History 17A--MW SYLLABUS
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History of the United States to 1877
Instructor: Dr. Kallman
Spring Semester 2009
Department & Number: History 17A
Location: TCTR 123
Lecture Hours:
Course Code: 50545
MW 11:30am-1pm
Catalog Description. This is a survey of US history from its colonial
beginning through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students are encouraged
to critically evaluate experiences from their nation’s past. This course
fulfills the Social Science (group A) requirement for the AA degree and
applies toward the completion of California state requirements in US History
and Institutions. (UC, CSU, CAN Hist 8).
Texts:
Tindall, George Brown and David Emory Shi. America:
History. 7th ed. Vol. 1. New York: W. W. Norton, 2007.
A Narrative
Shi, David E. and Holly A. Mayer. For the Record: A
Documentary
History of America. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. From First
Contact
through Reconstruction. New York: W. W. Norton,
2007.
Office Hours. I do not have an office on this campus. I will be available in
the Tracy Center's Main Office on MW from 10:30am-11:30am and on W from 5pm6pm, or by appointment. The best way to contact me is by E-mail:
tkallman@deltacollege.edu
Student Learning Outcomes
When students finish this course, they should:
Understand that history is not only an accumulation of facts but also a “way
of thinking and understanding.”
Have learned to apply that “way of thinking” to contemporary issues.
Realize that history is as much a question of interpretation as it is
absolute truth or fact.
Have developed skills (reading, research, note-taking, critical thinking)
that will be useful to academic and professional success.
Know the major social, cultural, political, economic and diplomatic
developments in the United States from pre-colonial times through
Reconstruction.
Have become familiar with key themes, events, and persons in American
history.
Be able to critically examine popular preconceptions, myths, and
misconceptions about American history.
Understand the roles that different ethnic, racial, and gender groups played
in the history of the United States.
Responsibilities of the Student
History 17A--MW SYLLABUS
Attendance: I will take attendance at the beginning of each class. If you
come to class late, you will be marked absent unless you clear the absence at
the end of class that day. At my discretion, I may drop a student who misses
any of the first three classes. I will drop any student who has four absences
on or before February 9. I will drop any student who has six absences on or
before April 22.
Reading Assignments: Text reading assignments are listed in the schedule
below. Reading should be done BEFORE class meetings. I will base lectures,
discussions, and quizzes on the assumption that each student has read the
assignments.
Quizzes/Classwork/Participation. This component includes assigned homework,
group projects, in-class writing, class discussion and quizzes, both
announced and "pop."
Mid-term Examinations. Students will take two midterm examinations as listed
in the class schedule. Exams will consist primarily of essay and short
"identify-and-tell-the-significance" items. You are responsible for all
material covered up to the time of the exam.
Final Examination. The final exam is comprehensive. See the class schedule
for date and time. The format will resemble the midterm examinations.
Method of Evaluation. I grade as follows:
Participation/Classwork/Quizzes
30%
Midterm Exams
35%
Final Exam
35%
Grades:
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
Excellent
Very Good
Fair
Poor, but passing
F
<60%
Failure
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History 17A--MW SYLLABUS
Schedule
Note: Reading assignments should be completed before class on the day for
which they are assigned. The reading assignments refer to chapters in BOTH
America: A Narrative History and For the Record.
Date
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Jan.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Mar.
Mar.
Mar.
Mar.
Mar.
Mar.
Mar.
Mar.
Mar.
Apr.
Apr.
Apr.
Apr.
Apr.
Apr.
Apr.
Reading Assignment
12
14
19
21
26
28
2
4
6
9
11
16
18
23
25
2
4
9
11
16
18
23
25
30
1
6
8
13
15
20
22
Apr. 27
Apr. 29
May 4
May 6
May 11
May 13
May 18
Topic
Introduction to Class
Chapter 1
NO CLASS--MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Last day to drop the class WITHOUT a "W" on your academic transcript
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
NO CLASS--IN HONOR OF WASHINGTON'S AND LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAYS
Chapter 5
Examination #1
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Examination #2
SPRING RECESS
SPRING RECESS
Chapter 14
Chapter 14
*****
Chapter 15
Last day to drop the class WITH a "W" on your academic transcript
Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 18
10:00am-11:50am
FINAL EXAMINATION
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History 17A--MW SYLLABUS
Class Rules
CLASS BEGINS PROMPTLY. TARDINESS IS BOTH RUDE AND DISRUPTIVE.
I WILL NOT ALLOW ANY STUDENT TO LEAVE CLASS EARLY WITHOUT PERMISSION.
I WILL DISMISS FROM CLASS ANYONE SLEEPING.
I WILL DISMISS FROM CLASS ANYONE HOLDING PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS.
CELL PHONES AND PAGERS ARE DISRUPTIVE. TURN THEM OFF BEFORE YOU COME TO
CLASS.
COLLEGE POLICY PROHIBITS BRINGING CHILDREN TO CLASS. I KNOW YOURS ARE "LITTLE
ANGELS" BUT PLEASE DO NOT BRING THEM WITH YOU.
I reserve the right to revise this syllabus if necessary and to announce such
revisions in class.
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