The Civil War & Reconstruction Class Syllabus
History 374
Spring 2006 in PJ215
MW 2:30-3:50
Dr. Steven Schoenherr
Home Page: http://home.sandiego.edu/~ses/
Office: PJ266 x4042
Map to History offices
Office Hours: MWF 10-11, MW 1-2
E-mail to: ses@sandiego.edu
Course Description:
A seminar on the history of the American Civil War from its origins in the early 19th century through the era of Reconstruction.
Required Textbook:
James M. McPherson, Ordeal by Fire: The Civil War and Reconstruction, 3rd ed., New York: McGraw Hill, 2005, hardback or paper.
Grade:
Midterm essay exam (20%) and final essay exam (30%) on class lectures, discussions and media; short quizzes each week (30%) on reading assignments and occasional writing or computer exercises; 3 reports (20%) on books listed in the the class bibliography or approved in advance with e-mail by insructor. The readings for each report must total at least 300 pages of text and the length of the report submitted by e-mail must be at least 900 words. A web page research project may be substituted for the book reports if approved in advance by e-mail by instructor. The final grade is based on a 12-point GPA scale and may be raised by as much as 1.5 GPA (e.g., from B to A-) with the completion of one or two or three extra book or film reports of 900 words each. Titles may be selected from the class book or film lists. Additional credit may be earned by web page or DVD projects approved in advance by e-mail by instructor. All book and film reports must be submitted by e-mail and approved by reply e-mail on or before the dates specified in the class schedule. Each report must include citations of sources used to write the report. See the following guides to help write reports:
Attendance:
All students are required to attend class. Any absence must be excused by e-mail prior to the missed class. There will be a grade deduction of .5 GPA for each unexcused absence including tardiness and leaving the classroom before the end of the scheduled period. No makeup quizzes or exams are permitted for unexcused absences.
Computer:
This class does not require that you own a computer. However, you are required to have access to the Internet, using your student computer account (free with ID in Serra 205) or using a commercial account, and must be able to send and receive e-mail. Every e-mail message must be text-only and have a valid reply address and must include "HIST374" in the Subject Header. The body of the message must include your full name at the start or end of the body of the message. Do not send attachments; include the entire text of your message or report or quiz answer in the body of the e-mail message. All students must be able to access the class page at http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/classes/civilwar/374.html
Schedule: see Resources at the bottom of the class page at http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/classes/civilwar/374schedule.html