American History 1 & 2

Instructor Information

Dan McKinney Email: [email protected] Classroom Number: 766-2593 Office Hours: 7:15-8:45 & 2:00-3:00

Course Description

American History traces the history of the U.S. from the pre-Columbian era to the present day, making use of a variety of methods and sources. Students will be expected to analyze, compare, contrast, discuss, debate, and problem solve reaching solutions.

American History students will demonstrate an understanding of the historical develop- ment of the U.S., including the following topics: pre-Columbian, early exploration, colo- nization, settlement, the American Revolution, expansion, the Civil War, Reconstruction, Native Americans and their struggles with the federal and state governments, industrial- ization, the emergence of Modern America, World War I, the 1920's, the Great Depres- sion, World War II, and postwar American to the present.

Course Format

The course is designed to increase student’s knowledge of essential historical concepts in American History. Teaching and learning activities will include lecture, class discussion, group activities, and self-assessments. Regular quizzes will be given to ensure that stu- dents are completing ALL reading assignments.

The lectures are designed to supplement the material found in the course textbook, and most lectures will be supplemented by either an overhead, blackboard, or PowerPoint to help aid the more visual learner. Lectures, for the most part, are supplemental to materi- als presented in the text and are NOT meant to replace the reading of the textbook. You are expected to complete the assigned readings.

Class Rules & Behavior Expectations 1. Be on time. 2. Be prepared with all needed materials. 3. Be respectful of yourself and others. 4. Do your own work.

Course Assessment Exams 40% Projects 10% Quizzes 20% Homework & Attendance 30% Course Outline

I. An Emerging Nation i. Mesoamerican People 200-1500 ii. Age of Exploration 1492-1650 iii. Enlightenment 1750-1830 iv. American Revolution 1770-1790 II. The Young Republic a.i. Federalists & Republicans 1789-1816 a.ii. Growth & Division 1816-1832 a.iii. The Spirit of Reform 1828-1845 a.iv. Manifest Destiny 1820-1848

III. The Crisis of Union a.i. Sectional Conflict Intensifies 1848-1860 a.ii. The Civil War 1861-1865 a.iii. Reconstruction 1865-1877

End of AMERICAN HISTORY 1

American History II I. The Birth of Modern America a.i. Settling the West 1865-1890 a.ii. Industrialization 1865-1901 a.iii. Urban America 1865-1896 II. Imperialism & Progressivism a.i. Becoming a World Power 1872-1912 a.ii. The Progressive Movement 1890-1920 a.iii. World War One 1917-1919 III. Boom and Bust a.i. Jazz Age 1921-1929 a.ii. Great Depression 1929-1932 a.iii. Roosevelt’s New Deal 1933-1939

IV. Global Struggles a.i. America and World War II 1931-1945 a.ii. Cold War Begins 1945-1960 a.iii. Post War America: Rise of Suburbia 1945-1960

V. Time of Upheaval a.i. The New Frontier & Great Society 1961-1968 a.ii. Civil Rights Movement 1954-1968 a.iii. Vietnam War 1954-1975 a.iv. Counterculture 1960-1980 VI. A Changing Society a.i. Politics and Conservatism 1968-1992 a.ii. A New Century Begins 2001-present Grading Scale A+ 100-98 A 97-95 A- 94-93 B+ 92-90 B 89-87 B- 86-85 C+ 84-82 C 81-79 C- 78-77 D+ 79-74 D 73-71 D- 70 F 69-0