HIS 250 – History of the United States to 1865

Fall Semester 2011

Instructor: Junius P. Rodriguez	Phone: (309) 467-6416	Meets MWF from 9:00-9:50
Office: 201-C Burgess Hall	Email: jrodrig@eureka.edu	Location: Melick A-V Room
Hours: 12:00 - 2:00 MWF, or by appt.

Textbook: America: A Narrative History, volume 1. By George Brown Tindall and David E. Shi. Seventh edition (2007).

Grading: 2 HOUR EXAMS (25% EACH).........50 % FINAL EXAM (30%).........................30 % QUIZZES (10 of 12 @ 2% ea.)...........20% 100

Important Dates: M Sept 26 - First Exam W Nov 2 - Second Exam F Dec 9 - Final Exam

Objectives of the Course:

· To describe the major events in United States history from the beginnings of the New World to the Civil War era, as outlined in the text and lecture.

· To identify key figures in the development of United States history from the early explorations to the Civil War era, as outlined in the text and lecture.

· To describe primary ideas and values in the development of United States history from early explorations to the Civil War era, as discussed in the text, lecture, and class.

· To identify foundational developments that helped shape society in the United States, as discussed in the text, lecture, and class.

The Learning Center: The Learning Center, located on the first floor of Alumni Hall, provides academic services to all Eureka College students. Consultations are available in the areas of math and writing. Study groups, individual academic counseling and course-specific tutoring are also available by contacting Jason Zimmerman at x6520 or jzimmerman@eureka.edu.

Special Needs: Any Eureka College student with a disability or other special circumstances requiring accommodations or other consideration in order to successfully complete the requirements of this course is requested to identify himself/herself to the instructor and discuss the matter privately. This disclosure should be made within the first week of the course so proper accommodations can be made.

Attendance: Attendance will be recorded on a daily basis. Regular class attendance is expected, but not required. Good attendance can possibly bump a borderline grade to a higher level when final grades are determined.

Make-Up Exams: Tests should be taken and written work completed on the assigned dates unless you have a valid excuse (written documentation will be required.) Make-up exams should be scheduled within a week of the missed exam.

Quizzes: On twelve occasions you will take brief objective quizzes based upon your text readings and topics covered in previous lectures/discussions. These quizzes will generally consist of fifteen items each and the format will be Multiple Choice and/or True/False questions. Your two lowest quiz scores will be dropped. These quizzes will combine to constitute 20 percent of your grade for the course.

Use of Electronic Devices in Class

The use of cell phones, beepers, or other mobile devices is disruptive, and is therefore prohibited during class. Be sure to silence all such devices before the class begins. Except in emergencies that have been cleared with the instructor, those using such devices must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period—and this will constitute an unexcused absence for the day.

Students are permitted to use laptop computers during class for note-taking and other class-related work only. Anyone using computers during class for work that is not related to this course must leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period—and this will constitute an unexcused absence for the day.

Lecture/Discussion Outline -- This link will connect you with a day-to-day outline of course readings and assignments.

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