Southwestern A/G University
Professor Gary D. McElhany, Ph.D. Spring 2003
Course Description:
A
survey of post-Civil War conditions, settlement of the trans-Mississippi
region, the struggle of Americans of various cultures and origins for a place
in American society, the Populist and Progressive movements, the two world
wars, and the Great Depression. The administrations of recent presidents from
Harry Truman to the present administration, and the importance of the United
States as a world power are included.
Course Objectives:
Upon
completion of the course, students should be able to
1.
Trace
westward expansion into the Great Plains, conflicts with the remaining
unconquered tribes of Native Americans, the growth of industry and railroads,
the continuing struggle of African-Americans for a position of equality in American
society, American overseas expansion, the course of the Depression and the New
Deal, American involvement in the two world wars and the Cold War, and the
course of American society and technology up to the present day.
2.
Describe
conditions in all parts of the nation following the Civil War, reform movements
near the turn of the century, contributions of major groups of native-born and
immigrant Americans to the fabric of American society and culture, and social
conditions at various stages throughout the twentieth century.
3.
Identify
selected individuals, concepts, terms, and events significant to the nation.
Textbook:
Garraty,
John A. A Short History of the American
Nation. 7th ed. New York: Harper Collins, 2001.
Course Plan:
The
course will cover the last sixteen chapters of A Short History of the American Nation and will be divided into
three general sections: Post-Civil War America and Populism; Reform,
Imperialism, and the Great War; and The New Deal to the Present.
Reading
assignments will provide the information for which students will be
responsible.
Course Requirements:
1.
Careful
reading of the text is required.
2.
Objective
evaluation (four exams covering material in the textbook and lectures)
3.
One
collaborative project. (3/24/03)
4.
Reading
Statement. (4/27/03)
Exam Dates:
Exam
1 2/04/03
Exam
2 3/03/03
Exam
3 4/07/03
Exam
4 4/27/03
Course Evaluation:
Exam
1 20%
Exam
2 20%
Exam
3 20%
Exam
4 20%
Project 15%
Reading
05%
Class Policies
Assignments
All
class assignments should be completed with due consideration for the
professional work expected of students of this university. Work should be neat, organized, typewritten
(when appropriate) with double line spacing, pages properly joined and numbered,
and an appropriate title page. Students
should as a matter of course proofread their work prior to turning it in to the
instructor so that typographical, grammatical, and syntactical errors may be
corrected. It is also advisable that
students make a photocopy of work being turned in to provide for coverage of
potential error in processing.
Academic Dishonesty and
Cheating
Students
are expected to be honest in fulfilling all academic requirements and
assignments. This pertains to
examinations, essays, book critiques, reading reports, etc. A student will not be allowed to withdraw
from a course if he/she is under investigation for academic dishonesty. In the event that the students is determined
guilty of academic dishonesty, then the student will not be allowed to withdraw
from the course and will receive the grade determined by the faculty member,
either "F" for the assignment and/or and "F" for the
course. Dishonesty could possibly
result in further disciplinary action.
Refer to Major infractions in the Student Handbook.
Plagiarism,
the use of another's uncited material, as one's own, is not permissible. Reproducing material from other students by
photocopy, computer media transfer or by rewriting or cheating.
Study Tips
Take
careful notes in class. Set aside
uninterrupted time to regularly review your notes. Type your lecture notes while they are fresh. Note area that are incomplete and use your
textbook to fill in the gaps. If you
are unable to find the answer, ask the professor. Complete all reading assignments and study helps as
scheduled. The process of reading,
applying, and review will enhance your ability to retain the material. Do not wait until test time to prepare. This adds pressure and seldom results in
long-term memory. Be prepared for
matching, multiple choice, and completion.
Office Hours (A113-D)
TBA
E-mail
is the best means of contact (gmcelhany@sagu.edu)
Students
may call via 1-888-937-7248 or 972-227-3996.
Important Dates
1/14 Classes begin
3/12 Spring Break
3/24 Last Day to drop
4/27 Final exams begin
4/30 Commencement