HIST102 - American History since 1877

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to

• Examine the historical development of the United States since Reconstruction, including the major events and figures in recent American history and their significance.
• Analyze the internal and external forces that altered the nation from 1877 to the present.
• Evaluate the major goals of the various presidential administrations.
• Describe the major economic cycles and causes of economic change in the United States, along with the key points in the evolution of American industry and society.
• Develop your skills in analytical thinking and historical writing.

Describe how students will be evaluated for each graded activity.

Reading Assignments: This course relies mainly on the assigned text, lecturettes, and supplemental readings. Links to these readings are located in the weekly lesson section of the course.

Forum Assignments: Throughout the course you will answer questions in the Forums, respond to the postings of your classmates, and answer follow-up questions that your instructor will post in the Forum. Directions for the Forum assignments are located within the classroom and an explanation of the exact expectations can be found in the “Forum Guidance and Requirements” document within the Week 1 Assignment lesson.

Additionally, there are two debate forums. At the beginning of the session you will be divided into two groups. For each of the debates, you will need to contribute an initial response to the debate, and then respond to three of your peers.

Written Assignments: During the course you will have two assignments. The first requires you to view an interactive map of the United States, and to write a 3-

5 page “think piece”. The second is a short research paper, at least three pages in length. An explanation of the exact expectations can be located in the Assignments section. An in-depth explanation of the exact expectations are located in the “Written Assignment Guidance” document and assessment of

these assignments is explained with the “Written Assignment Rubric” document

within the Week 1 Assignment lesson.

Written Assignment Follow-On Questions: During the course, two weeks after the written assignment is due, you will have the opportunity to post the answer to one of the questions that your instructor will ask while grading your paper. A special forum is in the class during Week Eight for this purpose.

Exams: There is an open book final exam, non-proctored, that will be available for you to complete during Week Eight.

Additional Resources:

The Chicago Manual of Style. 16th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010.

Purchase Optional. Access via APUS (enter your student ID and password) at: http://ezproxy2.apus.edu/login?url=http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/16/co ntents.html.

Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers. 8th Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2013. Purchase Optional.

HIST102 Course Guide

Web Sites:

In addition to the required course texts, the following public domain web sites are useful. Please abide by the university’s academic honesty policy when using Internet sources as well. Note web site addresses are subject to change.