HISTORY 323  COURSE INFORMATION

 

Text:
 
There is no required text for this course.  However as an upper level course students are expected to have a familiarity with basic chronology, events, issues, and personalities of the period covered in the course (1945-1975) in order to participate in discussions and make sense of the readings.  I will not be explaining the basics of the period in the course.  For the purposes of the background a good introductory American history text should cover what is required and students should acquire one as soon as possible.

All of the readings for this course are online and together would be the equivalent of another course text.  When preparing the weekly material it is necessary to have a hard copy both for class discussion and for the final examination. 

Students are also required to have (and use) a copy of the History Department style guide for their essays.

Style
As history is a subject in which the proper communication of ideas is crucial, writing style and clarity are as important as content or analysis.  Writing style will form an important component of each assignment's final mark, and failure to adhere to proper grammar, sentence structure or spelling will be reflected in the final mark.  As well, mechanical style , in the form of correct footnotes and bibliographies for a history essay, will form a part of the assignment's final grade.

Plagiarism:
You are plagiarizing if you use ideas, information, or language taken from another author without acknowledgment or submit work which is not your own.  Plagiarism is a serious offense and will be dealt with accordingly.  It is highly recommended that students familiarize themselves with the student conduct policy in the college calendar.
 

Examinations:
Examinations are an integral part of the course and is the student's responsibility that they attend at the proper time and place.  Failure to write the examination at the proper time and place will result in a grade of zero (0).  Proper medical documentation may be accepted in some circumstances.

Due Dates:
These dates are not set as a rough guide for your convenience, but are a the final dates on which the assignments will be accepted, barring unforeseen serious circumstances. 

Essay # 1    Tuesday February 15, 2011
Essay # 2    Tuesday April 5, 2011

Having been given the due dates from the first day of class students should not, when the assignment is due, plead lack of time or schedule conflicts. 

Only in the most serious circumstances will extensions be granted. Extensions are a privilege not an automatic right, and any extensions must be negotiated with me beforehand.  Under no circumstances will a late paper be accepted unless an extension has been negotiated beforehand. Papers will be accepted on the due date until the end of class, after which they will be considered late and not accepted.

Classroom Behaviour:
A classroom is built on a foundation of courtesy and respect for others.  In the classroom students will be treated with respect and courtesy, and I and fellow students should expect the same in return.  Classes begin promptly at the assigned times and students wandering in after the start of class, or in and out during class, are disruptive to everyone.  There are of course times when such actions cannot be avoided, and if you must do so, please be as quiet and unobtrusive as possible.  Unnecessary disruptions will not be tolerated and offending students will be asked to leave.

Readings, Attendance, and Participation:
Classroom discussion of readings will be an integral part of the course and it is essential that students prepare the assigned  readings and attend class to participate in discussions.  Much of our time will be spent working as a class to examine and understand the material.  The success or failure of that discussion therefore depends on the class as a whole.  Coming to class unprepared is to let your classmates down.  Everyone is expected to be a contributing member of the class.

In addition there will be four (4) unannounced quizzes during the term based on the readings for a particular week.  The quizzes are not difficult but it is imperative that you come prepared to class.

 NOTE:
All of the readings for this course are online and together would be the equivalent of another course text.  When preparing the weekly material it is necessary to have a hard copy both for class discussion and for the final examination.  Due to the time that is sometimes necessary to print the required material, it might be advisable early in the term to find partners or groups to share the task of collecting materials.

Email

Questions of a detailed nature on course materials, research essays, etc, must be done in person.  Assignments may not be handed in by email.  A proper typed copy must be submitted by the above due date.  Only in extenuating circumstances and with the agreement of the instructor will an emailed assignment be accepted.  All other assignments submitted by email will not be accepted.

Mark Breakdown

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