American History I (1400 to 1877)

Foxcroft Academy -- 2002-03 School Year

Theme for the Course:

Students of American history have long regarded the conflict of 1861-1865 as the watershed of American history, for both its bloodshed and its nationalism in the face of sectionalism. Unfortunately, many high school American history classes fail to emphasize the Civil War and its impact on a young and growing nation. Historians before the era of so-called "progressive education" understood the importance of the war. Many historians over the last thirty years or so have tried to relegate the war to the back pages of history in favor of multiculturalism or hyphenated Americanism, and the result is that most graduating seniors fail to grasp the critical significance of the sectional conflict, not just for those contemporaries living in the nineteenth century, but also for those of us living today. History is not simply a record of the past, but rather the story of who we are - told by the story of who we were. This course will attempt to correct the irresponsible mistakes of those who would seek to sweep the dirty issues of racism and sectionalism under the rug of American history. In fact, the sectional conflict (1820 to 1877) will be the focus of our investigation, a place it so richly deserves. Race relations and the slave system will be overarching themes throughout the course, as will the development of two American nations. In the end, only one could survive.

Grading Policy

In order to assess students according to their progress in meeting individual learning standards, there will be eight major examinations covering different units. Exams will include both short answer and essay questions. Inquiry and Analysis papers will be required every few weeks, and a semester research paper will be required as well, a subject we will talk about later.

Inquiry and Analysis Assignments

Since the only way to fully understand the past is to get information from those who lived it, every four weeks, students will be expected to analyze specific primary source documents from throughout history, with topics chosen by the instructor. These analysis papers will be at least 3 pages each and must be computer printed (double-spaced). Late Inquiry and Analysis papers will be deducted 10 KCP points per day.

Research Paper

Writing is a necessary tool for students to master. The format for the research paper will follow FA's Writing Handbook and will be discussed in detail later. The paper will be at least 8 pages plus a bibliography, and the paper will be scored for grammar as well as content. All papers must use at least one primary source and multiple secondary sources. A list of possible research topics accompanies this syllabus. All research papers must be typed or computer printed and double-spaced. Late research papers will be deducted 10 KCP points per day. Failure to complete the research paper assignment will result in automatic repeat of the course.

Important due dates

07 Feb 2003 - Inquiry and Analysis #1

14 Mar 2003 -- Inquiry and Analysis #2

04 Apr 2003 -- Inquiry and Analysis #3

28 Apr 2003 -- Inquiry and Analysis #4

09 May 2003 -- Research Paper due

Inquiry and Analysis Assignments

1) "Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs."

(Section 3 of Thomas Paine's essay Common Sense, published early in 1776.)

http://www.bartleby.com/133/3.html

2) Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (1798)

http://www.closeup.org/ky-va.htm

3) South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification (24 Nov 1832)

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/sc/ordnull.htm

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/presiden/proclamations/jack01.htm

4) The Second Joint Debate between Lincoln and Douglas, Freeport, 27 Aug 1858

Lincoln: http://www.bartleby.com/251/21.html

Douglas: http://www.bartleby.com/251/22.html

Research Paper Topics

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