William Spears | History 222: The United States since 1877 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette

History 222
: The United States since 1877
Fall 2015
Professor William L. Spears

Contacting the Professor:

Office Hours
: MW 9:30-11:30, TR 9:30-11, & by appointment
Office:
HLG Room 553
Email:
luddite@louisiana.edu
Course Description:
History 222 examines selected economic, intellectual, political, and social
th
developments transforming post-Civil War and 20
century American
society.
Required Text:
Understanding the American Promise: A History of the United States. Volume
II from 1865.
Second Edition. Roark, Johnson, Cohen, Stage, Hartman.
Assignment Content & Evaluation Procedures:
Exams:
Test will consist of identification, multiple choice, and essays.
Students are required to furnish three Blue Books. Students with valid
excuse may take one makeup exam upon consultation with instructor (see
office hours.)
Book Review:
Each student must submit a book review of an additional
history work dealing with early American history. The book must be
approved by instructor prior to 2nd exam. Selected book must be
university level. The review must be typed (double-spaced) and about three
pages in length. This is a critical analysis assignment- a summary and your
personal critique is required for the selected work. No late papers will be
accepted under any circumstances.

William Spears | History 222: The United States since 1877 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Course Points
____________________________________________________________
Assignments

Points Possible

Exam 1 & 2

100 each

Book Review

50

Final Exam

150

Total

400

_
___________________________________________________________

Grading Scale : 10%

___________________________________
Letter
Grade

Points

400-360

359-319

318-278

277-237

236-0

___________________________________
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is required, expected, and extremely beneficial. I reserve the
right to drop and student for excessive absences; four or five are
considered excessive.Excessive tardiness will not be tolerated and if you
must leave class early you must consult the instructor prior to the
beginning of class. Curve points on exams apply only to those who attend
class on a regular basis.
Technology:
Cell phones must be put away and turned off at all times, no exceptions.
You may use a laptop to take notes but may not be used for any other
reason.
2

William Spears | History 222: The United States since 1877 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Calendar:
Week

Date

Chapter-Topic

8/24

Syllabus & Course Overview

8/31

Ch. 17 - Opening of the New West

9/7

Ch. 18 - Gilded Age: Politics & Society

9/14

Ch. 18 - Gilded Age: Politics & Society

9/21

Ch. 19 - Industrialization

9/28

Ch.20 - Spanish American War

10/5

Exam 1

10/12

Ch.21 - Progressive Era

10/19

Ch. 22 - Great War

10

10/26

Ch. 23 - Roaring 20s

11

11/2

Ch. 24 - Great Depression & New Deal

12

11/9
11/13

Exam 2
Book Review Due

13

11/16

Ch. 25 - World War II

14

11/23

Ch. 26 - Cold War: Domestic & Foreign Issues

15

11/30

Ch. 27 - Modern Civil Rights Movement

16

12/7

Final