History 392

I. Course Title: Special Topics in U.S. History (US)

II. Course Number: HIST 392

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

Detailed study of topics or period of U.S. history not covered in current course offerings. A new course syllabus is available each time the course is offered. This course may be taken more than once for credit with a different topic.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

The specific content will vary depending on the topic of the course. However, in keeping with the expectations of all 300-level HIST courses, the content will include description of key developments and themes, analysis of the contexts informing and resulting from human actions, and efforts to empathize with humans of the past so as to understand their feelings and beliefs. Substantial reading of secondary and/or primary sources will be expected. Writing will also be integral to the course.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

 The conduct of the course will vary as appropriate for the topic. Content could be delivered via lecture, discussion, student presentations, guest speakers, multimedia presentations, or other formats. Student activities could include (but are not necessarily limited to) note taking, group projects, presentations, research, discussions, or other formats.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

  1. Students will practice thinking critically and analytically about historical issues, acquire a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of pertinent historical events and processes, and cultivate a familiarity with the concepts of historical argument and interpretation.
  2. Students will develop disciplinary research skills by designing strategies to locate and analyze primary and secondary source evidence, processing and organizing the resultant data, and composing proper citation and bibliographical entries.
  3. Students will apply their critical thinking, research, and compositional skills to the creation and presentation of thesis driven essays that discuss, for example, historical social, economic, political, and/or cultural developments and that address issues such as the causes and consequences of historical change and continuity.
  4. Students will acquire a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of key issues, themes, personalities, and events relevant to the topic of the course.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures will vary as appropriate for the topic of the course. Assessment measures could include (but are not necessarily limited to) examinations, papers, class participation, presentations, and projects.

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

Date Action Reviewed by
January 2005 Reviewed and Approved by Charles McClellan

March 01, 2021