Course Description
A discussion-based course on the foundations of American democracy from the disciplinary perspective of the instructor. Students evaluate key concepts, principles, and arguments in the founding documents of the American Republic and consider later challenges to these efforts as illustrated by various texts that reflect the breadth of American experiences.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Critically analyze claims, arguments, artifacts, or information.
- Construct coherent, evidence-based arguments.
- Evaluate key concepts, principles, arguments, and contexts in founding documents of the American Republic, including the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and a representative selection of the Federalist Papers.
- Evaluate key milestones in progress and challenges in the effort to form a more perfect Union, including the arguments and contexts surrounding the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Letter from Birmingham Jail, and other texts reflecting the breadth of American experiences.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Great Expectations Letter (SLO 1) | 5% |
| Inquiry Journal (SLO 1) | 5% |
| Foundations Remix Project (SLOs 1 & 3) | 15% |
| Freedom Demanded Project (SLOs 1, 2, & 4) | 15% |
| Community Power Map (SLO 1, 2, & 4) | 25% |
| Democracy in Crisis (SLOs 2 & 4) | 15% |
| Justice in Action (SLOs 1, 2, & 4) | 20% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 93-100 points | A |
| 90-92 points | A- |
| 87-89 points | B+ |
| 83-86 points | B |
| 80-82 points | B- |
| 77-79 points | C+ |
| 73-76 points | C |
| 70-72 points | C- |
| 67-69 points | D+ |
| 63-66 points | D |
| 60-62 points | D- |
| 0-59 points | F |
Attendance/Participation:
You are allowed 2 absences, for whatever reason (don’t need to email me). After 2 absences and without a doctor’s note or other communication, the following is the impact on participation for excessive absence; 3 absences-2 points deducted from participation grade; 4 absences; 5 points deducted from participation grade; 5 absences or more; you are in danger of failing in this category of total grade points.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.