dDDepartment of History

The purpose of this course is to explore the history of the nineteenth-century United States. The course will focus on the growth of the nation in geographic size and in material wealth. By the end of this course students should have a thorough understanding of the powerful influences of land, money and government policy in shaping nineteenth-century America, as well as sharpened reading, writing and critical thinking skills.

The basic texts for the course are William Cronon, Nature's Metropolis: Chicago and the Great Wes t, John Mack Faragher, Sugar Creek: Life on the Illinois Prairie, James M. McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era and Theda Skocpol, Protecting Soldiers and Mothers: The Political Origins of Social Policy in the United States. We will also be reading a variety of articles by the same authors with the goal of learning to distinguish between, and appreciate the differences when using the scholarly monograph (i.e. book) and the scholarly article.

The instructor reserves the right to add more reading requirments if the development of the course during the semester requires it.

Because reading and writing skills are enhanced when used together and then reinforced by group conversations and discussions, the course requires that you write a one paragraph-length typed response to each day's assigned reading along with two prepared (i.e. typed out) questions for each day's required reading. You must submit these via Web X (the link is on the course website).   Web X does use a date and time stamp, so I will be able to determine if the assignment has been completed on time. These responses will be periodically counted and checked for content, completeness and quality and a score will be posted in the grade book on those occasions.

The course will also require one book review, one article review, one short essay comparing and contrasting a book and an article, and a group project resulting from independent research on a topic linked from the course.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND COURSE POLICIES

• Always bring the assigned reading material to class.
• Essays and homework are due at the beginning of the class on the date specified.
• Essays and homework will not be accepted after that time. If you cannot attend class that day, make arrangements for the essay to be turned in early or send it with a colleague.
• There will be no makeups for in-class activities. If you are absent that day, you will receive zero credit for that activity. If your absence is excused you may elect to negotiate either an alternative assignment. Failure to negotiate for either will result in zero points.
• Plagiarism and other forms of scholastic dishonesty, as defined in the Student Conduct Code in the 2005-2007 Duluth Catalog, p. 50-52, will result in zero credit for the assignment and may result in a course grade of F, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Individuals who may have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the semester. Adaptations of methods, materials, or testing may be made as required to provide for equitable participation.

STUDY AND RESEARCH TIPS

• Read all assigned material.
• Create a study group with other students in the class.
• Ask questions in class or use my office hours to pursue more thoroughly topics that interest you and ask any questions you may have.
• Copies of this syllabus and all course assignments are available at http://www.d.umn.edu/~ehannah
• When using email to contact professors or TAs, put the course number in the subject line - for example, "Hist 3317."

  All course books are available at the Campus Bookstore. The assigned readings for the course should be done before each class as noted in the Class Schedule.