HISTORY 4037: American Revolution


The American Revolution


Dr. Schmitt




Brief Description of Course: This course is a study of the origins and development of revolutionary sentiment in 18th century America, the War for American Independence, and the economic, social, and political consequences of the securing of independence.

Textbooks: The paperbacks required for this course are:

I. R. Christie, Crisis of Empire

Bruce Lancaster, The American Heritage Book of the Revolution

Attendance: Attendance will be taken and recorded. Good attendance is encouraged because ittends to improve one's performance on tests. Students are responsible for all information discussed in class and are also expected to be on time and to conduct themselves with decorum and courtesy in the classroom.

Advisement:

Office: 204 Rogers-Stout Phone: 439-6698

Office Hours: 9:15-10:15; 11:30-12:30 MWF, and by appointment

e-mail: Schmittd@ETSUARTS.etsu.edu

Term Paper: Each student will be required to write a research paper on some aspect of the Revolutionary period of interest to you. The paper should use both primary and secondary sources and include footnotes/endnotes and a bibliography. Your topic should be chosen in consultation with the instructor. The first draft of your paper, which will be reviewed and commented upon by the instructor and then returned for revision, will be due in Week 9 of the semester. The final draft should be 10-15 typed pages and will be due in Week 14 of the semester.

Book Reviews: Two book reviews of 4-5 typed pages each will be due during the semester. Spelling and grammar should be perfect. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. A list of acceptable outside reading will be posted. Since only one student will be allowed for each book, make your choice as soon as possible. Substitutions can be made if prior approval is secured from the instructor. Due dates will be announced in class.

Exams: There will be three exams, the last of which will be during the regularly scheduled final exam period. The exams will be combinations of long essay, short essay, and identifications. Spelling and grammar at a college level is expected. All make-ups will be given during the final week of classes.


Grading Scale:

A: 92.0-100 B-: 80.0-81.9 D+: 68.0-69.9
A-: 90.0-91.9 C+: 78.0-79.9 D: 60.0-67.0
B+: 88.0-89.9 C: 72.0-77.9 F: 00.0-59.9
B: 82.0-87.9 C-70.0-71.9


Final Grade: The final grade will be determined by the following formula:

50% - test scores 25% - book reviews 25% - term paper


Accomodation: If there is any student in this class who has need for test-taking or notetaking accomodation, please feel free to come and discuss this with me.

COURSE OUTLINE


Week 1: Introduction and Background of the 18th Century
Week 2: America and the British Empire
Week 3: The French and Indian War and the New Empire
Week 4: Taxes and Tea: The Crisis in the Empire First Book Review Due
Week 5: The Beginnings of Military Action First Examination
Week 6: The Declaration of Independence and the Home Front
Week 7: The War in Canada and on the Frontiers Second Book Review Due
Week 8: The French Alliance and the Continuing War
Week 9: The Early War in the South First Draft of Term Paper Due
Week 10: The Later War in the South Second Examination
Week 11: Securing the Military Victory
Week 12: State Politics and the Articles of Confederation
Week 13: Peace and Depression: The Critical Era
Week 14: Shays Rebellion and the Crisis of Government Final Draft of Term Paper Due
Week 15: The Constitutional Convention
Week 16: Final Examination
Last updated: The Ides of March 15, 2004