SPRING 2013 – NMSU
I. Course number and name:
HISTORY 317-M01/521-M01: U.S. Foreign Relations TO 1919
History 317/521 will provide the student with a basic understanding of the growth and development of American foreign relations from the colonial origins to 1919. It will analyze in detail specific incidents in recent American diplomacy, emphasizing in particular the complexity of causal relationships in explaining these events. In addition, the course will focus attention on those issues that have emerged as major sources of historical controversy in an effort to spark creative and imaginative thought. Finally, through the use of classroom discussion, History 317/521 will encourage the individual communication of personal opinions based upon an educated analysis of the facts. This is an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of American diplomacy from the founding of the American Republic to the Great War.
II. Instructor information:
Name: Dr. D. Schneider
Office: NMSU Main Campus History Department
Room 254A Breland Hall
Office phone: 575-646-4291
E-mail: dschneid@nmsu.edu
(Communications with students will only be through their NMSU E-mail address; Canvas will not be used.)
Office hours: 7:30-8:15 AM - Mon and Wed; and by appointment
Class hours: MWF – 11:30 AM-12:20 PM
Class Location: JH-146
III. Course Objectives and Outcomes Linkages:
The successful student will:
- Analyze and critically interpret significant primary texts and/or works of art (this includes fine art, literature, music, theatre, and film).
- Compare art forms, modes of thought and expression, and processes across a range of historical periods and /or structures (such as political, geographic, economic, social, cultural, religious, intellectual).
- Recognize and articulate the diversity of human experience across a range of historical periods and/or cultural perspectives.
- Draw on historical and/or cultural perspectives to evaluate any or all of the following: contemporary problems/issues, contemporary modes of expression, and contemporary thought.
III. Course Objectives and Outcomes Linkages (cont):
After successful completion of this course students will be able to analyze:
1. Assume the persona of a professional historian.
2. Direct research toward a particular topic.
3. Critique American foreign policy.
4. Trace the complex path of United States foreign policy decisions from the colonial era to the early 20th century.
5. Discuss the goals role being played by the United States in terms of necessity in the absence of other powers.
6. Analyze this global role not merely in terms of selflessness, but also in connection with the perceived need of economic aggressiveness in a global economy.
7. Compare and contrast other cultures and viewpoints.
8. Identify, describe, and analyze America's major foreign policies in the late 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
9. Provide a detailed analysis of foreign policies in relation to the studied topics.
10. Compare and contrast the principal politicians directing foreign policy.
11. Analyze the legacies of past foreign policies upon current events.
IV. Evaluation Methods:
Students will be evaluated in intervals to determine their retention and identification of the material through traditional written testing (e.g., multiple choice, matching, short answer essay and/or essay), in-class activities, essays, and/or research projects.
V. TEXT:
This is a lecture and discussion course; therefore, note taking is a must. Tape recording is not allowed. The course and readings are based upon:
Jones, Howard, Crucible of Power: A History of American Foreign Relations to 1913, 2nd edition, Rowman & Littlefield, 2009.
SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS:
Gilbert, Felix, To the Farewell Address, Princeton.
SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS (cont):
Hietala, Thomas R., Manifest Design: Anxious Aggrandizement in Late Jacksonian America, Cornell.
Paterson, Thomas G., el al, American Foreign Relations: A History to 1920, D.C. Heath.
Paterson, Thomas G. and Dennis Merrill (eds.), Major Problems in American Foreign Relations: Documents and Essays, Volume I: to 1920, D.C. Heath.
VI. Course Assignments:
This is a lecture and discussion course; therefore, note taking is encouraged. Tape recording is not allowed. Reading assignments and lectures constitute the questions for the examinations. Each student will present an oral report (8-10 minutes) of some aspect of U.S. Foreign Relations covered in this course to the class. Additionally each undergraduate student will submit two book reviews (3-5 pages), double spaced. Graduate students will submit one book review (3-5 pages), typed double spaced; and one research paper (8-10 pages), typed double spaced. Students will confer with the professor to receive approval for each project. Supplemental instructions will be provided during the first lecture date.
VII. EXAMINATIONS:
There will be four examinations. They will consist of fill in the blank, matching, brief identification questions, and essay questions. The final exam is not comprehensive, except for graduate students. The final course grade rests upon a cumulative point system. You are permitted to make-up only one exam during the semester. All make-up exams consist entirely of essay or brief identification questions from assigned readings in the textbook. Instructor approval is required for a make-up exam. Test reviews will be provided; however, you will be responsible for all lectures and reading assignments. NOTE: A student who is tardy for a test will not be allowed to take an exam once a student has handed-in his/her paper. NO EXCEPTIONS!! The reason is the test has been compromised. All make-up exams must be scheduled with the instructor.
VIII. COURSE GRADES:
A = 500-450 EXAMINATION VALUE: 100 pts each
B = 449-400 Undergraduate BOOK REVIEWS: 35 pts each
C = 399-350 Undergraduate ORAL REPORT: 30 pts
D = 349-300 Graduate BOOK REVIEW: 25 pts
F = 229-000 Graduate RESEARCH PAPER: 75 pts
IX. TENTATIVE TEST SCHEDULE:
a. February 11 Chapters 1-2
b. March 4 Chapters 3-6
c. April 8 Chapters 7-10
d. May 8 Chapters 11-12
X. ATTENDANCE POLICY:
FORMAT: This course is primarily lecture-driven; therefore, note taking is a must. BE ON TIME FOR ALL LECTURES AND EXAMS. CLASS PARTICIPATION IS MANDATORY, IT IS NOT AN OPTION.
Regular attendance is expected; therefore, no points are awarded. The instructor may refuse admittance to any or all students who come late to class. Because this is a lecture driven class it is important for students to attend all class meetings. Class participation is mandatory not optional. Your final letter grade will be lowered by one letter grade if you have four unexcused absences. However, if you have six or more unexcused or excused absences your final grade is an “F” regardless of your test scores. Official documentation is required for your absences. There is a penalty of minus 5 points for each lecture and/or movies missed whether excused or unexcused. All documentation must be given to the professor no later than the third exam date.
XI. COURSE CALENDAR - HIST 317-M01/521-M01
Each Friday is a film or discussion day reserved for individual discussions. These films or individualized discussions will be conducted in the classroom, Jett Hall, Room 204.
(Except January 18, Course Introduction.)
(Except April 26, STUDENT PRESENTATIONS)
(Except May 3, 4th EXAM.)
Date Topic Assignment
Jan 18 Introduction to the course
21 HOLIDAY (Martin Luther King)
23 What is Diplomatic History?
25 FILM
28 Origins of American Revolution Pages 1-3
30 Diplomacy of War Pages 4-16
Feb 1 DISCUSSION
4 Confederation and Constitution Pages 16-25
6 Federalist Diplomacy Pages 28-47
8 DISCUSSION and REVIEW
XI. COURSE CALENDAR - HIST 317-M01/521-M01 (cont)
Feb 11 EXAM I Chap. 1-2
13 The Louisiana Purchase Pages 48-68
15 FILM
18 War of 1812 Pages 70-87
20 Diplomacy of John Quincy Adams Pages 89-110
22 DISCUSSION
25 Jacksonian Diplomacy Pages 112-134
27 The Webster-Ashburton Treaty Pages 112-134
Mar 1 DISCUSSION and REVIEW
4 EXAM II Chap. 3-6
FIRST BOOK REVIEW DUE (EVERYONE)
6 Manifest Destiny and Texas Pages 136-162
PRESENTATION TOPICS DUE (EVERYONE)
8 DISCUSSION
11 Between the Wars Diplomacy Pages 165-186
13 Between the Wars Diplomacy (cont) Pages 165-186
15 DISCUSSION
18 Civil War Diplomacy Pages 188-218
20 Civil War Diplomacy (cont) Pages 188-218
22 DISCUSSION
25-29 SPRING BREAK
Apr 1 Post War Diplomacy Pages 221-240
3 Post War Diplomacy (cont) Pages 221-240
5 DISCUSSION and REVIEW
8 EXAM III Chap.7-10
SECOND BOOK REVIEW DUE (UNDERGRADUATES)
10 Open Door Diplomacy Pages 244-268
12 DISCUSSION
15 Big Stick/Dollar Diplomacy Pages 271-294
17 Big Stick/Dollar Diplomacy (cont) Pages 271-294
19 DISCUSSION
22 STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
24 STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
26 STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
29 REVIEW
RESEARCH PAPER DUE (GRADUATE STUDENTS)
May 1 MAKE-UP EXAM
3 EXAM IV Chap. 11-12
8 FINAL EXAM – 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
XII. POLICY FOR ADD, DROP OR “W” A CLASS:
Spring 2013 deadlines for full semester classes:
Last day to ADD a course by 5 pm January 29
Last
day to CANCEL a course (with 100% refund)
by 5 pm February
1
Last day to DROP a course with a “W” by 5 pm March 12
Last day to withdraw from the university April 19
Students should have some graded work prior to the last day to drop a class.
A point of clarification: If a student drops by 5 pm on the last day to cancel a class – a “W” will not appear on his or her transcript. After that date up to the deadline to drop a course with a “W”, it will appear on his or her transcript and they will not receive a refund of any tuition.
XIII. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA):
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover issues relating to disability and accommodations. If a student has questions or needs an accommodation in the classroom (all medical information is treated confidentially), contact:
Trudy Luken
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) – Corbett Center, Room 244
Phone: 646-6840 E-mail: sas@nmsu.edu
Website: www.nmsu.edu/~ssd/
NMSU policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, retaliation, serious medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, spousal affiliation and protected veterans status. Furthermore, Title IX prohibits sex discrimination to include sexual misconduct, sexual violence, sexual harassment and retaliation. For more information on discrimination issues, Title IX or NMSU’s complaint process contact:
Gerard Nevarez or Austin Diaz
Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) – O’Loughlin House
Phone: 646-3635 E-mail: equity@nmsu.edu
Website: http://www.nmsu.edu/~eeo/
XIV. Academic Courtesy:
All students will maintain academic comportment at all times. Rudeness and/or disrespectfulness towards the professor will result in your involuntary withdrawal from this class.
XV. Academic Integrity – Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is using another person’s work without acknowledgment, making it appear to be one’s own. Intentional and unintentional instances of plagiarism are considered instances of academic misconduct and are subject to disciplinary action such as failure on the assignment, failure of the course, or dismissal from the university. The NMSU Library has more information and help on how to avoid plagiarism at http://lib.nmsu.edu/plagiarism/.
A note on plagiarism. "Plagiarism . . . includes but is not necessarily limited to submitting examinations, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, undocumented quotations, computer processed materials, or other material as one's own work when such work has been prepared by another person or copied from another person." (NMSU Student Guild). Plagiarism is a serious academic offense; students who intentionally commit plagiarism may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see me if you have any questions concerning plagiarism (e.g., whether you should or should not cite a source in your papers).
Intentional and unintentional plagiarism is prohibited. Please see:
http://www.nmsu.edu/%7Evpsa/SCOC/misconduct.html
XVI. Academic Misconduct & Disruptive Behavior:
Any academic or non-academic misconduct will be reported to the appropriate administrative official and adjudicated in accordance with the NMSU Student Code of Conduct.
XVII. Intellectual Property:
Students are not to tape or otherwise record, and/or photograph (including the use of cell phone pictures and videos) course lectures and materials (i.e., slides) without the expressed permission of the instructor. For further information see the NMSU Policy Manual, Section 5.94.11, Instructional Materials.
XVIII. Use of Student Work:
NMSU assesses student work each semester to determine whether or not and to what degree student learning outcomes are being met. Student artifacts are assessed anonymously; neither the student nor instructor is identified. Results of assessment projects are reported for entire programs and/or the university as a whole, not for individual students or sections. Outcomes assessment results are used for curricular revision to assure the NMSU courses are effectively accomplishing course, program and university objectives.
NMSU appreciates your cooperation and participation in assessing student learning. However, if you do not want your work to be considered for random selection, you must notify your instructor in writing before the fifth week of class.
XIX. Student Concerns:
Students with a concern about the class content, conduct, or instructor are asked to approach the instructor first, then Department Chair, then Division Dean, and then University Administrative Officer (in that order, as required). This will ensure problems or issues can be worked at the lowest level and provide the appropriate level the opportunity to resolve the problem/issue before it is elevated.
XX. Emergency Alert System (EAS):
The university's new Emergency Alert System, a telephone network for disseminating urgent information on the main campus. The system is being operated and maintained jointly by the campus Police Department, Fire Department, Information and Communication Technologies, and Environmental Health and Safety. Emergency Alert System message can be accessed at: http://www.nmsu.edu/safety/emergency.htm.
XXI. NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
SLEEPING IS NOT AN OPTIONAL ACTIVITY DURING LECTURES AND MOVIES.
Please do not ask the professor for copies of lecture notes or test reviews if you miss a class.
NO LAPTOPS WILL BE ALLOWED DURING LECTURES AND MOVIES.
PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES THAT DO NOT SUPPORT YOUR BIOLOGICAL LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM PRIOR TO CLASS LECTURE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS WILL RESULT IN YOUR INVOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL FROM THIS COURSE.
BE ON TIME; IF THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, WITHDRAW FROM THE COURSE.
Tape recording is not permitted.
It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from the class.
Please do not bring guests to the class without the professor’s approval.
YOU MAY NOT BORROW THE TEXT OR NOTES FROM A CLASSMATE DURING A TEST.
***ALL ITEMS ON THIS SYLLABUS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.***