American Civilization

Course Objective:

The objective of this course is to familiarize you with the development of the American Civilization. If you do your job, attend class and do the readings, you will be able to intelligibly discuss American history from its early colonial beginnings to the present, and to connect the relevance of past events to today¹s society. The student will identify major trends, important concepts, and significant facts of American history.

Book List:

Davidson, Gienapp, Heyrman, Lytle and Stoff. Nation of Nations: A Concise Narrative of the American Republic.

Examinations:

This course has three examinations. Each test will consist of 50 multiple choice questions. You are responsible for lecture material and the reading assignments. It is essential that you attend class to do well in this course. The first examination is scheduled for February 5, and the second examination will be on March 5. The final examination is scheduled for April 23 (Wednesday) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in 143 Bellamy. Make-up examinations will not be given except in the case of an excused illness or family emergency.

Gordon Rule:

Two 1,500 word papers are due in this course. The first paper will answer a question about centralization and decentralization in American history. This assignment must be handed in by the beginning of class on February 19. The second assignment will deal with the Cold War and post World War II prosperity. This paper will be due at the beginning of class on March 26. These papers must be typed or computer printed in courier 12 font. They must be doubled spaced with one inch margins on all sides with page numbers. There will be no extensions on paper deadlines. For each class day that one of your papers is late, a penalty of one letter grade will be levied. Your papers will be graded for content, spelling, grammar, punctuation, language, organization, originality and ability to follow instructions. These papers will be combined to make-up 10 % of your final grade. To meet the State requirement for the Gordon Rule, you must make a C-, or better, on each of these papers to pass the course and get liberal studies credit.

Attendance:

Students are strongly urged to attend all classes. The majority of the test questions will be based directly on lecture material. Attendance will be taken daily. If you show-up for class late once or twice, I will overlook it, but if you consistently come to class late, it will effect your grade.

Grading Scale:

A 100-94; A- 93-90; B+ 89-87; B 86-84; B- 83-80; C+ 79-77; C 76-73; C- 72-70 D 69-60; F 59 and below. You must make a C- in the course to receive liberal studies credit.

Academic Honesty:

FSUs Academic Honor Code states that:

1. Each student has the responsibility to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity.
2. Violations of the Honor Code will be handled in accordance with the Student Handbook rules.

Students with disabilities:

Students with disabilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act should follow these steps:

1. Provide documentation of your disability to the Student Disability Resource Center (08 Kellum Hall; tel. 644-9566).
2. Bring a statement from the Student Disability Resource Center indicating that you have registered with them to your instructor the first week of class. The statement should indicate the special accommodations you require.

Tentative Lecture Schedule: Monday and Wednesday: 5:15-6:30