University of Maryland

Department of History

History 157: History of the United States since 1865

Teaching Assistant: Ms. Jessica Marie Johnson

Spring 2007

Discussion Sections: Mon. 1:00pm-1:50pm

Mon. 2:00pm-2:50pm

Wed. 2:00pm-2:50pm

Fri. 10:00am-10:50am

Office: Rm. 3111, Francis Scott Key Hall

Office Hours: Wed. 12-11 or Friday 11-12 (or by appointment)

E-mail: jmj157@gmail.com between 9am and 9pm (do not use the @umd account)

Website: www.wam.umd.edu/~jmjohnso/hist157

Goal

The discussion sections are an interactive forum where you can discuss, question and review weekly lectures in a more in-depth fashion, as well as engage in historical debates through the use of primary sources. We will use written and oral assignments to deepen our understanding of the early history of the United States. It is hoped that by the end of the semester, we will be able to use the historical knowledge we’ve gained to critically interpret and analyze historical events, facts, and sources. Key: History is about arguments, not just about facts.

Expectations

• Regular attendance is required. Attendance will be taken regularly by sign-in sheet and roll-call.

• Regular participation is required. Each week, students must make a meaningful contribution in discussion section to receive a satisfactory participation grade.

• Reading should be completed prior to the time and day the discussion section meets. This is necessary for effective discussion and so that we can gain the most from our time together. Please bring the class reading with you to class every week.

• Respect your classmates and listen.

• All cell phones, pagers and other electronics should be off or on silent during class.

• If you must bring food, bring enough to share.

Assignments and Quizzes

Throughout the semester, a few small written and/or oral assignments will be given. One of these will be a primary source analysis essay and presentation. Please see assignment sheet for details. Another will be a one page essay and presentation summarizing, critiquing, and asking questions of the readings for that week.

Pop quizzes will be given and will be based on the assigned readings and the week’s lectures.

The TA will be grading all written work, oral work, exams, and class participation. Attendance and performance every week in discussion section is important. Any improvement over the course of the semester will be reflected in the overall section performance grade.

Late Assignments

Late assignments will be docked by 5% for each day late. That includes weekend days and holidays/breaks. I will not take any assignments by email. Late assignments can be placed in my box on the third floor of Francis Scott Key (3115). Students are strongly advised to have Darlene King in the History Office (2^nd floor) time/date stamp the paper to avoid incurring further penalties.

Participation grades

An “A” will reflect well-informed and active participation in section. A “B” or a “C” will reflect participation that occurs only in listserv or presentation form and/or uneven, uninformed and mediocre participation. A “D” will reflect an obvious lack of preparation and no meaningful contribution. If you do not attend section, you cannot participate, and you will receive an “F” for that week.

Attendance

Emergencies come up. Absences are excused only in the event of serious illness, and death in the family, athletics, religious observance and documentation must be provided. Therefore, if you will be absent from section for any reason, please let the TA know as soon as possible. If you’ve missed a section, your responsibilities are as follows:

• Assignments: You must complete any missed assignments. They will still count as part of your grade. Late assignments will still be assessed the 5% penalty.

• Makeup Class: You may make up the missed day by attending any of my other discussion sections. See the top of the page for a list of choices.

Missing the section or sections before or after vacations, weekends and holidays are NOT excused unless for the reasons stated above, and MUST be made-up to avoid penalty.

Other Issues

Plagiarism

The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized

Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council.

This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all

undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible

for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for

you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication,

facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of

Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit

http://www.shc.umd.edu.

To further exhibit your commitment to academic integrity, remember to

sign the Honor Pledge on all examinations and assignments: "I pledge on

my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance

on this examination (assignment).”

Academic Accommodations

If you have a documented disability, you should contact Disability Support Services 0126 Shoemaker Hall.  Each semester students with documented disabilities should apply to DSS for accommodation request forms which you can provide to your professors as proof of your eligibility for accommodations.  The rules for eligibility and the types of accommodations a student may request can be reviewed on the DSS web site at http://www.counseling.umd.edu/DSS/receiving_serv.html.

Religious Observances

The University System of Maryland policy provides that students should not be penalized because of observances of their religious beliefs, students shall be given an opportunity, whenever feasible, to make up within a reasonable time any academic assignment that is missed due to individual participation in religious observances.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any intended absences for religious observances in advance.  Notice should be provided as soon as possible but no later than the end of the schedule adjustment period.  Faculty should further remind students that prior notification is especially important in connection with final exams, since failure to reschedule a final exam before the conclusion of the final examination period may result in loss of credits during the semester.  The problem is especially likely to arise when final exams are scheduled on Saturdays.