WELCOME TO THE BEST COURSE THERE IS BAR NONE. I WILL BE USING THIS BLOG AS A MEANS OF PROVIDING YOU WITH NOTES, ASSIGNMENTS, DUE DATES, TEST DATES AND THE LIKE.
IN THE SPIRIT OF AMERICAN CAPITALISM AND CONSUMERISM, THIS IS YOUR ONE STOP SHOPPING SITE FOR EVERYTHING AMERICAN HISTORY. WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD!
TO BEGIN THE TERM, I AM PROVIDING YOU WITH THE COURSE OUTLINE BELOW:
American History - A Study of "The Great Experiment"
Rationale:
The major focus of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of the Judeo-Christian values that form the basis of American culture and the ongoing battle in the arena of ideas between different perspectives with respect to what that culture stands for. America is unique because:
- It gives us the first country where individual rights are protected constitutionally;
- created the model for the modern nation-state;
- and is the first and only nation formed on the basis of an idea (...We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness -- That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness...)
Goal:
The major goal of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the United States, how it has evolved and its influence on the world. Public policy issues and the effects of various economic, social, and political changes are utilized as examples to discuss the "greater good" and justice in keeping with developing "Men for Others".
Topics:
What follows below is a basic chronology covering major topics to be discussed over the year. Although we will cover all of these topics, they will not necessarily be taken up chronologically. Rather, they will be discussed in the context of some general themes and the interrelationship that exists between various topics.
The topics include:
•the beginnings of a colonial presence (first British colony - Jamestown 1607)
•the growth of the Thirteen Colonies
•the American Revolution (1776-1781/83)
•the Federalist Era (1789-1801)
•the Louisiana Purchase, American expansionism and Manifest Destiny (1803-1860)
•the Civil War (1861-1865)
•the Industrial Age, Reform, and Urbanization (1865-1914)
•World War I (1914-1918)
•Roaring 20's (1920-1929)
•Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression (1929-1939)
•World War II (1939-1945)
•the Cold War (1945-1991)
•the New World Order and the Gulf War (1988-2001)
•September 11 and the War on Terror (2001- present)
•Recession, Government Bailouts, Entitlement Programs, and the Culture War (2007-2015)
•Donald Trump - Outsider Campaign and Presidency (2015-present)
•Donald Trump - Outsider Campaign and Presidency (2015-present)
This course will also concentrate on current issues in the United States. These issues will include but not be limited to:
- Terrorism
- The Economy
- The Middle East
- The National Debt
- Health Care
- China
- The Social Safety Net
- Russia
- Defense
- Individual Rights
- Iran, North Korea and the Nuclear Threat
- Immigration and Border Security
- US Elections
Expectations:
- Come prepared (all materials ready at the bell)
- Respect others (Listen to those speaking, raise hand and wait for recognition before speaking)
- Pay attention – Don’t just “look” – “see” … Don’t just “hear” – “listen”
- Do your best
- Ask for help when you need it
- Keep up with assigned work and hand it in on time
- Read, watch, keep in touch with American culture and news - Friday's will be discussion classes for this purpose
- Conduct yourself with maturity and “discipline”
“Discipline is defined as doing what you’re supposed to do, when you’re supposed to do it, how you’re supposed to do it, ALL THE TIME.” – Bob Knight
Assessment:
Assessment will be done on a regular basis. It will consist of:
• Final Exam: 50%
• Tests and Pop Quizzes: 20%
• All other Assignments/Essays: 30%
Tests will be given monthly and will examine the material covered within that time frame. They will last the duration of the class that they are given in. A review will be completed one week previous to the test in question.
Pop Quizzes are given randomly and are used as a means of checking on student understanding of recently covered material (i.e. Basic understanding of the work covered from a day or two previous). They do not take up more than 10 minutes of class and are generally limited to no more than 15 marks.
Essay writing is a skill that is emphasized in this course. A detailed rubric will be provided as well as instruction with respect to form and proper citation using APA style.
There is generally one class project assigned in the first term and another in the second term. Specific information concerning these projects will follow.
Homework:
You must do homework as assigned. Because the blog is comprehensive and easily accessible, many students rely on it heavily to keep them organized. However, keeping your own notes in class is a very effective way to review and keep up with material on a daily basis. In the end, making this extra effort will help to prepare you for unit tests.
Deadlines/Due Dates:
Meeting deadlines and due dates is an important life skill. Therefore, 10% will be deducted for each of the first three days that an assignment is late. Assignments handed in four days late or later will not be accepted for credit.
Be responsible and discuss any problems meeting deadlines in advance of the due date. You will find that where merited, reasonable accommodations can be made.
Help, help, help!
Do not hesitate to ask for help if you do not understand something we are learning. I am happy to clarify concepts or to explain something in a different way.
