his course is an intensive examination of the social, cultural, economic and political development of the United States beginning with Columbus's first contact with Native Americans in 1492 through the end of the American Civil War in 1864. Some of the important themes of this course include exploring the reasons for and methods of European colonization of North America; the growth of a distinctly American identity; the factors that led to the American Revolution and the creation of the United States of America; the economic, political and social implications of the American Revolution; the evolution and forms of slavery in America; the concept of Sectionalism in the United States and how it contributed to the American Civil War, and, finally, an examination of the war itself.

he text for the class, America Past and Present, will be the basis for most of the lectures and provide a rough outline. However, since a major goal of this course is to help students understand that history is comprised of more than just dates and facts, but of the interactions and reactions of people and the events they caused, supplemental readings and extensive research and analysis of primary source materials, such as diaries, journals, newspapers and letters, will be required.

ttendance: You are expected to attend every class – attendance will be taken. If you miss a class, you are responsible for obtaining from other students any class notes and assignments you missed. If you choose to withdraw without a grade penalty, you need to do so by June 13, 2008. If you fail to show up for class or stop coming to class by June 2, I will assume you have chosen to drop the course and I will make the appropriate notes in my records. However, please be aware that it is your responsibility to withdrawal yourself from the class; do not assume I will with withdraw you if you stop coming to class. If you are still on the class roster at the end of the semester and you have not shown up for class after June 13, you will receive a failing grade. Students missing three (25%) or more classes over the course of the semester will fail the class.

xaminations, Assignments and Class Participation: There will be two examinations -- a take home, essay mid-term and an in class final -- one major project, and two web-based assignments. The two web-based assignments will correspond to a week’s lecture and are intended to familiarize you with primary sources, how to use the web for historical research, and what historical sites are available. The major project will involve a 7-8 page research paper on a subject of your choice related to this class. You are expected to add to the class by giving your thoughts relevant to the readings and lectures. Students are encouraged to engage in debate on the topics at hand. E-mailed questions and comments will be considered part of class participation.

lass Conduct Policy: Please be respectful of the instructor and other students by refraining from disruptive or rude conduct. Disruptive or rude conduct includes, but is not limited to, arriving late for class, leaving early during class, eating in class and talking to fellow students during class. Receiving or making cell phone calls or engaging in text messaging during class will not be tolerated. Students are expected to turn off all cell phones prior to the start of class. Video or audio taping of lectures is not allowed. Students who have special needs must make it a point to convey this to me after the first day of class.

rading: A = 90 - 100; B = 80 – 89; C = 70 – 79; D = 60 – 69. The mid-term is worth 20%; final 20%; First Web Exercise 10%; Second Web Exercise 10%; Major Project 30%; Class Participation 10%.