Time Schedule:
Quintard Taylor
HSTAA 101
Seattle Campus
Supplies the knowledge of American history that any intelligent and educated American citizen should have. Objective is to make the student aware of his or her heritage of the past and more intelligently conscious of the present.
Class description
The history of United States has been a paradox of triumph and tragedy as Americans over four centuries have continuously confronted each other over the meaning of democracy, justice and equality. Due to its ten week duration, this course cannot possibly present a detailed examination of the American historical experience. It will, however, identify and examine critical periods such as the revolutionary era, the 1830s, the Civil War and Reconstruction, the era of industrialization, World War II and the 1960s, conservative America in the 1980s, when those themes have been challenged and tested. Those challenges continue through this day. However we can take full advantage of our current vantage point to examine how this nation's past has prepared all of us in varied ways for our contemporary world. Is the battle for democracy, justice, equality and power over? Using a variety of historians and history sources, we shall try to answer that question during this quarter.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
None
Class assignments and grading
Each student's course grade is based on three exercises: a midterm examination, a final examination and a series of three short papers describing and assessing a crucial period in United States history. Students also have the option of writing a 10 page research paper. We especially encourage research on Pacific Northwest history topics. However they must me supported by research in primary sources. The completed paper should be handed in by Wednesday of final exam week.
REQUIRED READINGS:
John M. Murrin and Others, Liberty, Equality, Power: A History of the American People (Belmont, CaliforŽnia: Wadsworth/Thomson, 2004)
Quintard Taylor, UNITED STATES HISTORY from 1775 to 2000: A Manual for Students in HSTAA 101 (This manual is online at http://faculty.washington.edŽu/qtaylor/)
Midterm Examination 30% Final Examination 30% Short Papers 20% Discussion Section Participation 20%
