HIS 101 61 - United States History I
Quincy College
US History 101
Please note: The syllabus is subject to change at any time.
Instructor: Robert A. Jarvis
Office: President’s Place: Room 307 (Adjunct Office)
Email: Robert.jarvis@quincycollege.edu
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Course Description:
This survey course traces the history of American development from pre-Colombian exploration and the Colonial era through the Civil War. Emphasis is given to the main lines of American development from the coming of pre-Colombian explorers to the end of the Civil War. Special emphasis is given to constitutional developments in this period, including the evolution of the British colonial charters, state constitutions, and the federal constitution. Placement at ENG 101 level strongly advised.
Course Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Think critically about issues such as; the settlement of English colonies in North America, the growth of religion/sectional economic, political, social, and cultural differences; the political and cultural differences that led to the Revolutionary War between England and the colonies, the events and the course of the Revolutionary War, the Articles of Confederation period, The Constitutional Convention and the Constitution, states’ rights, nullification, manifest destiny, the rise of political parties, and the reasons for and causes of the Civil War
- Think quantitatively about the demographic changes which occurred during the years 1789-1861
- Communicate effectively about political compromises such as the Missouri Compromise of 1820, Clay’s “American System” and the compromise of 1850.
- Demonstrate both an understanding and knowledge of America’s growing power politically and industrially in the world. Use logic to acquire, assess, and integrate new information about the above mentioned issues
- Demonstrate an understanding of the plight of America’s minority groups in our history; Blacks, Hispanics, Mexicans, Women, and American Indians.
Required Text: US History by Corbett, Jensen , et al Open Stax - ISBN: 9781938168369
Grading Rubric:
Class attendance and participation: 15%
Writing assignments 35%
Midterm Exam: 25%
Final Exam 25%
Note To Students: Your class notes are critical to your success in this course. They are the basis of the three exams. Everything on the white board during class is a possible test question.
Week 1: Pre Colombian period. Points of discussion: Berengia, the black death, the fall of Constantinople, Colombus’ voyage, Colombian exchange, Treaty of Tordesillas, Atlantic World, slave trade. Major focus is American history in the context of World History.
Assignment: Read chapter 1 (pg 1-32) and Chapter 2 (pg 33-42)
Week 2: Topics for discussion: The clash of Cultures, the changing world economy, globalism, the development of Nation States, the Reformation. Important people and events: Henry VIII, Martin Luther, Elizabeth I, John Cabot, James I, Henry Hudson, Pilgrims, Jamestown, mercantilism, Puritans, Roanoke Islands, Spanish Armada.
Assignment: Read page 54 in the text. Discuss Bartolomo de Las Casas and what contributions he made. RE: the treatment of the Indians by the Spanish, (1-2 pages, typed).
Week 3: England’s (Mother Country) impact on the development of her colonies in North America. Discussion points: James I, Charles I, English Civil War, Olier Cromwell and the protectorate, the Restoration, the Glorious Revolution of 1688, William and Mary, Project 1619.
Writing Assignment: Project 1619 – 2-3 pages, typed.
Week 4: The French and Indian War, impact of the Peace of Paris of 1763, revolutionary stirrings, King George III, the proclamation of 1763, Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Boston Massacre, Samuel Adams, Joseph Warren, committees of Correspondence, Boston Tea Party, writs of assistance, James Otis, Thomas Hutchinson.
Assignment: Read chapter 5. Topics include the first Continental Congress, the Suffolk Resolves, Declaratory Act, coercive (intolerable) Acts, second Continental Congress, battles of Concord and Lexington, Siege of Boston, Declaration of Independence, Thomas Paine.
Writing Assignment: “Common Sense” 1-3 pages. What was its impact on the colonies and their morale?
Week 5: Review of significant events, battles, during the Revolutionary War, and the post war government (Articles of Confederation 1781-89)
Writing Assignment: Discuss the Articles government and the post-Revolutionary War environment. 3-4 pages, typed.
Read pages 197-210 in the text.
Week 6: The Constitution of the US – Federalism, the Bill of Rights, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Pickney Treaty, whiskey Rebellion, Jay’s Treaty, Alien and Sedition Acts, Anti-Federalists, Revolution of 1800.
Assignment: Read pages 210-232 in the text
Week 7: Topics to be reviewed are the Adams + Jefferson presidencies, the presidential election of 1800, the 12th Amendment to the Constitution, the contested election, the War of 1812, the Compromise of 1820 and the election of 1824.
Assignment: Read pages 232 to the end of the chapter.
Week 8: Topics to be discussed include sectionalism, Clay’s American system, the Great Revival, Webster-Hayne Debate, the Texas question, the Mexican American War.
Reading Assignment: TBA
Week 9: Topics – “The Gathering Storm”, Kansas-Nebraska Act, popular sovereignty, “Bleeding Kansas”, John Brown, Lincoln Douglas debate, the Republican party, election of 1860, secession, Ft. Sumter.
Assignment: biographical sketch of John Brown
Week 10: The Civil War, Gettysburg Address, the death of Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, U.S. Grant, Lincoln’s second inaugural address. The Reconstruction Era, 1866-1876. Restoring the Union.
Assignment: Summary of the Dred Scot decision 1856, Lincolns Gettysburg Address.
Read pages 451-471 of the text.
Week 11: Opening the west and the Indian Wars, Homestead Act, the continental railroad, role of the Federal government in the development of the West, Chief Joseph.
Assignment: The Little House on the Prairie, page 488
Week 12: The changing America, the little kingdom, “barbed wire”, the technology revolution.
No assignment over Thanksgiving Recess
Week 13: Women’s suffrage movement, black achievements.
Week 14: Review for Final Exam.
Course Summary:
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This course content is offered under a CC Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike license. Content in this course can be considered under this license unless otherwise noted.