HIS 2020

Survey of United States History II: 1877-present

Spring 2010 - Section 18
Wednesday 6-9 pm
Peck Hall 213

Instructor: Angela Smith

smithangj@gmail.com
Available by Appointment in the Walker Library

Course Description
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and
international aspects. Discusses the era from 1877 to the present.

Class Objectives
This course gives students an overview of the political, economic, social, and cultural history of America from 1877
through the present. Students will read a major textbook and selected primary documents. Through these readings, lec-
tures, and class discussions, students will explore major themes in American history.

Required Text
James Roark, et al., The American Promise, Third Edition, Vol. II

TBR and MTSU General Studies Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to:
• Analyze historical facts and interpretations;
• Analyze and compare political, geographic, economic, social, cultural, religious and intellectual institutions, struc-
tures, and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures;
• Recognize and articulate the diversity of human experience across a range of historical periods and the complexi-
ties of a global culture and society;
• Draw on historical perspective to evaluate contemporary problems/issues; and
• Analyze the contributions of past cultures/societies to the contemporary world.

Grading
Grades are based on student performance on scheduled quizzes and exams, the major project or paper, and in-class partici-
pation and and assignments.
30% Midterm
30% Final
10% Attendance/Class Participation
15% Project/Writing Assignment
15% In class assignments/quizzes

Grading scale
A 90–100
B+  87−89
B 83−86
B-  80−82
C+ 77−79
C  73−76
C− 70−72
D+ 67-69
D  63−66
D- 60-62
F  0−59

Attendance Policy
More than 1 absence in a course that meets once a week may result in failing the class. Exceptions are granted for univer-
sity sanctioned events ( athletic team events, debate, etc.) as well as a few other circumstances. However, you must have
written documentation for every absence, not just the absences over the limit. Three tardies or early departures count as an
absence. You are considered tardy if you enter class after the instructor has called your name.
Late Assignment Policy
Late Assignments will not be accepted without instructor permission.

Classroom Conduct:
1. Do not bring children, friends, or pets to class with you.
2. TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES DURING CLASS AND LAB TIME. The exception to this is that if you are signed up
for RAVE with MTSU, you may keep you phone on vibrate in order to receive alert messages only.
3. No earphones may be worn in class; no electronic equipment may be used in class.
4. Sleeping or working on assignments for another course during class is prohibited.
5. Academic dishonesty (i.e. copying homework, receiving or giving help on tests or quizzes) will result in a zero being
given on the test or assignment. Personal integrity is expected of all students.
6. Laptops may only be used to take notes or on in-class assignments. Penalty: Violators will be asked to leave the
class and the class period will be recorded as an absence and a 0 daily grade on in-class assignments.

Paper/Project
There is a choice between a major project or research paper for the course. The project can be a short documentary, a pod-
cast, an extensive oral history, a museum exhibit, or some other creative project that promotes indepth historical research.
The research paper will be 10-12 pages in length (not including endnotes and bibliography) and it must ask and explore a
historical question using both primary and secondary sources. Similarly an acceptable project will cite sources in a process
paper that must be turned in with the project.

A topic proposal is due the Wednesday after Spring Break that defines the topic or project and explores the research steps
you plan to take. I will meet individually with each of you in the weeks after Spring Break to discuss the proposal and chart
a course for conducting the research for the paper or project you choose.

Plagiarism:
Using another’s work as your own is wrong. The most flagrant instances of plagiarism are (1) submitting a research paper
that is copied from another’s writing, (2) having someone dictate what is written (such as having a typist rewrite a paper,
substituting his/her language for the student’s), and (3) using sources without proper documentation. Often such violations
are very easy for history teachers to spot because we become familiar with a students writing style, and it is apparent that
the style changed. I do not hesitate to fail students and report them to the university when we find students misrepresent-
ing someone else’s work as their own.

If you have questions about plagiarism, consult this article on Indiana University’s website: Plagiarism: What It is and How
to Avoid It (http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml)

ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommoda-
tions for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please speak with me as soon as possible.  Students may also contact the Office
of Disabled Students Services (898-2783) with questions about such services.

Lottery Eligibility Statement

To retain Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship eligibility, you must earn a cumulative TELS GPA of 2.75 after 24 and
48 attempted hours and a cumulative TELS GPA of 3.0 thereafter.  You may qualify with a 2.75 cumulative GPA after 72
attempted hours (and subsequent semesters), if you are enrolled full-time and maintain a semester GPA of at least 3.0.  A
grade of C, D, F, or I in this class may negatively impact TELS eligibility.  Dropping a class after 14 days may also impact
eligibility; if you withdraw from this class and it results in an enrollment status of less than full time, you may lose eligibil-
ity for your lottery scholarship. Lottery recipients are eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of five years from
the date of initial enrollment, or until a bachelor degree is earned.  For additional rules, refer to your Lottery Statement of
Understanding form, review lottery requirements on the web athttp://scholarships.web.mtsu.edu/telsconteligibility.htm, or
contact the Financial Aid Office at 898-2830.