Middlesex Community College
Social and Behavioral Sciences Department
United States History II Online
HIS*F202 crn: 1195.108106 sec: 03 spring 2008
Instructor: Sandra Enders
{http://endersusa.home.comcast.net}
203-468-6277 (available 7 days 9:00am to 4:00pm)
Please use course email system!
endersusa@comcast.net is for emergency use only!
This MXCC course in United States History II is the second of two introductory courses concerning the history of our country. It offers a careful examination of American political and diplomatic history, while also exploring the other areas of the American past. The balanced picture that emerges connects the newer histories of society and culture with the more traditional stories of politics, diplomacy, and great public events. The course begins with Americas Westward migration in the late 19th century and continues through the two World Wars, as well as the Cold War of the 20th century. The Depression era which paves the way for the New Deal is discussed. Special attention is given to industrialism’s social, economic, and ideological impact, America’s changing ethnic make-up, race conflict, and the rise of the city. This course is of importance to the student's curriculum because it offers multiple perspectives on the historical unfolding of events, as well as an understanding of the importance of pluralism and multiculturalism in the course of events which did unfold in American history. It instills not only American values and ethics which emerged in response to the various groups, but also an understanding of the struggle for equality of specific groups, the importance of solidarity, and the need for individual thought, in society. Assignments are developed to encourage critical thought and analysis, as well as discussion and debate. This course is a three credit course, and is offered consecutively in the traditional 16 week format for the spring semester. The course consists of 15 weekly discussion board assignments, all covering chapter topics in the textbook. This consists of 30% of the course grade, and suggested due dates are posted below. There is also an ongoing discussion throughout the course concerning the value of diversity in the development of today's American culture, which counts for another 10% of the course. An individual research paper is expected on a listed topic for another 20%, along with two exams (midterm & final) for the remaining 40%. This is an "L" (language) and "D" (diversity) course.
The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People, 5th Edition
©2008 Volume II ISBN 978-0-07-330702-2
Volume I & II combination ISBN 978-0-07-351323-2
Alan Brinkley, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
General Education Objectives:
A thorough study of the course should enable the student to:
collect, comprehend, and organize written and oral information properly.
observe and analyze data accurately.
draw reasonable inferences from the presented facts and ideas.
express ideas and opinions clearly in an organized manner using Standard English.
recognize ethical and moral issues and gain an understanding of differing views.
Course Specific Objectives:
A thorough study of the course should enable the student to:
analyze American history from the Post-Reconstruction period through to current day America.
develop an understanding of the ideals which America was built on.
inform students of the importance of certain written documents and treaties which altered the course of American history.
look at American history through its social, political, economic, diplomatic, and technological developments.
discuss the cultural issues which developed in the various regions and what emerged from them.
develop a basic understanding of the continuous struggle of equality in the American system.
develop an understanding of the value of diversity in America.
*** For chapter specific objectives please see each of the 15 lesson plans.
Course Grading:
30% Weekly Chapter Topic Discussions (discussion board)
10% Value of Diversity (discussion board)
20% Research Paper (submitted individually)
20% Exam I (submitted individually)
20% Exam II (submitted individually)