HST 121: History of the United States to 1877

Syllabus

Prof. F. Thornton Miller

Office: Strong Hall 417
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 9:00-11:30 
Email: FTMiller@missouristate.edu

Course Objective*
To study the formation and development of the American colonies, the founding of the republic, and the political, constitutional, social, and economic development of the United States to 1877, with emphasis on regional, ethnic, and cultural diversity.

HST 121, U.S. History to 1877, is a freshman course which partially satisfies requirements of the Public Affairs section of the General Education Program. The History Department’s goal in offering American history is to teach:

1: Students to think critically about diverse interpretations of historical developments;
2: The diversity and appreciation of native and immigrant cultural values, gender, race and class differences as the foundation for advancing the University’s Public Affairs mission;
3: How present-day situations have grown out of past events, such as the American Revolution, Industrialization, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement, which is essential for participation in America’s democratic experiment;
4: The evolution of political, constitutional, and social systems in the United States and in the State of Missouri as required by Missouri Senate Bill No. 262;
5: How past events shape current possibilities for the individual in American society.    

(M 1.2.1; CF 2, 4, 8, 9; SA 1, 2, 3; N 1-10)

* NOTE: M = MOSTEP; CF = Conceptual Framework; SA = Specialty Area; N = NCSS + the number of the indicator.

Reading

Required reading: Documents available on the Internet

% Breakdown of the Course:
3 Exams: 33.3% each

Course Policies
Students are required to have their own email account.
Students using English as a second language should see me to discuss accommodations.
Makeup exams are allowed and are given toward the end of the term. A student who needs to take a makeup should see the instructor about setting up a time for the exam.
For the course grade, you must have at least a 90% average for an A, 80% for a B, 70% for a C, and 60% for a D.
Academic Dishonesty. Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, which can be found at http://www.missouristate.edu/acadaff/AcademicIntegrity.html (also available at the Reserves Desk in Meyer Library).
Disability accommodation. To request accommodations for disability, students must contact Disability Services (http://www.missouristate.edu/disability), Plaster Student Union Suite 405, (417) 836-4192; TTY (417) 836-6792.  Students must provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior to receiving accommodations.
Missouri State Office of Academic Affairs Policy on Use of Cell Phones in Classes: As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of Academic Affairs prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent mode and cannot be taken out during class. At the discretion of the instructor, exception to this policy is possible in special circumstances. Sanctions for violation of this policy are determined by the instructor and may include dismissal from the class – see Class Disruption (http://www.missouristate.edu/recreg/classdis.html). In testing situations, use of cell phones or similar communication devices may lead also to a charge of academic dishonesty and additional sanctions under the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures (http://www.missouristate.edu/acadaff/AcademicIntegrity.html). There are two appeal processes available to students. A sanction for class disruption may be appealed using the appeal process stated in the Class Disruption policy; however, a violation that involves a charge of academic dishonesty must be appealed using the process described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures. Students have the right to continue attending class while an appeal is in progress.
Nondiscrimination. Missouri State policy on nondiscrimination: http://www.missouristate.edu/eoaa.htm.
Class drop policy. If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive a failing grade and will also be financially obligated.  To drop a class anytime after the first week, you must turn in a drop slip at an authorized registration center (see 2002/2003 Missouri State Undergraduate Catalog, pp. 51-52; http://www.missouristate.edu/recreg/chnsched.html).  You do not need to obtain any signatures on the drop slip.


Lecture Topics
Part I

A. Founding the Colonies

B. 17^th-century Colonial America

C. Great Awakening

D. Enlightenment

Part II

A. 18^th-century Colonial America

B. American Revolution

C. Founding the Republic

Part III

Bonus Map Assignments
There are two bonus map assignments. These assignments are not required. They are optional. You may do them for extra credit. Each will be equivalent to 1% of the course grade. See  the Assignments page for more information.     

Attendance and borderline grades
Please note that good attendance (0-2 absences that have not been excused) is expected, is essential for taking good notes, and will aid you if you have a borderline grade. (Note that if tardy, you should see me after class to make sure you have not been counted absent.) Also, borderline consideration will be given to those who participate well in class.

Dates
See the Dates page.

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