History 212‐006, Kinard 211 Winthrop University Dr. Edward Lee, Instructor Spring 2012 United States History from 1877 Scope of the Course History 212 is a rapidly moving course that commences as the curtain descends on the Reconstruction Era in 1877 and concludes with the 1981 inauguration of President Ronald Reagan and the release of the Iranian hostages. Five units will help us analyze the material of History 212: “Captains of Industry,” “Progressivism and Normalcy,” “The Great Depression,” “A Second World War,” and “Years of Upheaval.” Thus, much of our time this spring will be spent examining the major social, economic, political, and international factors, which shaped what has been labeled “America’s Century.” The Instructor Dr. Lee has taught this course for the last twenty‐six years. He specializes in the Twentieth Century and is the author of two books on America’s longest war: White Christmas in April: The Collapse of South Vietnam, 1975 and Nixon, Ford, and the Abandonment of South Vietnam. He welcomes you to this fast‐paced course. You may reach Dr. Lee at (803) 323‐4844 or schedule a conference by signing the appointment sheet located on his office door, Bancroft 364. His e‐
mail address is [email protected]. He wishes to be readily accessible to you throughout the semester. He is available before and after each class session and by appointment. Please contact the instructor about any special needs that you have so that he can accommodate you. His office hours are 10:00am‐11:00am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and by appointment. Goals In History 212, we will improve our ability to analyze and interpret historical data and to orally and in written form use evidence to support your understanding of this data. Reading, writing, speaking, analytical, and researching skills will be sharpened in this course as we “think historically.” This course satisfies the historical perspectives and arts and humanities requirements of the general education program for Winthrop University undergraduate students. It satisfies the following goals: “to communicate clearly and effectively in standard English,” “identify sound and unsound reasoning; analyze and use a variety of information‐gathering techniques; and use the library and other information sources competently,” “ and “to recognize and appreciate human diversity (both past and present) as well as the diversity of ideas, institutions, philosophies, moral codes, and ethical principles.” As one of the required U.S. History surveys, History 212 also satisfies core requirements for both History majors and minors. Thus, students will satisfy the following goals for student History 212‐006, Kinard 211 Winthrop University Dr. Edward Lee, Instructor Spring 2012 outcomes of the History Department’s B.A. degree: “students will be able to communicate effectively core themes, ideas, and subject matter, in both written and oral form” and “students will be able to discuss critically significant issues and themes of United States History.” Attendance Obviously, we have much material to cover this semester. All students are expected to promptly attend and participate in every class meeting. When unavoidable absences occur, however, obtain notes and assignments from a classmate. Do not fall behind! Requirements A successful performance in History 212 requires that students complete several tasks. These grade opportunities will be essay/short answer exams (on 1/30, 3/9, and a final exam on 5/1 at 3:00pm). Two book reviews are also required (they are due on 2/27 and 4/20). Book review instructions are attached to this syllabus and will be discussed with you during the first class session. The format for the exams will be discussed with you on the first day of class, as well. Each of the course assignments is worth 20% of your semester grade. A ten‐point grading scale is used in History 212 (i.e., 90=A, 80=B). Make‐up exams and late papers are normally accepted. You will be alerted to any changes in this syllabus. You are expected to adhere to the Winthrop University code of academic integrity. Textbook All students should gain access to David Goldfield’s American Journey, Vol. 2. It is available at Winthrop University’s bookstore. Welcome to History 212! History 212‐006, Kinard 211 Winthrop University Dr. Edward Lee, Instructor Spring 2012 Book Review Instructions for Dr. Edward Lee’s Class Select books which focus on the time period covered by this course. Choose books which interest you. If you need suggestions, contact Dr. Lee. Keep in mind that book reviews and book reports are fundamentally different. Reviews stress analysis and criticism, while reports heavily summarize the book. Therefore, vigorously examine your book; hold it up for inspection. Do not merely summarize the book that you are reviewing. A good review includes several elements, which are smoothly woven together to form a double‐spaced typed paper of about 4‐5 pages. Your review should include the following parts: 1. On top of page one, type the book’s citation. For example: Jones, Maxwell P. My Life in the Counterculture. Rock Hill, S.C.: Free Press, Inc., 1995. 2. Clearly state the book’s thesis or main idea. You may use a quotation to illustrate the thesis. When quoting, smoothly introduce the quote, then quote a brief passage, and follow with your analysis. 3. Is the thesis proved to your satisfaction? Be specific. 4. Select one of the book’s strengths and analyze it. 5. Select one of the book’s weaknesses and criticize it. 6. Give an example of the author’s writing sample. Quote a sample of how he/she uses language to present his/her information and analyze the example. When quoting, introduce the quote, present the quote (less than three lines), and conclude with your analysis. Just include the quotation’s page number. For instance: “The creek flowed red with the blood of America’s youth.” (69) 7. Examine the author’s sources. Is the bibliography impressive, fair, and balanced? Are there footnotes? Endnotes? History 212‐006, Kinard 211 Winthrop University Dr. Edward Lee, Instructor Spring 2012 8. Conduct library research on the author. Analyze the biographical material. Is the author qualified to write this book? 9. Search for other reviews of your book. Do they support or contradict your assessment? Quote from other reviews and cite the source: “This book vanishes into a haze of 1960’s era nostalgia” (American Historical Review, May 1995, 301). 10. Would you recommend this book to your classmates? Why? Why not? 11. Conclude your review with your name. A final note about book reviews The above parts of a review can be rearranged, with the exception of the citation and your name. Since you are the reviewer, be creative and original as you write your review. You are the critic and have complete freedom to analyze the book in your own style. Sprinkle quotations and specific details throughout your paper. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Lee.