ECONOMIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES
ECON 115/HIST 115
INSTRUCTOR: Cecelia Hudelson-Putnam
OFFICE: Pirates Village 103 C
PHONE: (209) 575-6104
WEBSITE: http://virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us/chudelson
OFFICE HOURS: Monday/Wednesday 11:00 am – 12:30 pm,
Tuesday/ Thursday 12:45-2:00 pm , or by appointment.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Economic History is a discipline which integrates history and economics. The
marriage of these two disciplines enables us to look critically at the impact
that ideas, institutions, and individuals have upon our economy, how such
elements affect our economy, and ultimately our own lives and experiences.
Economic Historians question the role that economic activities or economic
policies have upon American History, such as British Regulation, the Great
Depression or the Deregulation of energy in California. Economists utilize a
historical analysis to test the validity of their theories and relationships,
such issues as Free Trade, Unemployment, and Capital Investment can be assessed
using the United States as a case study. Together these disciplines enable us
to understand local, national and global economic relationships and observe how
policies, theories and behaviors affect our society; economically, socially, and
politically.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:
I am passionate about my job and my
discipline. I believe that ALL students can become outstanding college students
if they apply themselves. I value what YOU think, and will provide you with
strategies that you can utilize throughout your education. I try to maintain
high academic standards that you will find at the university level so that you
will be successful when you transfer. MJC is an institution which can create
opportunities beyond your dreams! Ask me!
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Fusfeld, The Age of the Economist, 9th edition, 2002.
Walton and Rockoff, History of the American Economy, 10th edition, 2005.
CLASS POLICIES:
* It is the student's responsibility to drop this course.
Students who do not drop will
receive an F for the course.
* No Cell phones are allowed in class. Please turn them off, and put
them away. This class requires your
full attention!
* Make-up exams must be discussed with the instructor prior to the date of the
exam.
GRADING POLICY:
Students must complete a total of three exams, and two assignments. As noted
below, the final is 40% of the course grade. Students who improve on the final
exam will receive the improved grade for the course (given good attendance). For
example, if a student earns B grades on the first two exams and the assignments,
yet obtains an A on the final, he/she will receive an A for the course! ALL
EXAMS and ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED to enjoy this opportunity.
If a student performs poorly on the final, the
course grade will be based on the total points earned in the course. If a
student misses more than 5 classes, the course grade will also be based upon
total points earned through the exams and assignments.
1st exam = 100 pts A = 100-90 %
2nd exam = 100 pts
B = 89-80 %
Assignments = 100 pts C = 79-70 %
FINAL = 200 pts D = 69-60 %
----------------------- F =
59 % and below
TOTAL = 500 pts
EXAMS:
All exams will use an essay format. Exam questions will be given in advance of
the exam. No texts will be allowed. In-class essays will require 3-4 pages,
single-spaced and hand-written work to adequately address the question prompt.
Take home exams must be 3-5 pages in length, single-spaced and typed.
A. Historical Significance (25 pts): You will identify one of four events, ideas, or individuals to explain why it was important to the history of America economic development. This section must be two paragraphs, one describing the item selected (what is it, who is it), and a second paragraph to explain how the item affected the American history or economy. Lastly, list other examples that have had a similar effect on American history.
B. Essay (75 pts):
This section is the bulk of your exam, and should be at least two to three pages
in length, single-spaced, type-written. If you do not have this length, then
re-read the question. Typically people need to explain processes more thoroughly
and use maps and examples (as well as web sites) to demonstrate the validity of
their ideas. Make sure you put down your ideas, I do not want to see what the
text has to say. I want to know what YOU think about the material, so please do
not use materials which are not your own. If you do use quotations, make sure
you explain what the quote means to you. Most people use quotes to substitute
for areas of information they do not understand. This is not acceptable. Please
see syllabus regarding plagiarism.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS: 100 pts (25 pts each)
Students will complete four class assignments. Each assignment should fully
address the topic you select. Be sure to include reference to appropriate
reading material (Walton/Rockoff and Fusfeld) to clarify concepts, theories and
support your ideas. Assignments must be 1-2 pages in length, single-spaced and
typed, using 10-12 font, Time New Roman.
*Plagiarism,
according to the MJC Academic Honor Code, includes
1. incorporating the ideas, words, sentences, paragraphs, or parts of another
person's
writings, without giving appropriate credit, and representing the product as
your own
work
2. Representing another's artistic/scholarly works as your own
3. Submitting a paper purchased from a research or term paper service
is not permitted! On the 1st offense, the student will receive
an F on the exam. If a student plagiarizes a second time or on the final exam,
he/she will receive an F in the course. Further action may be taken by the
instructor, if warranted.
GRADING CRITIQUE:
The following items are the criteria
I use to grade your exams. If you have any questions, please ask! Each essay
should include material from course readings (1/3), class discussion (1/3), and
your original ideas (1/3).
1. Did I answer the question, all of the question, and all that was implied by
the question?
2. Did I present a solid thesis, logical progression of ideas and an appropriate
conclusion?
3. Did I allocate my time and presentation appropriately, developing all parts
of my exam in
balance?
4. Did I include the best examples and illustrations to demonstrate the validity
of my ideas?
5. Did I use the most effective presentation techniques, especially graphic and
cartographic
ones?
6. Did I include specific examples from all of the appropriate reading
materials?
7. Did I include the most significant and appropriate ideas from the class
session?
8. Did I include my own, original ideas?
9. Are there any factual inaccuracies in my presentation?
10. Could or should my essay be used to teach others?