: Inappropriate behavior in the classroom will not be tolerated by the
instructor. At all times students should endeavor to conduct themselves in an honest and mature
manner. Cell phones should be turned off upon entering class. Absolutely no use of cell
phones is allowed, including texting, during class time. Please also note that no food or
beverages with the exception of water are allowed in the classroom.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College
and is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because
grading may be competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work violate the right of
their fellow students. The College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonesty as a serious
offense requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion
from the College. In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far
beyond any officially imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning
cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification
of academic records or documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or
administrative records or systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the college
catalog.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper,
create a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work,
except for that which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is
considered a serious academic offense and may take the following forms:
1.
2
3
4
5
6
were
Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it were
your own.
Receiving excessive help from a friend or elsewhere, or using another project as if it
your own.
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism.
[Adapted from the Modern Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Papers. New York: MLA, 1995: 26]
Philosophy of Grades
The Heartland Community College grading philosophy grows out of our vision of
educational excellence. This common philosophy provides a framework for each
academic division and instructor as they establish their own individual course grading
system, evaluation methods, and course policies using the shared general rubrics for letter
grades given below.
Letter grades serve as a vehicle to promote meaningful evaluation of student
achievement, to inform students of academic progress, and, as necessary, to improve
student performance, habits, and practices. Using a letter grade as a prerequisite for
subsequent courses means we believe that the grade was assigned through a conscious
judgment about a student’s readiness to proceed to more advanced study.
At Heartland, students’ academic achievement is measured by their mastery of course
objectives and content. We challenge students to meet these recognized standards of
achievement and we assign grades based on their success in doing so. Simply stated, we
believe that the responsibility for academic achievement rests with the student and that
holding students responsible for their learning promotes their academic growth.
Letter Grade Rubrics
“A” This grade represents consistently outstanding performance that demonstrates
superior understanding and skillful use of important course concepts. Performance at this
level signifies that the student is extremely well prepared to continue with more advanced
study of the subject.
“B” This grade represents performance significantly beyond the level necessary to
achieve the course objectives. Work is of high quality but not consistently at an
outstanding level. Performance at this level signifies that the student is well prepared to
continue with more advanced study of the subject.
“C” This grade represents an acceptable achievement of the course objectives.
Performance at this level signifies that the student is reasonably well prepared to continue
with more advanced study of the subject.
“D” This grade represents less than adequate performance. It signifies questionable
readiness to proceed with more advanced study of the subject.
“F” This grade reflects unacceptable performance. The student is not yet ready to
proceed with more advanced study of the subject, and must repeat the course successfully
to receive credit.
Student On-line Course Evaluations
During the last 3 weeks of class, all students are encouraged to complete a course evaluation
form online at. On-line course evaluations are completed by selecting the link in your
myHeartland account.
HCC Portal
Just a reminder that to access WebCT, IRIS, and your Heartland Student Email, you will need to
log into myHeartland, at https://my.heartland.edu.
Support Services:
Academic Support Services (Academic Support Center) www.hcc.cc.il.us/divisions/asc
Library
The Library, located in the Student Commons Buildings at the Raab Road campus,
provides Heartland students with a full range of resources including books, online journal
databases, videos, newspapers, periodicals, reserves, and interlibrary loan. Librarians are
available to assist in locating information. For more information, please call the Library
(309) 268-8200 or (309) 268-8292
Tutoring Services
Heartland Community College offers tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland
students at the Tutoring and Testing Center in Normal and at the Pontiac and Lincoln
Centers. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the week. Study groups are
also available by request. For more information about services available at each location,
please call the Tutoring and Testing Center in Normal (309) at 268-8231, the Pontiac
Center at (815) 842-6777, or the Lincoln Center at (217) 735-1731.
Open Computing Lab
The Open Computing Lab provides free computing for HCC students at convenient times
throughout the week. The computer lab is staffed by trained Lab Assistants and offers
the use of approximately 70 computers, a scanner, a laser printer, and an electric
typewriter.
Disability Support Services
Heartland Community College offers Disability Support Services (DSS) with offices
located in the Academic Support Center. DSS ensures that students with disabilities have
equal access to the college’s programs, services and activities through the provision of
reasonable accommodations as outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the
Americans with Disabilities Act. DSS offers a wide range of services to support students
with disabilities, including: assistive technology, document conversion services,
personnel, classroom and testing accommodations. Students with a documented disability
who wish to discuss academic accommodations can contact disability support services at
(309)268-8259.
Syllabi Disclaimer: Changes to the Course Calendar may be made during the course of the
class. This is sometimes unavoidable and students will be notified in class should changes
become necessary.
Course Calendar
Notice of Cancelled Class Sessions
Cancelled class sessions, for all HCC classes, will be listed under Cancelled Class Meetings in
the A-Z Index and under Academic Information in the Current Students page on the HCC Web
site. Go to http://www.heartland.edu/classCancellations/ to learn what classes have been
cancelled for that day and the upcoming week. Be sure to check the last column, which might
contain a message from the instructor.
Dates for class topics/reading/exams.
Note: Lecture topics are in bold face type; the pages listed after each chapter are those
corresponding to the lecture topic. Students are expected to read the chapters in the textbook
completely.
Date
Topic
Week 1
Jan. 10, 12
Course Introduction, Reconstruction
Chapter 17 pp. 625-658
Week 2
Jan. 19
Reconstruction (cont.)
Week 3
Jan. 24, 26
the New South and West
Chapter 18 pp. 695-724
Research Topic Meetings with Instructor
(required)
Research Topic Meetings with Instructor
(required)
Week 4
the Industrial Age
Jan. 31, Feb. 2
Chapter 19 pp. 695-724
Chapter 20 pp. 735-770
Research Topic due Feb.2
Week 5
Feb. 7, 9
the Industrial Age (cont.)
Chapter 19 pp. 724-734
Week 6
Feb. 14, 16
the Farmers' Revolt
Chapter 19 pp. 724-734
Week 7
Feb. 21, 23
Progressivism
Chapter 21 pp. 770-808
Research Progress Reports due Feb. 23
Week 8
Feb.28, Mar. 2
Progressivism (cont.)
Week 9
Mar. 14, 16
the U.S. Becomes a World Power
Chapter 22 pp.809-828
Week 10
Mar. 21, 23
Progressive Foreign Policy and WWI
Chapter 22 pp. 828-838
Chapter 23 pp. 839-868
Midterm Exam March 2
In order to qualify to take the Midterm Exam, a
Research Progress Report must
have been submitted.
Draft of Research Paper due to Writing or
Tutoring Services.
Appointment must be completed no later than
March 23.
Week 11
Mar. 28, 30
the Post War Era and the 1920's
Chapter 23 pp. 866-874
Chapter 24 pp. 875-918
Week 12
April 4, 6
the 1920's (cont.) the Great Depression and
the New Deal
Chapter 25 pp. 919-962
Research papers due April 6
Week 13
the New Deal (Cont)
April. 11, 13
Week 14
April. 18, 20
1920s and 30s Foreign Policy and WWII
Chapter 26 pp.963-1008
Chapter 27 pp.1009-1050
Chapter 28 pp.1051-1060, 1086-1096
Chapter 29 pp.1112-1124, 1132-1136, 1143-1148
Chapter 30 pp. 1176-1181
Week 15
April. 25, 27
Cold War, the Vietnam Era
Chapter 27 pp.1009-1050
Chapter 28 pp.1051-1060, 1086-1096
Chapter 29 pp.1112-1124, 1132-1136, 1143-1148
Chapter 30 pp. 1176-1181
Week 16
May 2, 4
the Civil Rights Movement
Chapter 27 pp. 1038-1042
Chapter 28 pp. 1076-1082, 1096-1099
Chapter 29 pp. 1103-1112, 1124-1129
Chapter 30 pp. 1192-1193
Recent Trends: The U.S. and the Middle East
Chapter 28 pp. 1058-1059
Chapter 30 pp. 1178-1179, 1183-1185
Chapter 32 pp.1238-1240, 1244-1249, 1253-1254
Week 17
Final Exam
Wednesday, May 11, 8-9:50