U

U.S. History From 1877

Professor: Dennis J. Najarian

Office: 3088

Office Extension: 825-2454

Office Hours: M, W 11:00, T, TH 8:30. Hours also by appointment.

Course Textbook: Gillon, Steven, M., Matson, Cathy D. The American Experiement, A History of the United States since 1865. Vol. II. Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2009.

Course Overview: This course is a survey of selected political, international, economic, social, and intellectual aspects of American history from 1877 to the present.

As a survey course, the primary method of instruction is lecture. In order for students to achieve a high level of success in the course, especially superior grades on examinations, it is vitally important that students 1) arrive to class on time and attend regularly, 2) be attentive and listen seriously, and 3) write organized notes and write quickly. To assist students in the learning process, an outline of the day’s topic (s) will be written on the board or on Powerpoint. PowerPoint is used for selected topics.

In addition to lecture, there will be ample opportunities for students to engage in meaningful discussion of historical issues and problems. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussion and express their thoughts on the content. I will frequently ask questions throughout the lecture and there will be discussion on assigned supplemental reading material.

Course Assessment:

2 Hourly Examinations…………………………….30%

Final Examination………………………………….35%

Attendance and participation……………..35%

Learning Outcomes: The Social Science Department and this professor endorse the mission of CCRI which is to provide students with “the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills necessary for intellectual, professional, and personal growth.” The philosophy of what education should consist of and the requirements of this course are designed to assist students in achieving those goals. As a result of written examinations, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of historical Chronology, the complexity of causation, critically assess the reasons for determining historical significance, and the lessons of history, organize and explain evidence to prove the thesis, problem solving, i.e., determining a study strategy that best suits the student’s strengths and weaknesses, identifying the facts needed for a persuasive argument, distinguishing a factual argument from one based on opinion, critically read and interpret what a question is asking for, write an essay that is organized into an introduction with thesis, body, conclusion, paragraphs, and consists of clear, short sentences. As a result of reading assignments, students will be able to critically read and interpret, make inferences,

formulate opinions after considering different viewpoints, and contribute to meaningful class discussion. As a result of attending class and participating in discussion, students will do well on examinations and assignments, think about the history and express their opinions in a responsible manner, respect different opinions, learn from each other’s opinions, and express themselves with good vocabulary and clarity.

Course Policies:

Attendance and Tardiness: Class attendance is mandatory to pass the course. It will be recorded every class. Attendance is essential to student success. The classroom is for the explanation of content, discussion, in-class reading or writing exercises, and announcements. A significant amount of exam content comes from class lecture/discussion. Absences and tardiness are an obstacle to success. Emergencies and illness do occur and reasonable consideration will be extended but habitual absence will have a negative effect on your grade and the need to withdraw from the course.

Being on time for class and showing respect for the academic process is also mandatory. Class begins on the hour. Respect means not walking late. Sometimes it is unavoidable but repeatedly walking in late will not be tolerated. Respect for the process also means turning off and putting out of sight cell phones, iPods, pagers and refraining from behavior such as a talking to others, text messaging, sleeping, monopolizing discussion, not taking notes, being disinterested, and walking out of class. Such behavior is disrespectful and a distraction to a successful learning and teaching process. If there is a serious circumstance that requires you to take a call during class or having to leave class, inform me at the beginning of the period. Don’t make it a habit. Consult CCRI’s Student Handbook regarding student code of conduct.

Make-ups: Examinations must be taken on the day scheduled. Make-ups are not automatic and granted on the basis of certain conditions. Make-ups are a totally new exam. You will know the dates for exams so if you anticipate a conflict, speak to me early for an alternative time.

Disabilities: Any student with a documented disability is encouraged to contact me early in the semester to discuss and arrange accommodations that may be necessary. Ms. Shelly Olausen of Disability Services will assist in the process. She can be contacted at the Warwick Campus @825-2164.

Grading: Failure to meet all course requirements and on time will result in a low or failing grade. There is no half-credit. There is no provision for extra-credit assignments. Students must meet the requirements as stated in the syllabus.

Incomplete Grade: An I is assigned in the case of documented hardship/illness. Assignment of an I must be accompanied by a written agreement between the professor and student outlining the conditions for course completion.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is using the words or thoughts of another source and presenting them as your own creation. This can include content taken from a textbook, author, internet sources, or classmate that you consult when doing an assignment. All words and thoughts not of your own must be properly documented in footnotes and bibliography. Plagiarism is an extremely serious offence that could result in dismissal from class with an F as well as the college. Consult Student Handbook for policies governing academic honesty. When in doubt about the origination of your word choice or ideas, be safe and cite the sources.

Topics, Readings, and Exam Schedule

These are the general topics. Each topic will be divided into different segments throughout the week.

Topic reading will be supplemented with primary source readings.

Week 1/25: Course introduction; Industrialization. Read chapter 18,

focus on pp. 662-70.

Week 2/1: Populism: skim pp 713-727; read pp. 727-743.

Week 2/8: Progressivism: read pp. 756-81

Week 2/15: Imperialism: read pp. 793-812; skim 813-19.

Week 2/22: First World War: read pp. 827-46; 849-53.

Week 3/1: The 1920s: read pp. 869-888; 896-97

FIRST EXAMINATION

Week 3/8: Great Depression and New Deal: read chapter 25.

Week 3/15: Second world War and Society: read pp. 951-77.

Week 3/22: NO CLASS----------------------------------SPRING VACATION

Week 3/29: The Early Cold War at Home and Abroad: Read chapter 27

Week 4/5: 1950s, 60s. Consumerism, Third World, Racism, leadership.

Chapter 28

SECOND EXAMINATION

Week 4/12: Consensus-confrontation. Read chapter 29.

FRIDAY 4/16 NO DAY CLASS - PROFESSIONAL DAY

Week 4/19: 1969-79: Polarization: read chapter 30. readings tba.

Week 4/26: Reagan’s America: chapter 31. readings tbw.

Week 5/3: U.S. in the post-cold war era: chapter 32. Readings tba.

Week 5/10: FINAL EXAMINATION WEEK

5/10 READING DAY

5/11-5/14 FINAL EXAMINATIONS