United States History II Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

HIST-1302-011 United States History II

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural and intellectual history of the United States from the Civil War/Reconstruction era to the present. United States History II examines industrialization, immigration, world wars, the Great Depression, Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Themes that may be addressed in United States History II include: American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, immigration and migration, urbanization and suburbanization, the expansion of the federal government and the study of U.S. foreign policy.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Degler, Desantis, Farmer, & Powell. Foundations of American History Vol II, Bundled with Required Access Card. 11^th Edition. Paper. BVT Publishing.

AND

Retrieving the American Past, Amarillo College Reader for American History Vol II. Paper. Pearson Custom Publishing. 

Supplies

\ Adequate paper and writing instruments for all exams.

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Create an argument through the use of historical evidence.

2. Analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources.

3. Analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on this period of United States history.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\ Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures.

Grading Criteria

There will be two (2) short essay examinations and a short essay final examination given.  During the semester one short paper will be assigned.  Details concerning the paper will be given in class. In addition, near the end of the semester, a 25 question multiple choice exam will be given.  The score on your paper and the multiple choice exam will be averaged and count as an exam grade. Course grades will be determined by the average of the three exam grades and the final.  The instructor reseves the right to subjectively influence the final grade of the student relative to class, student participation in class, and student attitude while involved in the class.  No other grades will be given for this class.  The student is required to bring adequate paper and writing instruments to complete the examination.  In the case of an emergency, one examination can be made up if approved by the instructor.  This examination must be made u within one week of the scheduled examination date unless special permission is arranged with the instructor in advance.  The final cannot be made up.  If the student is unable to take the final at the scheduled time they must file with the college for an incomplete and file the appropriate paperwork before the date of the scheduled final.

Withdrawal Policy:  If you are unable to complete the course, you should officially drop the course at the Registrar’s office on campus.  Withdrawal from the class must be initiated by the student.  Failure to do so will result in a grade of “F”.  The last day to drop the class with a “W” is APRIL 24, 2014.

Attendance

\ The student is expected to attend all classes unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.  Assignments and tests are as listed in the enclosed syllabus unless changed one week in advance by the instructor.  All reading assignments should be completed prior to the assigned examination date.  It is recommended, but not required, that the student record instructor lectures in order to facilitate their preparation for examinations.  The student is responsible for all information covered.  If the student misses a class it is their responsibility to make arrangements to acquire the missed information.  It is important for all students to be in class on time and prepared to take notes.  The classroom door will be closed ten (10) minutes after the start of class.

Calendar

Additional Information

By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all the listed learning objectives with a minimum grade of 60% competency level based on the course examinations. The course is designed to meet the needs of both history majors and non-history majors. The history major should acquire a good general background on which to build later studies of history. The non-history major should have some knowledge of an appreciation for our nation, its history, people, culture, society, economics, and politics.

In addition to the previously stated student performance goals, after studying the material presented in this course, the student will also be able to:

1.  List and discuss the factors leading to the emergence of the new South, the settlement of the West, the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of the labor movement.

2.  Describe the major issues in national politics from 1877 to 1901, describe the emergence of an internationalist foreign policy in the united States prior to 1900, and list and discuss the causes and results of the Spanish-American War.

3.  Define the Progressive Movement and cite examples of Progressive reforms in the period from 1900 to 1915.

4.  List and discuss the causes and results of the American entry into World War I.

5.  Demonstrate proficiency, as instructed, in the events of the 1920's leading up to the Great Depression, list and discuss at least five causes of The Depression, and cite examples of President Hoover's policies to counteract The Depression.

6.  Describe the New Deal and cite examples of New Deal Programs, differentiating between relief, recovery, and reform measures, and evaluate the New Deal and its critics.

7.  List and discuss factors leeading to the United States entry into World War II and be able to discuss the results of that way.

8.  Trace, as instructed, the developmeent of the cold war and national political, social, and economic issues from 1945 to the present.