HIST 304,
section 1
Jefferson’s America (MW 8:30-9:45 a.m.)
Fall, 2009
Dr. Ellen Holmes Pearson
Office: New Hall 219
828-251-6651
Email: epearson@unca.edu
Office hours:
MWTH 2-3 p.m.
Or by appointment
Course Objectives: This course takes an in-depth look at the history of the United States from Independence to Indian Removal. I named the course “Jefferson’s America” because, in the American mind, Thomas Jefferson embodies many of the ideals that were central to this period. Republicanism, natural rights, honor, patriotism, territorial expansion, and a single-minded determination to “civilize” the nation and all of its peoples were parts of Jefferson’s vision. His influence lasted far beyond his death on July 4, 1826. In addition to Jefferson’s vision of the new nation, we will also examine the competing visions of his political opponents; the social, economic, and political changes that the new nation experienced in the first several decades of its existence; the evolution of a distinctly American culture; the place of slavery within that culture; and the United States’ relationship with other nations, both overseas and those nations that were deemed “domestic dependents.” Discussions, exams and assignments in this course will help students to cultivate their critical thinking, reading, textual analysis, and written/verbal interpretation skills.
In addition to studying the topics above, we will concentrate on developing research and writing skills that are key to a history major’s success. Remember that various disciplines employ different research and writing methods, therefore this course will be most helpful for preparing history majors for the senior thesis sequence. We will follow the process of researching, drafting, and revising a research paper. The draft will undergo peer review before revision and submission of a final draft. In addition to the components of the research paper, the class will practice writing in several different forms, including take-home examinations and a process analysis. We will also be studying the historiography of early national America throughout the semester. I will discuss these requirements further in class.
Note that my course policies are detailed, specific, and available 24/7 for your review. By remaining in this class, you agree to abide by the expectations laid out in my course policies.
Grading: Grades will be based on the following assignments: 1) one take-home midterm and one take-home final examination 2) One process analysis and working bibliography 3) One preliminary draft of a 10-page research paper 4) One final draft of a 10-page research paper 5) Peer review of two classmates’ paper drafts 6) next-step game plan for paper 7) Class participation. The formats and requirements for the papers, peer review, research journal, and exams will be discussed in class.
Assignments and exams are worth a total of 700 points, distributed as follows: Exams: 100 points each (total 200 points); First draft of essay: 80 points; Final draft of essay: 120 points; Process analysis and bibliography: 75 points; Peer review of two classmates’ papers: 75 points; Next step game plan for final draft of essay: 25 points; Class participation: 125 points.
Final grades are calculated as follows: 700-651 = A; 650-630 = A-; 629-616 = B+; 615-581 = B; 580-560 = B-; 559-546 = C+; 545-511 = C; 510-490 = C-; 489-476 = D+; 475-441 = D; 440 or below = F. There is no D- in the UNCA grade scale.
If you do not complete one or more of the assignments, if you plagiarize or cheat in any other way, or if you do not complete the midterm or final, you will receive an F for the class. No exceptions. Only under extraordinary circumstances do I allow deadline extensions for any exams or written assignments. To receive permission for an extension, the student must contact me before the scheduled assignment deadline except in cases of emergency. In cases of emergency, I require documentation, such as a doctor’s or other appropriate written excuse. Unexcused late papers or exams will be penalized one-half grade level per day beyond the deadline, including weekends. No exceptions. I do not accept emailed papers or exams, all papers must be submitted to me in hard copy, and they must be placed in my hands. If you must place an assignment in my mailbox or under my office door, you should follow up with a telephone call or an email telling me where you put it and when you put it there. I do not consider an assignment “received” until I personally lay eyes on it; therefore, if you place a paper in my box or slip it under my door after I depart for the day, or if the assignment mysteriously disappears from the place of delivery, the assignment will not be counted as “received” until I see/lay hands it.
Class discussions: A considerable portion of this class will consist of dialogue concerning the reading assignments. This format has several ramifications for you as a student. First, you must recognize that you learn as much from other students as you do from me. Consequently, it is very important that you come to class prepared for discussion and take notes on the discussions, so that you remember what we discussed. Second, listening skills are important. If you wish to be heard, you must listen; if you wish to have your ideas taken seriously, respect the ideas of others. Finally, this class will require reflection and questioning. Support your opinions with evidence and sound reasoning. There are no “dumb” questions – sometimes voicing a half-formed idea provokes a productive discussion that allows the group to arrive at a richer understanding of the material we are examining. On the days designated on the web class schedule, you will be required to submit one quote and one question or reflection from the readings. These quote/question/reflection submissions will be part of your class participation grade.
Class Participation: Each student in the class must take responsibility for her/his learning experience. I provide additional incentive to learn with the class participation portion of the grade. You earn the class participation grade for a combination of consistent attendance, listening, and contributing. If you arrive late to class (meaning after I have taken attendance) you will be counted absent. I take attendance at all classes, and after your fourth absence, I calculate your class participation grade by dividing the number of absences by the total number of class periods in the semester (for example, 3 absences in 30 class periods = 10% off your class participation grade,) and then I factor in participation. Students with perfect or near-perfect attendance who do not participate regularly in discussion can receive as high as a C+ on their class participation grade. To receive an “A” class participation grade, you must be present consistently – that means both mental and physical presence – and contribute to discussion in class. As you move through the semester, regularly ask yourself these questions: are you involved? Are you making an effort to honestly and coherently reflect on the ideas? Are you supportive of your fellow students? There are at least three indicators of lazy class participation (and of course, these three indicators help me determine your participation grade): lack of critical thinking; lack of reflective engagement; lack of civility toward your fellow students and professor. On the other hand, I respect and reward thoughtful, reflective, engaged, civil students with a sense of humor and a willingness to explore ideas.
Modes of communication: I may, under certain circumstances, communicate with you via campus email. You should check your Campus email address daily, or, if you prefer to use another email account, forward your campus email account using the online instructions. If you need assistance, go to the computer center. It is your responsibility to make sure you receive and read all communications regarding this course. If you have any questions, email is an expedient form of communication. I check my email frequently during the week, and at least once during the weekend. You may also call my office and leave a message. For very important matters, it is best to come by during my office hours, or make an appointment to meet with me. I do not, for example, discuss deadline extensions, major problems with research/writing, etc. via email. Personal contact and conversation are too important when one is dealing with matters that could affect your grade significantly.
Withdrawals and incompletes: I do not allow late withdrawals, so make sure you know the deadline for withdrawal without a grade. I also do not grant incompletes unless you meet with me before the final day of class and have a compelling and documented reason.
Responsibilities and Expectations: As professor, my responsibility is to come prepared to class, facilitate your learning of our topic, evaluate your work, return graded assignments in a timely manner, and be responsive to your needs and interests throughout the semester. As students, your responsibility is to come prepared to class, put forth an effort in learning our topic, complete all assignments as scheduled, and be communicative about your needs and interests throughout the semester. I also expect each student to exhibit civil and professional behavior in the classroom. Turn off cell-phones and other noise making devices before entering the classroom. If you must, because of a family member’s serious illness, impending birth, or other extreme emergency, leave a cell-phone or beeper on during my class period, please inform me of the situation. By remaining in this class, you agree to accept these responsibilities and expectations.
Accommodations for Disability: If you have a recognized disability that might interfere with your success in the course, please see me at the beginning of the semester to arrange accommodations. Please know that I'm committed to working individually with students to help facilitate their success.
Assigned Texts: The following books are required for the class, and are available for purchase at the bookstore:
Joanne Freeman, Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic
James Sidbury, Ploughshares into Swords: Race, Rebellion, and Identity in Gabriel’s Virginia
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, A Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812
Alfred F. Young, The Shoemaker and the Tea Party: Memory and the American Revolution
You will also need a copy of Mary Lynn Rampolla’s, A Pocket Guide to Writing History. You should have purchased a copy of Rampolla when you took one of the 100-level history courses. If you have not done so yet, you should certainly do so now. The bookstore has many copies in the History textbook section. Rampolla provides helpful tips on researching and writing in history. We will be referring to these chapters of Rampolla throughout the semester. Additionally, I will require footnoting according to Turabian’s manual, and Rampolla provides a thorough summary of that style. I will also provide a few website references to the Turabian format on my website.
Supplementary primary and secondary readings are also required. They are listed under appropriate class dates on the web schedule, and they are either on the library’s electronic reserves or available at the web address or link I indicate on the web schedule. I reserve the right to add or change some of the brief readings; if I choose to make changes, I will give you ample notice. I expect you to read the assignments before each class session and bring a copy of the readings – or detailed notes on the readings – to class, so that you are prepared to participate in the discussion.
I also highly recommend that you purchase Strunk and White, Elements of Style. You will find this little reference work indispensable if you plan to major in history or any other humanities discipline.
As you may have noticed, I do not distribute a hard copy of this syllabus in class. For course policies and a syllabus, go to http://facstaff.unca.edu/epearson/ and click on the link to Jefferson’s America. Bookmark the course webpage. I reserve the right to change, add, or subtract assignments on the Web syllabus. You may print this syllabus if you wish, but remember to check the website regularly, in case I have made changes. I will also use the website to provide you with supplementary course materials. Therefore, you will want to refer to this site regularly.
Note that my course policies are detailed, specific, and available 24/7 for your review. By remaining in this class, you agree to abide by the expectations laid out in my course policies.