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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS 280"
COURSE NAME: "The American Experience I: From the First Colonies to the Closing of the Frontier"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2017
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Andrea Lanzone
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 3:00-4:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS:
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an overview of American history from early European discoveries and settlements to the closing of the frontier. Main emphasis will be on the economic, political, social, cultural, and artistic experiences that shaped the Republic and its people. Main themes will be the wilderness and the frontier, the struggle for independence, slavery and civil rights. Special attention will also be devoted to the impact of Puritanism, the pioneer spirit, democracy and freedom, and Manifest Destiny.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Indigenous America

The Age of Explorations

Early Colonial Period

Colonial Society and the Duel for North America

War for Independence

Confederation and Constitution

Second War for Independence

Jeffersonian / Jacksonian Democracy

Forging the National Economy

The Ferment of Reform

The Slavery Controversy

Manifest Destiny

Renewing the Sectional Struggle

The Road Toward Disunion

The Civil War

The Ordeal of Reconstruction

The Gilded Age

Industries and Cities

How the West was won/How the West was lost
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
This American Experience 1 provides the student with an introductory and general understanding of United States of America in terms of historical events, social systems, economic processes and ideologies. One of the aims of the course is to enhance student's skills in critical thinking and reading. To this end, students shall investigate one key event in the history of the United States of America. Group discussions will be a central part of the course structure.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
A People's History of the United StatesHoward Zinnharper978-0-06-083865-2  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Papers: Students will write two seven page papers on assigned topic 30%
Attendance  10%
Final Exam: Students will answer two essay questions  30%
Midterm: Students will answer two essay questions 20%
Participation 10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the co
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
More than TWO absences will have a negative effect on the grade, the more absences, the negative-er the effect.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

First week: Indigenous America

Second week: The Age of Explorations

Third week: Early Colonial Period

Fourth and Fifth week: Colonial Society and the Duel for North America

Sixth week: War for Independence

Seventh week:Mid-term exam















Eighth week: Confederation and Constitution

Ninth week: Jeffersonian / Jacksonian Democracy

Tenth week: The Slavery Controversy/ The Civil War















Eleventh week: Manifest Destiny and the Westward expansion

Twelfth week:Industries and Cities/Immigration















Thirtheenth week: How the West was won/How the West was lost















Final Examination