HIST 102-1701, 1801
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
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).
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3. Describe diverse historical and/or contemporary positions on selected
democratic values or practices (GE 5).
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. If
you receive a failing grade in the course for cheating, you will not be able to
withdraw (W) from the course. 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
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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.
 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:
 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) 445-4459 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
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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 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
100 points
nd
2 Exam
100 points
3rd Exam
100 points
th
4 Exam
100 points
10 VSPs @ 10
100 points
Five Discussion posts @ 30 150 points
Research Proposal
100 points
Research paper
200 points
Attendance and Participation 25 points
Total:
975 points
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Grade Scale
100-94%
93-90%
89-87%
86-83%
82-80%
79-77%
76-73%
72-70%
69-60%
59-00%
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD No plus or minus grades will be earned below 69% achievement.
F
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. If you receive a failing
grade in the course for cheating, you will not be able to withdraw (W) from the
course.
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. For the selected themes, think about responding to what you
found interesting, disturbing, challenging, or amusing. You are welcome to use first
person but the writing style must remain college level and formal. Avoid summary.
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 33% of
available points. Consistent failure to participate will result in failing grades on
subsequent discussion forums. 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
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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 or include a full reference citation if a more general approach
is taken. 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 Very Short Paper (VSP) 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/
Very Short Papers (VSPs) (10 points)
All short papers are due on the Tuesday of the week they are assigned and will be
submitted through Canvas. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. Write a concise (300350 word) analysis of a selected portion of the chapter reading assigned for the week or
from ONE of the primary source readings when attached. All VSPs will include an APA
formatted citation for source material and be composed according to the attached
rubric. Papers are typed, double spaced, and will convey your analysis NOT SUMMARY
of the selected material.
Very Short Paper (VSP) Rubric
College Level Writing (3 pts)
The submission is free of technical and
grammatical errors (including
punctuation and capitalization) and
correctly uses APA citation format.
Components (3 pts)
All necessary components of a VSP are
present including: introductory sentence,
thesis statement, cited evidence, analysis
and discussion of the evidence, and a
closing statement. Reference citation
included
Insight (3 pts)
Submission reflects college level critical
thinking about the chosen topic. The
submission goes beyond in class
discussion and/or summary.
Unique Contribution (1 pt)
The submission reflects an exceptional
level of insight on the topic. This can be
achieved by producing a unique
argument, unusual perspective, or by
integrating class or primary source
discussion material in a thoughtful,
insightful manner.
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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 eight (8) academic articles on the selected topic. Your
abstract contains your research topic, research questions, and
anticipated conclusions. If you cannot locate sufficient reference
material, you MUST select a different topic. 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/).
o 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 and a failing
grade.
o All projects must be submitted following APA formatting for cover page,
abstract, outline, 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, cover page, and annotated bibliography 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)
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.
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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
Analytical Research 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. The essay will present a coherent narrative,
including transitions that illustrates both summary and analytical skills. Your essay must
be documented following APA criteria.
Submission format: Final papers will be submitted with APA formatted: cover page,
abstract, outline, body of the paper, citations throughout, and non-annotated
bibliography. Place all elements in proper order and submit as a single document.
NOTE: failure to use citations throughout the paper when warranted will result in a
failing grade.
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 eight 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 many sources as appropriate. However, a huge bibliography will
not compensate for a weak or poorly-constructed paper.
Research Paper Grading Rubric
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College level writing (20 Points)

Proper use of reference material (20
points)

Accuracy and Proper use of APA citation
format (20 Points)

Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, and
Sentence Structure (20 Points)

Sufficiency and Relevancy (20 Points)

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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.
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.
Few to none errors in grammar,
spelling, or punctuation. Few to
none instances of incomplete or
run-sentences.
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
(Subject to change at any time)
Week I:
January 25-29
Course Introduction and Canvas Introduction
Historical Thinking and exercise
Reconstruction Review
Read Chapter 15 and 16
PS 15.5, 15.7
Week II:
February 1-5
Forging a Transcontinental Nation
VSP 1 Due (PS 16.1, 16.5)
Read Chapter 17
Week III:
February 8-12
Second Industrial Revolution
A New Labor Order
VSP 2 Due
Discussion Forum 1 (PS 17.3, 17.6)
REMINDER for Discussion: Initial post due Thursday; final posts by
Sunday
Read Chapter 18
Week IV:
February 15-19
Cities, Immigrants, Culture and Politics
PS 18.2, 18.4, 18.5
Research Proposals Due
Week V:
February 22-26
Exam 1: Chapters 15-18
Read Chapter 19
PS: 19.1, 19.3
VSP 3 Due
Week VI:
February 29-March 4
The United States and Imperialism
VSP 4 Due (PS: 19.2; 19.4)
Read Chapter 20
PS: 20.3, 20.5
Week VII:
March 7-11
Age of Progressivism and Reform
PS 20.4—critical analysis in class
Read Chapter 21
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VSP 5 Due
Week VIII:
March 14-18
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
SPRING BREAK MARCH 21-25
Week IX:
March 28-April 1
Aftermath of WWI
The Roaring Twenties
VSP 6 Due (PS 21.5, 21.6)
Week X:
April 4-8
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:
April 11-15
Great Depression and the New Deal Era
Discussion 4 Due (PS 23.2, 23.3)
Read Chapter 24
VSP 7 Due
PS: 24.1, 24.2, 24.3
Week XII:
April 18-22
World back at War
VSP 8 Due (PS 24.1 24.2)
Read Chapters 25 and 26
PS 25.4, 25.5, 26.4, 26.5
Week XIII:
April 25-29
Cold War and Roaring 50’s
Exam 3 Chapters 23-26
Research Paper Due Sunday
Read Chapters 27-28
Week XIV:
May 2-6
Cold War and Roaring 50’s
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The Turbulent 1960s and 1970s
VSP 9 due (27.2, 27.4, 27.5, 28.2)
Read Chapter 30 and 31
PS 30.3, 30.4
Week XV:
May 9-13
Post-Cold War and the 21st Century
Discussion Five Due PS 31.2, 31.3 or 30.3, 30.4
VSP 10 Due
Week XVI:
May 16-18
Post-Cold War and the 21st Century Continued
Exam 4 Chapters 27-31
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