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Syllabus



Syllabus



Syllabus Archive


The following syllabi come from a variety of different terms. They illustrate the evolution of this course over time, and are intended to provide alternate views into the instruction of this course.

Spring 2009, Pauline Maier (PDF)


A list of topics covered in the course is provided in the calendar.



Course Requirements




Attendance and Participation


Regular attendance, completion of readings, and participation in discussions is required. This constitutes a significant component of students' performances in the subject.



Assignments


Students are expected to complete three papers of 4 to 5 pages based on the readings assigned for a specific week. Students will be divided into three groups. Additional details can be found in the assignments section.



Oral Presentations


On the first session of the week in which students have papers due they each present to the class a brief summary of their papers. During the final weeks of the term, when students are no longer obliged to write papers on the assigned readings, these presentations will continue. That is, students in group 1 should be prepared to speak about the readings in first session of Week# 12; group 2 in first session of Week# 13, and group 3 in first session of Week# 14. In some cases the format for those classes might be changed, however.



Final Paper


Preparation of a final paper, roughly 10 pages in length, on a notable historical work that was not assigned as required reading. Additional details are available in the assignments section.

There will be no final examination.



Calendar



Week #TopicsKey Dates
1Introduction; the Puritans
2"The First Famous American": Benjamin FranklinGroup I Papers Due

Group I Oral Presentations
3Paine's "Common Sense" and the Declaration of IndependenceGroup II Papers Due

Group II Oral Presentations
4The Constitutional ConventionGroup III Papers Due

Group III Oral Presentations
5Exploring the WestGroup I Papers Due

Group I Oral Presentations
6Slave Narratives: Frederick Douglass and Harriet JacobsGroup II Papers Due

Group II Oral Presentations
7"The Little Lady Who Caused This Big War"Group III Papers Due

Group III Oral Presentations
8The Lincoln-Douglas Debates; LincolnGroup I Papers Due

Group I Oral Presentations
9Ulysses S. Grant and the Civil WarGroup II Papers Due

Group II Oral Presentations
10Discussion: Paper Topics; Writing Final Papers
11Making Money - and Giving it AwayGroup III Papers Due

Group III Oral Presentations
12Segregation and Blacks' Dreams of SuccessGroup I Oral Presentations
13What a Difference the Radio Made: the Presidency, at HomeGroup II Oral Presentations
14Free at Last?Group III Oral Presentations

Final Paper Due

 








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