COURSE OBJECTIVES AND CONTENT 

This is the third course in a four-period sequence in American history.  No prerequisites are required.  The course examines the major political, cultural, economic, and diplomatic trends that shaped the United States from the Reconstruction era to the end of World War I.  Special attention will be given to the experience of the nation’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups and America's growing role in the global community.  This course is designed so that students will develop an awareness of the narrative of U.S. history, acquire critical thinking skills, and understand the broader social and cultural dimensions of modern America.  A number of interpretations will be emphasized to better help students understand the critical debates and key issues surrounding this era.

* John Mack Faragher, Mari Jo Buhle, Susan H. Armitage, and Daniel Czitrom, Out of Many, Teaching and Learning Classroom Edition, Volume 2 (Prentice Hall, 2009).
* Justin Martin, Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted (Da Capo Press, 2011).
* Martha A. Sandweiss, Passing Strange: A Gilded Age Tale of Love and Deception Across the Color Line (Penguin Press, 2009). This book is also available as an audiobook on iTunes.
* John F. Kasson, Amusing the Million: Coney Island at the Turn of the Century (Hill and Wang, 1978).
* Course pack (handed out in class).

Students will be evaluated on how well they identify and explain the significance events, terms, and individuals of the era and on the basis of their reading, writing, and thinking skills.  Students are expected to read all assignments and come ready to discuss these in class.  Always be prepared; I may call upon you at any time. Look at the webpage discussion question (will be added in August) for assignments and direction.  Those who fail to keep up with the reading will do poorly in this course. Participation and attendance is required of each individual and will figure into the overall grade.  (Obviously, if one does not attend or read the assignments, one cannot participate.) 

Two tests will be administered over the semester involving multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.  More information on these will be given out prior to each exam.  In addition, unannounced pop quizzes may be given occasionally at the beginning of class.  These quizzes will cover the most recent reading assignments and the lecture material.  (Always take good notes.  Not all lecture material will be included in your text.)  Those who arrive late or fail to attend class will not be allowed to retake quizzes or tests, unless, of course, a written medical excuse can be provided. 

In addition to a satisfactory evaluation of this work based on content, you are expected to demonstrate competence in English composition and grammar.  Students will complete several writing assignments.  All must be typed and double-spaced.  Sets of discussion questions will be posted on the web.  You must answer 5 sets of questions over the semester.  These will be graded on a pass/fail basis.  Your answers to each of the five sets of questions should be 1.5 pages.  These are due in class on the day that the reading is assigned.  Additionally, students will write one major (4-5 pages) and one minor (1.5-2 pages) book review.  Book reviews will be based on the supplemental books.  (Review questions and a guide to writing reviews will be placed on the web.)  Graded on a 1-100 scale, reviews must be handed in during class on the day they are due.  Reviews will lose 5 percentage points for each day they are overdue.  No writing assignments will be accepted via e-mail. 

Boston is a city with many cultural resources.  There are dozens of museums, and historical sites within a few short miles of the ENC campus.  Students must attend at least one lecture and one museum or historical site in the area relating to the course material.  A list of suitable area lectures will be marked with an * here (coming soon).  A list of sites and museums in the area is also available here.  Students will then write 1.5-2 page summaries of the lecture and site visit.  Two extra credit papers, based on additional lectures or excursions, may be turned in as well. 

Finally, a note on proper behavior and academic honesty.  Talking with fellow classmates, eating, doing other work, reading newspapers, leaving cell phones on, walking out early or arriving late all reflect poorly on you as a student and will hurt your overall grade.  Cheating and plagiarism are even worse and will not be tolerated.  Be advised: ANY instance of cheating on tests, essays, or other assignments will result in immediate discipline and possible failure of the course. For more on this fascinating topic, please refer to the ENC history dept. guidelines concerning academic honesty.  Those who are guilty will be caught.  Incriminating evidence is only a Google™ search away.

Failure to complete any of the assignments will obviously result in a significant lowering of your total grade.  If this all seems too daunting, remember that the last day to drop a course with no penalties is Sept 13.