SPRING 2008 – NMSU

I.  Course number and name:

HISTORY 201G-M05:  Introduction to Early American History - Prior to 1877

History 201G is a survey of American history from its pre-Columbian origins through the first three-quarters of the 19th Century concluding with the Civil War and the Union occupation of the South.  The course will examine and interpret the major social, economic, political, diplomatic, and intellectual/ artistic trends of United States history within this time span.  The course has two principal goals: first, to acquaint you with the basics of American history up to 1877; and secondly, to introduce you to the discipline of history, that is, how historians ask and answer questions as well as the sources they use to examine the past.

II.  Instructor information:

Name:  Dr. D. Schneider

Office:  NMSU Main Campus History Department

         Room 254A Breland Hall

Office phone:  575-646-4291

Office hours:  8:00-9:15 AM - Mon and Wed; and by appointment

Class hours:  MWF – 11:30 AM-12:20 PM

Location:  HA-114

III.  COURSE OBJECTIVES AND UNIT TITLES:

After successful completion of this course students should be able to analyze:

MesoAmerica, the Old World, and European explorations

European colonization

European imperialism

The New Nation

The Federalist and Democratic-Republicans

Rise of the Common Man

The Social and Economic Developments of Antebellum America

Sectionalism

The Civil War

IV.  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 required Divine, et.al., The American Story: vol. 1 to 1877, 3d ed.  Reading assignments and lectures constitute the questions for the examinations.

V.  EXAMINATIONS:

There will be four exams.  They will consist of fill in the blank, matching, brief identification questions, and essay questions.  The final exam is not comprehensive.  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.  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 test has been compromised.  All make-up exams must be scheduled with the instructor.

VI.  COURSE GRADES:

A = 400-360                     EXAMINATION VALUE: 100 pts each

B = 359-320

C = 319-280

D = 279-240

F = 239-000

VII.  TENTATIVE TEST SCHEDULE:

a.   February 8      Chapters

b.   March 3              Chapters

c.   April 4              Chapters

d.   May 7                 Chapters

VIII.  ATTENDANCE:

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 grade will be lowered one letter grade if you have two unexcused absences.  However, if you have three or more unexcused and excused absences your final grade is an “F” regardless of your test scores.  Official documentation is required for your absences.

IX.  COURSE CALENDAR – HIST 201G-M05

Jan 16     Introduction to the course

    18     Native America

    21     HOLIDAY (Martin Luther King)

    23     Beginning of Europe’s Western Frontier

    25     French and Spanish Colonization

    28        “    “     “          “

    30     Africa and America

IX.  COURSE CALENDAR – HIST 201G-M05  (cont)

Feb  1     The Columbian Exchange

     4     The English Arrive

     6     “     “      “

     8     1st EXAM

    11     British America, Immigrants and Slaves

    13        “       “          “      “     “

    15     Colonial Life

    18     Burdens of Empire

    20     Colonial Unrest

    22         “       “

    25     The Road to War

    27     The American Revolution

    29     “      “        “

Mar  3     2d EXAM

     5     The New Republic

     7     “   “     “

    10     The Constitution

    12     Federalists and Republicans

    14     The Jeffersonian Era

    17     America’s Second Revolution

    19         “        “       “

    21     SPRING HOLIDAY  (Good Friday)

 24-28     SPRING BREAK

    31     Jacksonian America

Apr  2              “

     4     3d EXAM

     7     America’s Economic Revolution

     9     Age of Reforms

    11            “

    14     Westward Expansion

    16     Mid Century Crisis

    18             “

    21     The Civil War

    23     “    “    “

    25     Aftermath

    28     Reconstruction

    30     MAKE-UP EXAM

May  2     4th EXAM

     7     FINAL EXAM  10:30 AM-12:30 PM

X.  AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA):

Students with Disabilities.  If you have a believed you have a disability and would benefit from any accommodations, you may
wish to self-identify by contacting the Services for Students
with Disabilities (SSD) Office located at Corbett Center
(phone:  646-6840).  If you have already registered, please make sure

X.  AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)  (cont):

that your instructor receives a copy of the accommodation memorandum from SSD within the first two weeks of classes.  It is your responsibility to inform either your instructor or SSD representative in a timely manner if services/accommodations provided are not meeting your needs.

If you have a condition which may affect your ability to exit safely from the premises in an emergency or which may cause an emergency during class, you are encouraged to discuss any concerns with the instructor or the SSD Coordinator.  Feel free to call Ms. Elva Telles (EEO/ADA and Employee Relations Director) at 646-3333 with any questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  All medical information will be treated confidentially.

Feel free to call Jerry Nevarez, Director of Institutional Equity, at 505-646-3635 with any questions you may have about NMSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and complaints of discrimination, including sexual harassment.

Feel free to call Michael Armendariz, Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities, at 505-646-6840 with any questions you may have on student issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  All medical information will be treated confidentially.

XI.  PLAGIARISM:  Intentional and unintentional plagiarism is prohibited.  Please see:

           http://www.nmsu.edu/%7Evpsa/SCOC/misconduct.html

XII.  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.

PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES PRIOR TO CLASS LECTURE.

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.

ALL ITEMS ON THIS SYLLABUS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.