The University of South Florida Sarasota‐Manatee
THE HISTORY OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS in AMERICA:
Colonial Period to the Present, HIS 3930.523
Fall 2016
Wednesdays, 9:00-11:45 am
Classroom: B334
Dr. Katherine Nelson, instructor
Campus phone: (I recommend that students contact me via email as I am
not on campus every day.)
e-mail: [email protected]
Office: C264
Office hours: W after class and by appointment
PREREQUISITES: none.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The study of alcohol and drugs in America, from the colonial
period to the present, will employ an interdisciplinary approach, including social and cultural
history, political and economic history, as well the history of science and medicine.
COURSE Topics: This course will include, inter alia, the colonial experience with alcohol, distilling
and brewing (e.g., the New England rum trade and William Penn’s brewery), Puritan and Quaker
attitudes, Native American experiences, the tavern as a Revolutionary meeting place, Benjamin Rush’s
Enquiry, Washington’s distillery and Jefferson’s preference for French wines, the Whiskey Rebellion, “
the alcoholic republic,” antebellum social reform, the temperance movement, the late nineteenth
century anti-drink campaigns (Frances Willard and the WCTU; the Anti-Saloon League), the history of
psychoactive drugs (opium, morphine, cocaine, and others), modern issues of Native American peyote
use, Prohibition and its repeal, early treatment options, the origins of Alcoholic Anonymous, emerging
medical research on alcohol and drugs, and the legalization of marijuana.
Course objectives:
* To acquire the ability to think critically about the role of social patterns and social reform in
American history; to identify causal factors and precipitating factors using historical analysis.
* To study, describe, and delineate key issues, facts, and events in the development and growth
of the varied responses to the use of alcohol and other drugs, emphasizing the significance of
American attitudes toward progressive reform, public policy, and medical/scientific inquiry.
* To present an informal oral presentation based upon one’s research paper on a significant
topic that is covered in the course.
* To examine the resulting impact of the role of social change in American history, and to assess
the various ways in which social behavior and attitudes have influenced American political,
cultural, and social life.
* To employ new approaches to learn about American habits and to assess behavior regarding
alcohol and other drugs.
Course student learning outcomes:
By the successful conclusion of this course, the student will
* have improved his/her ability to think critically and in new ways about significant and
complex issues.
* demonstrate a knowledge of key issues and events in American temperance
history, as a way of demonstrating an understanding of American history.
* have improved oral and written verbal skills to a higher degree.
* have improved the ability to read and assess new ideas and challenging materials in the
reading assignments and to extract, assimilate, and analyze key points.
* be able to understand the role of cultural patterns and social attitudes in American history.
Text and materials:
*Altering American Consciousness, The History of Alcohol and Drug Use in the United States, 1800 –
2000, edited by Sarah Tracy and Caroline Acker, U of Massachusetts Press, 2004. A wide-ranging
collection of individual essays.
*Lender and Martin, Drinking in America, A History, The Free Press, 1987
*William Rorabaugh, The Alcoholic Republic, An American Tradition, Oxford U. Press, 1981
*Norman H. Clark, Deliver Us from Evil: An Interpretation of American Prohibition, W.W. Norton, 1976
*David Courtwright, Forces of Habit, Drugs and the Making of the Modern World, Harvard U. Press,
2002
Additional required readings will be available on Canvas, either as a link to an article or an
excerpt that has been scanned in. For example, the reading for is given as a URL link, e.g.:
Katherine Nelson, “Through a Glass Darkly: Temperance in the Context of Emerging Scientific Method,
the Old Guard in Medicine, and Popular Discontents,” 2006.
Katherine Nelson, “Frances E. Willard: Temperance Leader, Women’s Advocate, Social Crusader,” 2016,
unpublished. To be posted on course website.
Canvas use: The class syllabus is posted in Canvas, an online course management system.
Students will need to become familiar with Canvas. The syllabus is posted on Canvas, as is
attendance and grades. Consult Canvas frequently for Announcements, which might include
directions to consult Assignments for more detailed instructions than found in the syllabus.
Information on how to use Canvas is available at:
http://usfsm.edu/elearning
Canvas is accessible via the myUSF online web portal, or directly at
http://learn.usf.edu
Computer and cell phones:
Please be sure your cell phones are turned off while in the classroom. If you bring your computer
to class, it may be used only for note-taking and other activities that pertain to this course. If you
bring a laptop to class, keep the lid closed during all student and audio visual presentations.
Plagiarism prevention and academic honesty:
The University of South Florida has an account with an automated plagiarism detection service
which allows student assignments be checked for plagiarism. Students may be asked to submit
their assignments to Turnitin through Canvas. Assignments are compared automatically with a
database of journal articles, web articles, and previously submitted papers. The instructor
receives a report showing exactly how a student’s paper was plagiarized.
PLEASE REMOVE YOUR NAME FROM THE BODY OF YOUR PAPER AND REPLACE
IT WITH YOUR USF ID#. ALSO REMOVE YOUR NAME FROM THE FILE NAME AND
REPLACE IT WITH YOUR USF ID# (e.g., “U12345678 Essay 1.docx”) BEFORE
SUBMITTING IT TO TURNITIN.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students
are requested to maintain confidentiality as a way to keep their personal contact information (i.e.
name, address, telephone) from being disclosed to vendors or other outside agencies. By your
submission, you are also agreeing to release your original work for review for academic purposes
to Turnitin.
Please be sure to review the university’s policy in the catalog, USFSM Undergraduate
Catalog: http://www.sarasota.usf.edu/Academics/Catalogs/ and the USF Student Code of
Conduct. Plagiarizing and/or cheating on quizzes and/or exams are very serious offenses and will
be dealt with accordingly. You are strongly encouraged to consult the USF policy on plagiarism.
If you use the words and/or the ideas of others, without citation or attribution, we will pursue all
possible remedies, including writing a letter of intention to assign a grade of F or FF, with a letter
of notification sent to the Dean of Arts and Sciences. Anyone caught cheating on quizzes or
exams will fail the course and we will pursue any and all further penalties
USFSM AND USF SYSTEM POLICIES
A. Academic Dishonesty: The University considers any form of plagiarism or cheating on
exams, projects, or papers to be unacceptable behavior. Please be sure to review the university’s
policy in the USFSM Catalog, the USF System Academic Integrity of Students, and the USF
System Student Code of Conduct.
B. Academic Disruption: The University does not tolerate behavior that disrupts the learning
process. The policy for addressing academic disruption is included with Academic Dishonesty in
the USFSM Catalog, USF System Academic Integrity of Students, and the USF System Student
Code of Conduct.
C. Contingency Plans: In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USFSM to suspend
normal operations. During this time, USFSM may opt to continue delivery of instruction through
methods that include but are not limited to: Canvas, online conferencing/collaboration tools,
email messaging, and/or an alternate schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor
Canvas for each of their classes for course specific communication, as well as the USFSM
website, their student email account, and MoBull messages for important general information.
The USF hotline at 1 (800) 992-4231 is updated with pre-recorded information during an
emergency. See the Campus Police Website for further information.
D. Disabilities Accommodation: Students are responsible for registering with the Office of
Students with Disabilities Services (SDS) in order to receive academic accommodations.
Reasonable notice must be given to the SDS office (typically 5 working days) for
accommodations to be arranged. It is the responsibility of the student to provide each instructor
with a copy of the official Memo of Accommodation. Contact Information:
DisabilityCoordinator,941-359-4714, [email protected], http://usfsm.edu/disabilityservices/
E. Fire Alarm Instructions: At the beginning of each semester please note the emergency exit
maps posted in each classroom. These signs are marked with the primary evacuation route (red)
and secondary evacuation route (orange) in case the building needs to be evacuated. See
Emergency Evacuation Procedures.
F. Religious Observances: USFSM recognizes the right of students and faculty to observe major
religious holidays. Students who anticipate the necessity of being absent from class for a major
religious observance must provide notice of the date(s) to the instructor, in writing, by the second
week of classes. Instructors canceling class for a religious observance should have this stated in
the syllabus with an appropriate alternative assignment.
G. Protection of Students Against Discrimination and Harassment:
1. Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment Reporting: USFSM is committed to providing an
environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence
(USF System Policy 0-004).
2. Other Types of Discrimination and Harassment: USFSM also is committed to providing an
environment free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, marital status, sex,
religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity
and expression, or veteran status (USF System Policy 0-007).
The Counseling and Wellness Center is a confidential resource where you can talk about
incidents of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, gender-based crimes,
sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. This confidential resource can help
you without having to report your situation to either the Office of Student Rights and
Responsibilities (OSSR) or the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity (DIEO),
unless you request that they make a report.
Please be aware that in compliance with Title IX and under the USF System Policy, educators
must report incidents of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, genderbased crimes, sexual assault, stalking, and domestic/relationship violence. If a student discloses
any of these situations in class, in papers, or to a faculty member personally, he or she is required
to report it to OSSR or DIEO for investigation. Students who are victims or who have knowledge
of such discrimination or harassment are encouraged to report it to either OSSR or DIEO. The
Deputy Coordinator for USFSM is Allison Dinsmore, Coordinator of Disability Services &
Student Advocacy, #941-359-4714 or [email protected].
Campus Resources:
Counseling Center and Wellness Center 941-487-4254
Victim Advocate (24/7) 941-504-8599
List of off-campus resources:
HOPE Family Services: 941-755-6805
Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) – Sarasota: 941-365-1976
First Call for Help- Manatee & Sarasota: 941-708-6488
Centerstone: 941-782-4800; 24-hr Hotline 941-708-6059
H. Web Portal Information: Every newly enrolled USF student receives an official USF e-mail
account. Students receive official USF correspondence and Canvas course information via that
address. The web portal is accessed at http://my.usf.edu.
GENERAL INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS
Students are not allowed to tape class lectures unless given prior approval by the
professor. Students are allowed, at their own discretion, to share notes with other students who
may have missed class. If in doubt, please contact the professor.
Academic Support Services: The Information Commons provides students with
individual and group study spaces, computers, printers, and various media equipment for
temporary use. The Information Commons is staffed by librarians, learning support faculty,
tutors, and technology and e-learning specialists. Students challenged by the rigors of academic
writing, or other course content are urged to contact their professors early in the semester to chart
out a plan for academic success, and/or regularly use the tutoring services provided by Learning
Support Services, which are provided at no cost to students.
Course Requirements, Attendance and Grading:
This course combines lecture, class discussion, and informal types of class participation.
Class participation is a significant requirement of the course. Attendance and participation in
classroom discussion is vital for the successful completion of the course. Much of the material
that will be discussed in class is not readily available elsewhere. It is essential that you come to
class with the reading assignments and other homework for the day completed. Having done
adequate preparation ensures that you can participate more effectively and get the most out of the
class.
Bring to class the texts and other assigned materials for the day. Some of the reading
assignments will be entered into Canvas. In these instances, bring a printed copy of the reading
from Canvas, or your detailed notes on the material, to class with you. You will need the reading
material for the day since we will refer to the materials during class time. In addition to lecture
and class discussion, we will make use of video images, film clips, audio materials, and other
materials to facilitate learning and discussion.
Tests and exams will be a combination of short answer and essay questions. Short answer
questions are designed to assess the student’s command of factual material. Essay questions are
designed to demonstrate the ability to interpret, analyze, and persuasively use those facts to
support a point of view.
Term Paper/Class Presentations: The term paper and informal class presentation will
count toward the final grade (see below for percentage distributions). A typed, double-spaced
paper of approximately 9-10 pages (2,500 words) plus title page and bibliography page, will be
due at the beginning of class on the specified date. The paper must be submitted in printed,
paper format, as well as submitted electronically. The paper will be based upon a proposal
developed by the student, on a topic appropriate to the course, and approved by the instructor.
The class presentation will be based upon your term paper.
All written papers will be graded on content, grammar, and spelling. Students must cite
sources in the term paper, using footnotes or endnotes. Citations in the term paper’s footnotes,
endnotes, and the bibliography must conform to the Chicago Manual of Style. Late papers will
receive a grade reduction.
Grading System and Grading Scale:
Class preparation, and class
participation (includes quizzes)
30%
Research paper, with proposal and
presentation..
30%
Short assigned essays…………………
10%
Final exam….……………………………
30%
100%
Grading scale
Each of the components of the grade is given a number grade, based upon 100%, and
corresponding to a letter grade. The grading process is based upon the use of the plus and minus
grading system as follows:
A+ 97 - 100
A 94 -96
A- 95-90
B+ 87 - 89
B 84 -86
B- 85 - 80
C+ 77 – 79
C 74 – 76
C- 75 – 70
D+ 67 - 69
D 64 - 66
D- 65 – 60
F below 60
COURSE SCHEDULE, Fall 2016 important dates to take note of:
Mon 22 Aug, first day of fall classes. We meet on Wed, August 24, 9:00 am
Mon 5 Sept, Labor Day, no classes, University is closed
Sat 29 Oct, Last day for a student to drop from a course with a “W”
Tues Oct 18, midterm grades submitted to registrar
Wed 9 Nov, Research paper due in class
Nov 26 to Dec 2, 7-day window for submitting student evaluations
eXplorance Blue open period ENDS 11:59pm on last day of classes
Nov 30 and Dec 1 Reading days
Final Exam: Wednesday 7 December, 9:00 am
See the following page for a specific schedule of class assignments.
HIS 3930
CLASS SCHEDULE and ASSIGNMENTS
Note: This is a preliminary schedule. Reading assignments are subject to change.
Topic
Assignments
Date
Wed
24
Aug
Wed
31
Aug
Other
Information
Overview of the course,
American attitudes in
cultural context.
Early Colonial
Experiences and
Attitudes
Altering American
Consciousness, Tracy & Acker,
p. 1-11.
“Ardent Spirits” and
“Strong Drink”
N. Clark, Deliver Us from Evil,
Review of
Syllabus.
Lender & Martin, Drinking in
America, ch 1
Ch. 2 & 3.
Social Turmoil and Social
Reform
Bring a brief
written statement to
class about Puritan
and Quaker
attitudes
(printed, to be
turned in).
Wed 7
Sept
Benjamin Rush, and
early temperance
Lender & Martin, ch 2;
Rorabaugh, Alcoholic Republic,
ch. 1
Rush, Inquiry into
the Effects of
Ardent Spirits
Wed
14
Sept
Native Americans:
Drinking Patterns and
Reform
Altering American
Consciousness, Tracy & Acker,
P. Mancall, “Four Centuries of
Alcohol Consumption in Indian
Country”
Quiz 1
Wed
21
Sept
Spirits of Independence:
the Whiskey Rebellion
Rorabaugh, ch 2 and 3;
On Canvas:
Bechloss,
Washington, the
Whiskey Baron
Wed
28
Sept
Antebellum Social
Reform: Temperance
The Second Great
Awakening, Freedom and
Revival
Rorabaugh, ch 4 and 5; On
Canvas: excerpt from The
Antebellum Temperance
Movement, Nelson
Wed 5
Oct
Change in American
attitudes; The
Washingtonians
Rorabaugh, ch. 6 and 7;
Clark, Deliver Us from Evil, ch.
3; K. Chavigny, “Reforming
Drunkards,” in Altering
American Consciousness
Wed
12 Oct
Post-temperance and
prohibition
Clark, Deliver Us, ch. 4-5;
Lender & Martin, ch 3
Quiz 2
Wed
19 Oct
The Anti-Saloon League
and the grassroots dry
crusade
Clark, ch 6-7; On Canvas:
“Frances Willard and the
WCTU” Nelson
Paper proposal due
in class
Wed
26 Oct
Prohibition and Repeal
Clark, ch 8-10; Lender &
Martin, ch 4
Sat 10/29 Last day
to drop with W
Wed 2
Nov
The Age of Ambivalence:
post-repeal response; the
modern AA movement;
Gender roles
Lender & Martin, ch 5; In AAC:
articles by Tracy and
McClellan, “Lady Tipplers”
Wed 9
Nov
Early Origins of
psychoactive drugs
(opium, morphine,
heroin, marijuana,
cocaine)
TBA
Research Paper due, in
print, in class
Wed
The Psychoactive
16 Nov Revolution in the modern
world
Steven Novak, “LSD before
Leary, in AAC.
Wed
Contemporary issues in
23 Nov historical context; neotemperance
Courtwright, Part III
D. Courtwright, Forces of
Habit, Part I and II
REVIEW for EXAM
Short paper due in
class on the
presidents and
temperance
Student
presentations
Brief, informal
student
presentations on
their research
Student
presentations
Brief, informal
student
presentations on
their research
Student
presentations
THANKSGIVING BREAK Th Nov 24 and Fri Nov 25
Wed
Reading Days, Nov 30
30 Nov and Dec 1
Exam week: Dec 3 to 8
Wed 7
Dec
Final exam, 9:00 am