TRIAD M – Spring 2011
"Questioning American History: Fact or Fiction?"
Welcome to Triad M! The theme of our first-year learning community is “Questioning American History: Fact or
Fiction.” How many times have you heard a historical fact and wondered: is that true? Well, this semester we are
going to explore “truth” in American history, and learn how to question what we read, hear and see about America.
In our search for truth, we are going to learn the basic principles of “history as a discipline.” This means that we
will explore how historians “do” history. How do they find answers to questions about what happened in the past?
How do they solve historical problems? Historians use a code language (like scientists or mathematicians) to help
answer these questions. Two of our basic codes are “change over time” and “historical significance.”
One way to solve the “fact or fiction?” is to look for “change over time.” In other words, historians look for
comparisons between “then and now.” Sometimes, it’s easier to imagine the idea of “then and now” or “change
over time” by considering the mathematical formula: Δ/t. Historians look for Δ/t in society, people, or places over
different eras, as well as in different places. Often, changes in a society or nation are related to specific facts such as
population growth or the cost of living. We can measure these facts to account for change, but we also can
challenge or question the data behind these facts too. You can imagine, then, why “change over time” is an
important starting point for historians.
Now, some of you may wonder why any of this matters. Well, believe it or not, that’s the exact same question that
historians ask themselves too. The code phrase “historical significance” means “so what?” So what difference
does it make if something is fact or fiction? So what if we get the facts wrong? So what if we invent the facts? You
can imagine how important “so what” becomes when questionable “facts” might have something to do with you,
your grades, your freedom, or your rights to live in America. Figuring out “historical significance” is about finding
the truth, about separating fact from fiction, and about determining what’s important in history.
This semester in Triad M, we will ask you to “question” what you know about American history. We will challenge
you to consider fact or fiction
theme in your daily writing assignments, in your seminar and composition portfolios, and in your history exams.
Questions we’ll explore in Triad M include:
• What is truth? What is a historical fact?
• Is it possible that some history is untrue?
• Are there multiple truths? Can truth change?
• How do historical facts relate to your daily life?
• How do you recognize change over time?
• How do you identify historical significance?
• Where do we learn our historical truths?
• What does popular culture have to do with history or
historical truths?
After you complete Triad M, we hope you will have
learned how to:
• Question and interpret historical facts.
• Recognize how historians construct history.
• See historical moments in popular culture.
• Consider different and multiple points of view.
• Recognize Δ/t and answer “so what?”
• Develop better critical thinking and study skills.
• Use the library and campus resources.
• Become an active participant in your education.
Triad M Policies and Procedures
Please follow basic University policies as outlined in your Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. Please
familiarize yourself with the handbook at http://www.tamucc.edu/~students/handbook.html.
Muñoz, page 1
TRIAD M – Spring 2011
"Questioning American History: Fact or Fiction?"
Respect: Courtesy toward your instructors and classmates is expected at all times. If your behavior violates
the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, we will ask you to leave class. We also reserve the right to refer you to
Student Affairs and to file a complaint documenting your behavior and academic performance.
Academic Honesty: The University does not tolerate plagiarism or cheating in any form. If we can verify that
you plagiarized or cheated on any Triad M assignment, you may earn an F for the course and we may file a
complaint with Student Affairs. The term cheating includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized
assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized
by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or (3) the
acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the University faculty
or staff. The term plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the
published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the
unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling or distribution of term
papers or other academic materials. You may locate these definitions in the Student Handbook.
Grade Appeal Process: As stated in University Rule 13.02.99.C2, Student Grade Appeals, a student who believes
that she or he has not been held to appropriate academic standards as outlined in the class syllabus, fair evaluation
procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final grade given in the course. The burden of proof is upon the
student to demonstrate the appropriateness of the appeal. A student with a complaint about a grade is encouraged to
first discuss the matter with the instructor. For complete details, including the responsibilities of the parties involved
in the process and the number of days allowed for completing the appeal, see University Rule 13.02.99.C2, Student
Grade Appeals, and University Procedure 13.02.99.C2.01, Student Grade Appeal Procedures. These documents are
accessible through the University Rules Web site at http://www.tamucc.edu/provost/university_rules/index.html.
For assistance in the grade appeal process, students may contact the Division of Student Affairs.
Academic Advising: The University requires students to meet with an Academic Advisor in your college when you
are ready to declare a major. The Academic Advisor will set up a degree plan for your major, so you will know what
classes to take to graduate. To find your academic advisor, see http://www.tamucc.edu/academics/advising.php.
Students with Disabilities: The University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act in making reasonable
accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. If you suspect that you may have a disability (physical
impairment, learning disability, psychiatric disability, etc.), please contact Disability Services located in Driftwood
101, at 825-5816. If you need disability accommodations for any Triad M course, please see one of the Triad M
instructors. The web link is http://disabilityservices.tamucc.edu/.
CASA: The mission of the Center for Academic Student Achievement (CASA) is to guide students in developing
the skills necessary to be successful learners through the creation of a supportive learning environment that fosters
intellectual growth. CASA offers tutoring in a variety of subjects, including HISTORY. CASA has a writing center
to help with composition papers and a computer lab. CASA is also home of the Academic Insight Mentors, who are
assigned to all first-year students. The goal of CASA is to help you succeed and excel in all of your classes. For
more information and tutoring schedules, please visit their website at http://casa.tamucc.edu/.
Late Policy for Major Assignments (Portfolios and History Essay): You must turn in assignments on time;
otherwise, you will be penalized 20 points automatically and given a 7-day grace period to submit the late work.
You must notify your instructor by email 24 hours in advance if your assignment will be late. E-mail proof of
notice must be submitted with the late assignment.
Punctuality & Classroom Etiquette: Come to class on time! If you are late, please enter quietly and/or use the back
entrance. Stay focused on the class lecture/discussion. Avoid side conversations. Don’t be distracting. Disruptive
behavior will have a negative impact on your participation grade and may result in disciplinary action.
Websites: The Blackboard site for HIST 1302 is setup with a grade book. See the Triad M Wiki page at
http://critical.tamucc.edu/wiki/TriadM/Home.
Still Need Help? If you still have questions about the triad classes and policies, please ask any Triad M instructor.
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HIST 1302
U.S. HISTORY SINCE 1865
(Triad M – First Year Learning Community)
Semester: Spring 2011
Day/Time : TR 11:00AM - 12:15PM
Classroom: CI-138
Related Triad Sections: HIST 1302.520, HIST 1302.521, HIST 1302.522, HIST 1302.523, HIST 1302.524,
HIST 1302.525, HIST 1302.530 and HIST 1302.531
History Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Office Hours:
Dr. Laura K. Muñoz (moon-yōs)
Seminar Instructors:
Faculty Center 264
825-3975
laura.munoz@tamucc.edu
Tue/Thu. 12:15-1pm; Wednesdays, 1-4pm
By appointment as requested
Student Instructor “SI”: Martha Ruiz
mruiz1@islander.tamucc.edu
Javier Cavazos
Allie Kelly
Amanda Marquez
Jennifer Simpson
Composition Instructors: Andrea Montalvo
Garrett Wieland
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is a lower-division, undergraduate survey of modern United States history and it is the second-half of
the U.S. history sequence required as part of the core curriculum for your bachelor’s degree. The course will
introduce you to the broad themes, major historical events, and significant people, places and events from the end of
the Civil War to the late twentieth century. I will present the course chronologically as well as thematically in order
to help you identify the major social, political, economic and cultural trends in America since 1865.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOS):
Departmental SLOs
• Demonstrate an understanding of United States history since 1865, including its major concepts, themes,
methods and theoretical approaches by producing short reflection papers, topic papers and essay exams.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how historical sources are used, how historians utilize historiography to
build scholarship, and to interpret the past by reading, writing and commenting in class.
REQUIRED READINGS:
The following textbooks may be purchased at the TAMUCC bookstore in the University Center. At least one copy
of each book will be placed on reserve at the Bell Library Circulation Desk (1st floor):
Jacqueline Jones, et al., Created Equal: A Social and Political History of the United States, Vol. 2, brief ed.
Elliott J. Gorn, et al., Constructing the American Past: A Source Book of a People’s History, Vol. 2, 7th ed.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Your course grade will be based on the combination of the following assignments:
•
•
•
•
•
Class Participation (based on your seminar participation) ..................................... 50 points (5%)
Quizzes (weekly quizzes in history lecture) ........................................................... 100 points (10%)
Historical Significance Essay ................................................................................. 100 points (10%)
Integrated Assignment............................................................................................ 100 points (10%)
4 Exams .................................................................................................................. 650 points (65%)
1,000 points (100%)
In order to pass the course, you MUST earn 600 points (60%). I will use the following grading scale:
A = 900+ points
B = 800-899 points
C = 700-799 points
D = 600-699 points
F = 0-599 points
DUE DATES FOR ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE LISTED IN THE CLASS SCHEDULE ON PAGES 5-6.
Muñoz, page 3
Class Participation (50 points or 5% based on your seminar participation):
Your class participation in HIST 1302 will be based on your participation in your triad seminar section,
which meets either before or after the history lecture. As members of a triad, all of you are required to attend the
history lectures and the seminar sections. Many of you also will attend a composition class. All of your triad
instructors expect to see you every TR. I expect you to arrive to class prepared to discuss the assignments, to ask
questions and to make comments that contribute to the courses. I expect you to be prepared to complete individual
or team activities designed to improve your understanding of the assignments. Your participation as well as your
attendance will be documented so that you will receive fair credit for your contribution.
NOTE: Your attendance counts and factors into your class participation grade and your final grade too!
Quizzes (100 points or 10%):
Your quiz grade in HIST 1302 will be based on random weekly quizzes given in the history lecture. I will give
these quizzes throughout the semester to encourage your class participation and to give you an opportunity to
practice writing about historical topics. These quizzes will be based on history readings and class lectures. The
quizzes will take various formats but I will always ask you to answer questions and write short responses to lecture
topics. You must be present in class to take these quizzes.
NOTE: No make-ups will be allowed for quizzes. Do not take a quiz for anyone else. That violates the
Academic Honesty rules.
Your “Historical Significance”: A Photo Essay (100 points or 10%):
You will write an essay about your own historical significance. We will discuss the concept of historical
significance in class during the first week of the semester and this will be your first assignment. Instructions will be
provided separately.
Integrated Assignment – (100 points or 10%):
You will write an essay on a history topic related to our triad theme. We will discuss this assignment in history
lecture, seminar and/or composition. You will have an opportunity to work on this assignment in all of your triad
classes. Instructions will be provided separately.
NOTE: This essay is an integrated assignment that will count for credit in all of your triad classes
(seminar/lecture or seminar/lecture/composition).
Exams (650 points or 65%):
You will take 4 exams in HIST 1302 and these are worth 65% of your final grade. Exam 1 is worth 10%. Exam 2 is
worth 15%. Exam 3 is worth 20%. Exam 4 is worth 20%. All of the grades will count and all of these exams will
be given in class during the semester. None of the exams will be cumulative. The four exam dates are listed in the
schedule of assignments at the end of this syllabus. The exams will consist of short vocabulary identifications
(“mini-essays”) and one long essay on a historical topic. The format will be the same for all exams. I will provide a
review sheet for each exam. All of the assigned readings, films, and lectures will be covered in the exams.
NOTE: One make-up exam session will be held at the end of the term in the event that you miss an exam.
However, you will only be allowed to makeup ONE exam. Please make every effort to take the exams as
scheduled.
COURSE POLICIES:
Attendance: Attendance counts! Come to class!
E-mail: For quick questions or minor issues, you may contact me by e-mail or through Blackboard. Btw, tlk2me
like ur prof not ur bff!☺ No text language please! In other words, please write to me as if you were writing a
formal letter with a salutation and closing. Identify yourself and the class that you attend. For complicated concerns
or questions, please see me in person, either after class or during office hours.
Electronic Devices: Please use your electronics wisely and courteously. If you have a phone, turn it off. If you
have a laptop computer, take notes. If your electronics become a distraction, I may ask you to leave class.
Muñoz, page 4
Extra Credit: None. I deny requests for extra credit. You should be able to pass this class by passing the exams.
Freedom of Speech: The 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution promises each of us the Freedom of Speech. The
success of universities is based on this promise as the process of learning requires that we ask questions and discuss
ideas. During class, please feel free to raise your hand at any time to make a comment or to ask a question. If my
lecture does not make sense, please ask me to clarify my ideas or to explain a topic again.
Grading and Grade Appeals: All assignments for HIST 1302 will be graded either by me, your seminar instructor
and/or composition instructor assigned to your triad section. If you have a concern about your grade, please see me
or your seminar instructor. Make sure to bring your graded assignment along with evidence that supports your
argument of unfair grading. I take grade challenges seriously and I will personally re-grade the assignment and
record a new grade, which may be higher or lower than the challenged grade. At this point, if you are still
unsatisfied, you may pursue the university policy on formal grade challenges.
Incompletes: If you have completed 75% of coursework and extreme personal circumstances prevent you from
completing the very last assignments, I will consider a request for an incomplete. I may consult with the triad
instructors, your academic advisor and other college officials before making a decision. Documentation of your
situation may be required. Please consult the Student Handbook for the policy.
Missed Exams (History Exams 1-4): One make-up exam will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2010 during the final
exam period. Since there is no final exam for any of our triad classes, we will use the time for the make-up exam.
This is a “no questions asked” policy. If you miss one exam, show up to the make-up exam (see the schedule).
Missed Quizzes: No makeups allowed. Attendance is required for quizzes.
Office Hours: I have set aside over 4 hours per week to meet with students, including you. I will discuss the course
and answer any questions or concerns you have about the lectures and assignments. I listed my office hours on the
first page of the syllabus. Office hours are like an “open-house.” No appointments are required. I meet with
students on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you cannot meet during these times, please see me before or after class
to make an appointment.
Scholarly Citation: For the essays, please use a recognized academic citation style. Triad M encourages you to use
MLA or APA styles. You may find the TAMUCC library guide to these citation styles at this web link:
http://rattler.tamucc.edu/elecres/resourceguides/citationstyleguides/CitationStyleGuidesRG.pdf
“SI” Sessions: A “student instructor” or “SI” will schedule and teach supplemental instruction “SI” sessions for this
class through the Center for Academic Student Achievement (CASA). Tutoring sessions will be held at CASA in
the Glasscock Building several times a week. More information will be provided separately.
Syllabus and Schedule Changes: Dr. Muñoz reserves the right to change the schedule of reading assignments at any
time during the semester. If I change items on the syllabus, I will notify you in advance.
Withdrawals: The University has specific policies in place for dropping a course. Please consult the Office of
Admissions and Records in the Student Services Center for the due dates and procedures for withdrawing from this
course or the university.
— Continued on next page —
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CLASS SCHEDULE OF READINGS, ASSIGNMENTS AND DUE DATES
I have provided you with an outline of the daily class schedule, in order of discussion. You are responsible for
completing the readings BEFORE class as I expect you to discuss the material in class. This schedule is subject to
change at my discretion; however, you will be notified of those changes as they occur.
Reading Tips: Always read the Gorn source book first. Always bring the Gorn source book to class. Our class
discussions will be based on this book. Pay attention to the vocabulary and questions at the end of each chapter.
Week 1
R 1/13
Week 2
T 1/18
R 1/20
Topic
Syllabus Review
Assignment Due
Historical Significance in the
1990s
Historical Significance in the
2000s
Week 3
T 1/25
Reconstruction
R 1/27
Reconstruction
Week 4
T 2/1
Reconstruction
R 2/3
Exam 1
Week 5
T 2/8
Big Business
Readings (Author and Chapter #)
Jones, Chapter 29
Jones, Chapter 30
Jones, Chapter 15
Historical Significance
Essay Due
Gorn, Chapter 1
Exam 1
Jones, Chapters 16 & 17
Wed. 2/9 - Triad M Portfolio 1 due
R 2/10
Big Business
Gorn, Chapter 2
Week 6
T 2/15
Frontiers
Jones, Chapter 18
R 2/17
Frontiers
Gorn, Chapters 3 & 5
Week 7
T 2/22
Imperialism
Jones, Chapter 19
R 2/24
Imperialism
Gorn, Chapters 4 &6
Week 8
T 3/1
Progressive Era
None
R 3/3
Exam 2
Week 9
T 3/8
WW1 & 1920s
Jones, Chapters 20 & 21
R 3/10
WW1 & 1920s
Gorn, Chapters 7 & 8
Week 10
T 3/15
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
R 3/17
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
Exam 2
Muñoz, page 6
Assignment Due
Readings (Author and Chapter #)
Jones, Chapters 22 & 23
Week 11
T 3/22
Topic
Great Depression & New Deal
R 3/24
Great Depression & New Deal
Gorn, Chapters 9 & 10
Week 12
T 3/29
WW2
None
Wed. 3/30 - Triad M Portfolio 2 due
R 3/31
WW2
Week 13
T 4/5
Exam 3
R 4/7
1950s - Cold War
Gorn, Chapter 11
Week 14
T 4/12
1950s - Civil Rights Movement
Jones, Chapters 24 & 25
R 4/14
1950s - Civil Rights Movement
Week 15
T 4/19
1960s - Civil Rights Movement
Jones, Chapter 26
R 4/21
1960s - Civil Rights Movement
Gorn, Chapter 12
Exam 3
Week 16
Mon. 4/25 – Triad M Portfolio 3 due including Integrated Assignment
T 4/26
1970s - Vietnam & Liberalism
Jones, Chapter 27
R 4/27
1980s - New Right
Gorn, Chapters 13 & 14
Week 17
T 5/3
Exam 4
Final Exam Period
T 5/10
Makeup Exam
Exam 4
Jones, Chapter 28
Makeup Exam
Note Room &Time:
CI 138, 11:00am-1:30pm
End of Document
Muñoz, page 7