HIST+484+Syllabus

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Department of History and Political Science Undergraduate Course Syllabus

Spring 2013

In preparing this syllabus, let me acknowledge—up front—how much I have benefitted from ideas contained in the syllabi of my department colleagues, particularly those by Dan Palm, Bryan Lamkin, and Brad Hale.
 * Section A. Course Information**

HIST 484 (Section 02) [#12469] Historical Themes: Vietnam War TuTh 9:45-11:10 a.m. Ronald #137

My Name and Title: David E. Lambert, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History
 * Section B. Faculty Information**

My Office Location and Hours: I will do my best to get to know you in class, but hope you will want to meet with me at other times. My office is located on the first floor (Room #124) of the Ronald Building on the East Campus. My office hours will be on Wednesdays from 2:00-3:30 p.m. and by appointment (I live very close to campus and can be here quickly if you need to see me).

Contact Information: My office phone number is 626-815-6000, ext. 3341, but I do not check that phone for messages. Instead, please feel free to call me at my home: (626) 335-4787. Try to call between 8AM & 8PM. My email address is dlambert@apu.edu. Our office fax number is 626-815-3868.

University Mission Statement Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian community of disciples and scholars who seek to advance the work of God in the world through academic excellence in liberal arts and professional programs of higher education that encourage you to develop a Christian perspective of truth and life.
 * Section C. University Information**

History and Political Science Department Mission Statement The mission of the History and Political Science Department is to provide you with knowledge of the recorded past; to develop your thinking, speaking, reading, and writing skills; to cultivate your personal, spiritual, and civic character; and to prepare you for a lifetime of learning.

Course Catalog Description
 * Section D. Course Information [Description, Content, Methods of Instruction]**

HIST 484 Historical Themes (Vietnam War) (3) This course is a study of the roots and denouement of the Vietnam War.

Course Goals We all need to learn to read carefully. Close reading can actually help our writing: topic sentences, prose style, transitions, punctuation. Our course, and therefore your reading, should focus on the following:

1) Who were the people? History (or HERstory) amounts to using a reverse time capsule to peek in on how people lived their lives. Newspapers are a first draft of that story. What is to us an historical event was for them usually just the daily news. They were living their lives, without knowing the future outcomes.

2) Where are the places? I believe strongly in the value of knowing geography. We will use Google Earth extensively.

3) What were the events? I tend to emphasize political/diplomatic/military aspects of history, so I will build the semester around big events: wars, recessions, elections. No need to remember dates as such but it is critical to be aware of chronology so we can determine cause and effect relationships.

4) What were the problems (as viewed by each player) and how were they handled? You are welcome to have your own emotional position as a bottom line, but I want you to be able to analyze dispassionately as if you were training to be a lawyer and argue either prosecution or defense.

Methods of Instruction A number of years ago, I was born again as a Christian. Recently, I have had a rebirth in my approach to teaching, trying to move from a lecturing, cover-the-material teacher to an approach in which we use our laptops, work often in small groups, and practice analytical skills.

I hope to achieve a balance between the hard work we do in class and what you should do outside of class (close to 2 hours outside of class for each hour of class).


 * Section E. Student Learning Outcomes**

Student Learning Outcomes: Mastery of the material covered in this course will enable you to: IDEA (Individual Development and Educational Assessment)Objective Assignments Used to Assess Describe the major historical themes, events, and personalities in U.S. history during the colonial era. Gaining factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends). Reaction papers, exams, presentations, and class participation Locate, interpret and use methodologies useful to critique issues in U.S. history. Learning fundamental principles, generalizations, or theories. In-class discussion and exercises Identify and use quality primary and secondary resources needed to understand the issues in the colonial era. Learning how to find and use resources for answering questions or solving problems. Writing assignments Identify and critique the variety of Christian responses to problems in U.S history during this period. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view Reaction papers and class discussion

As we proceed through this semester together, I will give you many content-based goals tied to our course.


 * Section F. Course Goals**

I am pretty well educated in a professorial way. I have a B.A. in International Affairs from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, an M.A in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.B.A. in Finance and International Business from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and a Ph.D. in U.S. History from the Claremont Graduate University. But because of my somewhat eclectic background and varied military and executive experiences prior to becoming a professor, I have goals—broader than just the academic pursuit of the who, what, and when of history per se—that I hope we will achieve this term.

Thomas L. Friedman's work [The World is Flat 3.0: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century (New York: Picador, 2007), 308-324] helped me decide upon several of these goals. He underlines the importance of being flexible over our career and taking away from our college years a facility for 1) learning how to learn, 2) understanding in a deeper way how to navigate the web (to this end, we will work through Appendix 4 on various ways to employ Google efficiently and to use various databases), and 3) increasing our intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. Though I will try to role model each of these desired characteristics, I can't be successful at it unless you yourself take responsibility for your own learning by setting challenging goals for this course (and for your career).

No text required.
 * G. TEXT**

See Learning Professor wiki for course assignments: http://thelearningprofessor.wikispaces.com/

For a more extensive list of recommended books and websites, consult Section N below.
 * H. RECOMMENDATIONS**


 * I. COURSE CALENDAR**

CAVEAT: The course schedule, topics, evaluation, and assignments may be changed at the instructor’s discretion.

This section is combined with Section J.


 * J. ASSIGNMENTS**

Daily 500-word reactions are required. A reaction is due even if you missed class. These reactions will combine the assessment outcomes that would normally be fulfilled by quizzes, exams, and longer paper assignments.


 * Week #1**

Tuesday, 8 January

Thursday, 10 January


 * Week #2**

Tuesday, 15 January Reaction #1

Thursday, 17 January Reaction #2


 * Week #3**

Tuesday, 22 January Reaction #3

Thursday, 24 January Reaction #4


 * Week #4**

Tuesday, 29 January Reaction #5

Thursday, 31 January Reaction #6


 * Week #5**

Tuesday, 5 February Reaction #7

Thursday, 7 February Reaction #8


 * Week #6**

Tuesday, 12 February Reaction #9

Thursday, 14 February Reaction #10


 * Week #7**

Tuesday, 19 February Reaction #11

Thursday, 21 February Reaction #12


 * Week #8**

Tuesday, 26 February Reaction #13

Thursday, 28 February Reaction #14


 * Week #9**

Tuesday, 5 March Reaction #15

Thursday, 7 March Reaction #16


 * Week #10**

Tuesday, 12 March Reaction #17

Thursday, 14 March Reaction #18


 * Week #11**

Tuesday, 19 March Reaction #19

Thursday, 21 March Reaction #20


 * Week #12** [No class: Easter break all week]: Tuesday, 26 March; Thursday, 28 March


 * Week #13**

Tuesday, 2 April Reaction #21

Thursday, 4 April Reaction #22


 * Week #14**

Tuesday, 9 April Reaction #23

Thursday, 11 April Reaction #24


 * Week #15**

Tuesday, 16 April Reaction #25

Thursday, 18 April Reaction #26


 * Week #16**

Tuesday, 23 April Reaction #27

Thursday, 25 April Reaction #28


 * K. EVALUATION**

A constantly-updated version of this section is posted on The Learning Professor wiki: http://thelearningprofessor.wikispaces.com/Grading

1. Factors contributing to final grade:

a. Wiki Portfolio Your grade in this course will be determined by your class participation and your portfolio. Your portfolio is the sum of daily reactions posted to your personal wiki page.

It is important both how hard and how well you have worked on your personal wiki page this term.

Quantity counts. I will observe how much you have written over the course of the semester.

We are using these daily reflections as a substitute for exams and term papers.

Your reflections should give evidence that you are thinking about the issues. Record what impresses you, troubles you, differs from what you thought before, connects to current real world issues, or influences your spiritual walk.

Quality counts. I will assess your reactions on the quality and depth of your thinking as well as on the correctness and clarity of your prose.

b. Classroom attitude First of all, come to class. You can't participate if you are not present. Success in life is often merely showing up.

Second, come with your proper tools each time: You will be docked half an unexcused absence if you come to class without your required materials, principally your laptop. Your laptop is required for this course.

A word about laptops. Our laptops are to enhance learning. Excessive dinging around with it will grieve the Holy Spirit (and me) and will warrant half an unexcused absence. All of us need to be faithful in appropriately using our laptops during class time. I don't want to have to spy on you but hope to count on you not to be using your laptop to do email or surf the web. Conduct yourselves so that I can feel confident that you (and your mates) are working away appropriately even if I am not watching. [Note the reference to eye-service in both Ephesians 6:5-6 (NAS) and Colossians 3:22 (NAS).]

Third, do something once you are here. Your class participation will make the difference between an "A" and a non-A. Most of my grading of you is on-going, as I observe you day after day in class. Verbally and non-verbally, demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Look toward me and make eye contact periodically. When you look continually at your computer when I am talking, I question—perhaps unfairly to you—what you are doing.

Demonstrate a positive attitude toward whatever feedback I may provide. Aim to get better, not bitter.

Even if you think you are done with what has been assigned for the class period, keep yourself legitimately busy until dismissal. Return to websites we used during prior class periods.

2. Grading criteria: Where necessary, I may provide an even more specific grading rubric, but the following general criteria will suffice for our holistic semester assessment.

"A" work - Outstanding Reflects mastery of the subject and outstanding skills in analysis. It demonstrates a thorough command of problems, issues, context, and evidence. "A" work presents an insightful and thought-provoking evaluation of material with clarity, accuracy, precision, and elegance, whether in written or oral work. "B" work – Above Average Reflects a very good comprehension of the material and good skills in analysis. It demonstrates a solid understanding of problems, issues, context, and evidence. "B" work presents sound analysis and accomplished use of evidence with clarity and accuracy, whether in written or oral work. "C" work - Average Reflects an adequate comprehension of the material and acceptable analysis. It demonstrates a capable understanding of problems, issues, context, and evidence. "C” work presents analysis and evidence competently, whether in written or oral work. "D" work – Below Average Reflects work that is below average either because some aspect of the assignment has not been fulfilled or because a preponderance of errors (more than one or two per page) interferes with clear communication. A "D" may also indicate failure to follow directions, failure to follow specific recommendations, or failure to demonstrate personal effort and improvement.” "F" work – Not Acceptable Reflects work that is not acceptable, either because the student did not complete the assignments as directed, or because the level of performance is below an acceptable level for college work.

3. Grading scale: 93-100=A 90-92=A- 87-89=B+ 83-86=B 80-82=B- 77-79=C+ 73-76=C 70-72=C- 67-69=D+ 63-66=D 60-62=D- 0-59=F


 * L. COURSE POLICIES**

1. General policies

a) Class attendance Attendance is required and will be taken. You are allowed two unexcused absences without consequences. After the first two unexcused absences, your grade will be reduced for each unexcused absence. An excused absence (i.e. medical, family emergency, university business) must be properly documented by an acceptable authority. When possible, you should inform me of an anticipated absence in advance.

Please try to be in class on time. Excessive tardiness (more than 10 minutes late) will be considered half an unexcused absence. If other responsibilities require you to be tardy on a regular basis, you should discuss the matter with me by the end of the first full week of class.

b) Incompletes Only in rare instances (medical reasons) will I be willing to accept a request for an incomplete. You should plan to finish your course requirements within the parameters of this semester.

c) Extra Credit Normally, extra credit work is not accepted. On occasion, however, I may offer limited bonus points for your attendance at various academic functions such as lectures, seminars, and the Common Day of Learning.

2. Academic Integrity Policy The mission of Azusa Pacific University includes cultivating in each student not only the academic skills that are required for a university degree, but also the characteristics of academic integrity that are integral to a sound Christian education. It is therefore part of the mission of the university to nurture in each student a sense of moral responsibility consistent with the biblical teachings of honesty and accountability. Furthermore, a breach of academic integrity is viewed not merely as a private matter between the student and an instructor but rather as an act which is fundamentally inconsistent with the purpose and mission of the entire university. A complete copy of the Academic Integrity Policy is available in the Office of Student Life, the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Programs, and online.

Both the expectations for this course and the consequences for violations of academic integrity are consistent with those outlined in the academic integrity policy.

3. University and Department Policies All university and departmental policies affecting student work, appeals, and grievances, as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog will apply, unless otherwise indicated in this syllabus.

Students in this course who have a disability that might prevent them from fully demonstrating their abilities should meet with an advisor in the Learning Enrichment Center (ext. 3849) as soon as possible to initiate disability verification and discuss accommodations that may be necessary to ensure full participation in the successful completion of course requirements.
 * M. SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES**


 * N(1). BIBLIOGRAPHY**

Additional sources are available on the specific wiki pages used for the class.

HIST 484 (Vietnam War) Bibliography

Further sources are blended into the course modules on the wiki.

N(2). WEBLIOGRAPHY Web links are available on The Learning Professor wiki and will not be repeated here in the syllabus.

N(3) The Learning Professor The following books have contributed to my teaching epiphany:

Thomas Angelo and Patricia Cross. Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers. Ken Bain. What the Best College Teacher's Do. John Bean. Engaging Ideas: The Professor's Guide to Integrating Writing, Critical Thinking, and Active Learning in the Classroom. Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss. Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age. Stephen Brookfield and Stephen Preskill. Discussion as a Way of Teaching. Barbara Gross Davis. Tools for Teaching. Bette LaSere Erickson, Calvin B. Peters, and Diane Weltner Strommer. Teaching First-Year College Students. Peter Filene. The Joy of Teaching: A Practical Guide for New College Instructors. Donald Finkel. Teaching with Your Mouth Shut. Joyce Kinkead, ed. Valuing and Supporting Undergraduate Research. James Lang. Life on the Tenure Track: Lessons from the First Year. James Lang. On Course: A Week-by-Week Guide to Your First Semester of College Teaching. Richard Light. Making the Most of College: Students Speak Their Minds. Joseph Lowman. Mastering the Techniques of College Teaching. Wilbert McKeachie. Teaching Tips. 12th ed. 2005. Linda B. Nilson. Teaching at its Best: A Research-Based Resource for College Instructors. Linda Nilson and Barbara Weaver. Enhancing Learning with Laptops in the Classroom. Parker Palmer. The Courage to Teach. Jay Parini. The Art of Teaching. Justin Reich and Thomas Daccord. Best Ideas for Teaching with Technology: A Practical Guide by Teachers, for Teachers. Will Richardson. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. Michael P. Sauers. Blogging and RSS: A Librarian's Guide. Dannelle Steven and Antonia Levi. Introduction to Rubrics. Barbara Walvoord. Teaching and Learning in College Introductory Religion Courses. Barbara Walvoord and Virginia Johnson Anderson. Effective Grading: A Tool for Learning and Assessment. David Warlick. Classroom Blogging: A Teacher's Guide to Blogs, Wikis, and other Tools that are Shaping a New Information Landscape.