Dr.

Carla Gerona
History 1302 007, Survey of American History II
TR 11-12:15 PM, JO 4.614
Office hours: M and W 1-2, or by appointment. Jo 5.612
Phone: (972)-883-6354
E-mail: cgerona@utdallas.edu

Teaching Assistant:
Pia Katarina Jakobsson
Office hours: Th 2-3 and by appointment. Jo 5.206, ext. 2095
Email: pkj010100@utdallas.edu Web: http://www.utdallas.edu/~pkj010100 Marina

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:
This is an introduction to the study of American history from Reconstruction to the end
of the Twentieth Century. This course will focus on the ways in which different peoples
came together, competed over resources, created a modern American nation, and
participated in an increasingly connected world. Our approach to history will be based
on critical thinking; we will work with primary and secondary sources and learn to
interpret distinct -- and sometimes conflicting -- sources. The class will combine power
point lectures and class projects that ask you to reflect on important themes and class
readings. The study of history generally, and this class in particular, gives you an
opportunity to develop many essential skills, including reading, listening, researching,
writing, and communicating effectively. Above all, I hope you will end the semester
with a strong appreciation for history and how it is made.

According to novelist and essayist James Baldwin:

"History does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great
force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously
controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do."

REQUIRED TEXTS:
American Passages: A History of the United States Volume II, Brief Second Edition.
Jacob Riis, How the Other Half Lives
American Life Histories: WPA Life Histories from Texas
(http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaintro/txcat.html)
Anne Moody, Coming of Age in Mississippi
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA:
4 Tests (75%)
• We will drop the lowest test grade. However, you must pass all tests to pass the
class. The 3 best tests will count for 25% each.
Class projects and participation (25%)
• We will do a class project almost every class – this might consist of map work,
interpretation of primary sources, answering historical questions or a quiz based
on readings. The class projects provide a way of for us to encourage participation
and critical thinking in a large lecture class. Class projects will also help to
prepare you for tests and allow us to keep track of attendance. We will hand out
class project papers at the beginning of class only. You must arrive on time and
stay through class to get class project credit; we will not hand out class project
papers after class begins. Class projects will be graded with a check-minus,
check, or a check-plus -- the values will translate into (70/90/100). There are no
make-ups for class projects -- as we will drop two class project grades. You will
receive a final class project grade that reflects the average of all class projects,
with the exception of the two dropped grades. Extra-credit points for class
participation will be factored into this grade.
• You can earn extra-credit on your class project grade by speaking in class. We
will add two points to your total class project grade for thoughtful contributions to
class discussion (for a maximum of 10 points).

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH US:

• My doors are open for regular office hours or by appointment. I will be happy to
answer questions about readings, clarify points from lecture, or discuss historical
issues in greater depth.
• E-mail: We check e-mail on a regular basis, however you should allow a few
days response time. In an emergency, you should contact us in person. UTD has
requested that we correspond only to a student’s UTD email address.
• Web CT: I will post a copy of the syllabus and other important notices or changes
on Web CT. I will not post copies of my notes or power point slides. I will bring
my power point slides for review on study days.

A FEW NECESSARY RULES:

Classroom etiquette:
• Turn off all cell phones, pagers, text-messaging etc. Do not talk with other
students, read newspapers, do outside work, play on your computer, sleep etc.
These behaviors are distracting to me and to other students, so please be
thoughtful. If you engage in any of these practices we reserve the right to ask you
to leave the class. I am considering using an electronic-free classroom in the
future -- don't give me a reason to do so!
• There will be many opportunities for thoughtful class participation – please be
informed and considerate – and remember other students might have differing
opinions. Be respectful of others.
Test days:
 • Please bring a blue book to each exam. Even if you are having a bad hair day –
please do not wear a hat! And please bring a picture id.
• Missed exams lead to a zero, unless you have cleared a make-up due to an
excused absence beforehand. All four tests must be taken and passed to pass the
course.
• Excused absences: Following are the only categories that count as excused
absences – and they all require notes. Severe illness: Doctor’s note. Death in
family: Note from funeral parlor. Religious holiday: Statement from faith leader.
Official campus business: note from coach or professors. Again, let me remind
you there are no make-ups for class projects -- because these are primarily a class
participation grade and I have made an allowance for two excused absences.
• Scholastic dishonesty: Students who violate university rules on scholastic
dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure
in the course and/or dismissal from the university. Since such dishonesty harms
the individual, all students, and the integrity of the university, policies on
scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced.

OTHER NOTES:
• This syllabus is subject to change – be aware of any in class announcements. I
will post all changes in writing. But if you are absent it is your responsibility to
find out what you missed – make friends with people in the class and stay in
touch.
• I follow university guidelines on incompletes (70% of course work must be
completed).
• If you have a disability please let me know after the first class so that we can
follow university guidelines.
• Please let us know if you are having problems or have any special needs. We are
here to help you.

Class Schedule

T Jan 10
Introduction

R Jan 12
American Passages (hereafter AP), Chapter 15, Blood and Freedom

T Jan 17
Chapter 16, AP, Reconstruction Abandoned

R Jan 19
Chapter 17, AP, The Economic Transformation of America

T Jan 24
Chapter 18, AP, Urban Growth and Farm Protest
R Jan 26
Chapter 19, AP, Domestic Turmoil and Overseas Expansion

T Jan 31
Optional class
Study day

R Feb 2
Test 1

T Feb 7
How the other half lives, pages TBA

R Feb 9
How the other half lives, pages TBA

T Feb 14
Chapter 20, AP, Theodore Roosevelt and Progressive Reform

R Feb 16
Chapter 21, AP, Progressivism at its Height

T Feb 21
Chapter 22, AP, The Impact of World War I

R Feb 23
Optional class
Study day

T Feb 28
Test 2

R Mar 2
Chapter 23, AP, The Age of Jazz and Mass Culture

T Mar 7
Spring Break

T Mar 9
Spring Break

T Mar 14
Chapter 24, AP. The Great Depression

R Mar 16
Chapter 25, AP The New Deal
T Mar 21
WPA Narratives

R Mar 23
Chapter 26, AP, Second World War

T Mar 28
Optional class
Study day

R Mar 30
Test 3

T April 4
Chapter 27, AP, Postwar America

R April 6
Chapter 28, AP, Eisenhower years

T April 11
Chapter 29, AP, Turbulent years

R April 13
Anne Moody

T April 18
Chapter 30, AP, Crisis of Confidence

R April 20
Optional class
Study day

R April 27 (11:00)
Test 4