This course provides an overview of American history from the aftermath of the American Revolution through the early 1840s. Topics explored will include: Native Americans, political, economic, social, and other aspects of American society in the early republic.

Texts: Thomas P. Slaughter, The Whiskey Rebellion

R. David Edmunds, Tecumseh and the Quest for Indian Leadership

Harry L. Watson, Liberty and Power: The Politics of Jacksonian America

Sean Wilentz, Major Problems in the Early Republic

Recommended: Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations

Office Hours: My office is 204E LA. The office phone number is 974-5451. I have voice mail, please leave a message. My email is sadamiak@uco.edu.

Grading: Points

FIRST HOUR EXAM 100

SECOND HOUR EXAM 100

FINAL EXAM 100: 1:00 Friday, 5 May

TERM PAPERS 100: Due 19 April

Grading Scale: 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 60-69 = D Below 60 = F

NOTE: All exams will include essay and identification questions and will be based on BOTH lectures and readings. Failure to take any exam will result in failing the class. No Makeups will be given without prior permission except under the following conditions: (1) Death (or serious crisis) within the immediate family, (2) Serious verifiable illness, or (3) University sponsored activities. In all such cases you must notify the instructor as soon as possible.

Term Papers: Each student will complete a research paper of approximately 15 pages (20-25 pages for graduate students) in length on some aspect of American history between 1783 and 1840. Further details will follow in a separate handout. A preliminary topic and bibliography is due no later than 31 January. The final paper is due no later than 19 April. Late papers will be penalized by one letter grade per day.

Liberal Arts Symposium: Students are expected to attend at least one session of the symposium (April 17) and are highly encouraged to present their term papers as part of a session. Students interested in participating should see me as soon as possible.

Attendance: Each student is expected to attend class on a regular basis. Attendance will be taken periodically through the semester, occasionally in the form of a short quiz. Students may also be asked to prepare short assignments for certain classes. While attendance is not directly calculated into the student's course grade, it may be considered as a factor in determining borderline grades. In case of absence, the student remains responsible for any lecture material or announcements made during the missed class.

Academic Dishonesty: Under no circumstances will academic dishonesty be tolerated. Typical examples of academic dishonesty include (but are not necessarily restricted to) cheating on examinations and/or plagiarism. Plagiarism means representing someone else's work as your own. Some examples of plagiarism are:

• •Quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing text or other works on an exam, term paper, or assignment without citing the source.



• •Handing in a paper purchased from a term paper service, the internet, or taking a paper from a "file."



• •Retyping a friend's paper and handing it in as your own

Guidelines for avoiding plagiarism will be distributed in class. Academic dishonesty may result in the student failing the course.

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Adaptive Needs Coordinator Brad Morelli at ext, 2573, or see me after class as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Class Schedule:

Part I: Confederation and the Rise of Federalism, 1783-1801

Jan. 10: Introduction. Readings: Problems, Ch. 1.

Jan. 12,14,19: Problems of Confederation; Slaughter, Ch. 1-3.

Jan. 21: Library

Jan. 24: The new Constitution; Problems, Ch. 2.

Jan. 26, 28: Federalists in Power; Problems, Ch. 3.

Jan. 31, Feb. 2: The West; Slaughter, Ch. 4-8.

Feb. 4: Hamilton's Financial Program

Feb. 7: Discussion: Whiskey Rebellion

Feb. 9, 11: Relations with Britain and France

Feb. 14: Revolution of 1800?

Feb. 16: EXAM I

Part II: The Jeffersonian Republic, 1801-1815

Feb. 18, 21: Continuity and Change; Problems, Ch. 4.

Feb. 23, 25: Jefferson and the West; Problems, Ch. 5, 6; Begin Edmunds.

Feb. 28: Discussion: Tecumseh

Mar. 1,3: Europe and the United States

Mar. 6: Madison and the decision for war; Problems, Ch. 6

Mar. 8,10, 20, 22: War of 1812

Mar. 24: Exam II

Part III: Rise of the 2nd Party System, 1815-1840

Mar. 27, 29: Era of Good Feelings; Problems, Ch. 7; Watson, Ch. 1-2.

Mar. 31, Apr. 3,5: Breakdown of unity; Problems, Ch. 10; Watson, Ch. 3.

Apr. 7,10,12: Jackson as President; Problems, Ch. 9, 11; Watson, Ch. 4-6.

Apr. 14, 19: The Old South; Problems, Ch. 8.

Apr. 17: Liberal Arts Symposium

Apr. 21, 24: Reforms and Reformers; Problems, Ch. 12,13

Apr. 26, 28: Whigs triumphant; Watson, Ch. 7-8.

May 5: Final Exam - 1:00

Helpful hints

1. Plan on spending at least 2-3 hours outside of class for every hour the class meets. This time will be utilized for completing the assigned readings, reviewing, and researching. Plan on extra time before examinations.

2. Take careful notes. Remember you cannot write down everything said in class so focus on key points and main ideas. Review your notes often, preferably soon after class.

3. Keep up to date with the readings. Skim over the assigned readings before class and review them after the material has been covered. Take notes from your readings.

4. Constantly review material since the last exam. By spending some time every week, it will keep ideas fresh and prevent having to relearn everything before the exam.

5. Ask questions. If you are having difficulty get help immediately. Ask questions in class or during office hours. You will also find many answers in your readings.