Class Format

Each class will consist of one lecture of fifty to sixty minutes followed by a short break. The remainder of the class will be devoted to discussions, group activities, in-class assignments, films, and a visit to the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

Class participation: Students are required to attend all class meetings, complete all readings in advance, and come to class prepared to discussion the assigned readings. Students are expected to contribute to a positive learning environment. The participation grade will be based on attendance, participation in the in-class discussion, and any in-class assignments. Class participation and attendance will count for 15% of the final grade.

Students should turn in their assignments as paper documents. Electronic versions will not be accepted unless specifically called for in the assignment sheet.

Retain your notes and all drafts of your assignments in the event that I need to see them after you have handed in your assignments. Failure to do so will automatically lower your mark one full grade (i.e., an “A” will become a “B” and so on).

Late assignments and extensions: Those who choose to exercise a one-week extension may do so. Grades for assignments received after the one-week extension will be reduced by the rate of 2% per day (weekends not included). Students turning in assignments after the one-week grace period will receive a grade only, with no editorial comments. Assignments are due in the History Department Office, by 4:30 pm (close of business).

Exams: The comprehensive final exam shall be based on the course lectures, the required readings, and the documentary and feature films.

Additional information
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is an academic crime involving the theft of another person’s theories, ideas, phrasing or research without proper citation. Given the seriousness of the offense, I am bound to report it to the Chair of the History Department. For information on proper citation and plagiarism, consult chapter 10 of The History Handbook.

Classroom Behavior: Please remember the following when participating in this course: 1) there are no stupid questions; 2) everyone has a right to speak without fear of ridicule; 3) criticism of ideas and theories is expected and should not be taken personally.

It is the responsibility of everyone to be sensitive to the dynamics of in-class discussion and to the sensibilities of everyone present. There is a delicate balance to be struck between criticism of ideas and support for fellow students with varied academic, cultural, personal, and work histories. Developing the skills of listening and of self-criticism are important aspects of academic scholarship, but doing so sometimes requires receiving constructive criticism from others.

Skills: The major objective of this course is the acquisition of analytical skills that will assist you in the future whether or not you continue to study history. For this reason, I will offer constructive criticism to help you improve your analytical skills over the course of the semester. We will focus primarily on the following:

• Close and careful reading of the required texts
• Clarity, precision, and logical development in the writing assignments

Students with disabilities who are registered with the Disabilities Office may wish to speak with me about any specific needs they may have.

Course Outline