American History Survey

Summer 2013 HIST 1143

Survey of American History I
Instructor: Matthew Krezenski Contact Info: Use Blackboard "Contact Instructor" tool for all course-related correspondence. Course Duration: May 28 through July 1, 2013 Course Description: This course is an introductory survey of American history from the early Native Americans and European colonization through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Topics include native cultures, European heritage, the colonial experience, revolution and the new republic. Emphasis will be placed on the formation of the Constitution, reform movements and political compromises. Special attention will be paid to the common institutions in American society and their affects on different groups. Prerequisite: None.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Identify the effects of colonization on various native cultures. Compare the different British Colonies in North America. Identify the causes of the American Revolution. Discuss and evaluate the United States Constitution. Evaluate the effectiveness of the various reform movements of the 19th century. Analyze the causes of the Civil War. Identify the common institutions in American society and relate their effect on various groups. 8. Describe the basic narrative of American history including political, social, economic, and cultural issues pertaining to unity and diversity. 9. Analyze competing interpretations of American history through the use of primary materials. Course Format: This course is conducted solely through Blackboard. With the exception of your textbook, everything you need to successfully complete this course is available online: additional reading, lectures, presentations, quizzes, and opportunities to interact with your classmates through discussions. Due Dates: Due dates are
If you are residing outside EST while taking this course it is your responsibility to calculate your local time that corresponds to EST. Late Work Policy: The specified deadline is the last possible moment by which you may submit the required work for credit. Once the deadline has passed, any due work that remains uncompleted at that time will result in a zero for that/those assignments. There are no exceptions to this policy. If you find you are unable to keep the required pace of this course, you should reconsider your enrollment. You are encouraged to discuss your situation with the instructor. Please note specifically that last minute “computer problems” are neither unforeseeable nor unavoidable. Protect yourself from such an unfortunate event by avoiding procrastination and having a back-up plan should your computer suffer an untimely crash: friend, relative or neighbor, internet cafe, local library or college campus. Grading Policy: Your final grade in this course will correspond to the percentage of points earned on quizzes and discussions. The following grading scale will apply to your total point percentage: A+ [100-97%]; A [96-90%]; B+ [89-87%]; B [86-80%]; C+ [79-77%]; C [7670%]; D+ [69-67%]; D [67-60%]; F [59-0%]. Your letter grade is earned on the basis of your performance, not given on the basis of your desire or perceived need. It is equally important that you realize your grade represents only your specific performance in this