Clayton State University

HIST 5850

Directed Readings in History

Fall 2009

CRN 88195

 

Schedule of Reading and Written Assignments (Note: This schedule is subject to change in order to fulfill course objectives)

Instructor: Dr. Christopher J. Ward, christopherward@clayton.edu, (678) 466-4811

Class Meetings: online

Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 11:15 a.m.—12:30 p.m. in Arts & Sciences 110L

Required Texts:

    Robert Service, A History of Modern Russia: From Nicholas II to Vladimir Putin (ISBN 978067401801)

    Barbara Alpern Engel and Anastasia Posadskaya-Vanderbeck, eds., A Revolution of Their Own: Voices of Women in Soviet History (ISBN 9780813333663)

    Natalya Baranskaya, A Week Like Any Other (ISBN 9780931188800)

    Click here for Clayton State’s Interlibrary Loan request form                      

Monographs to be reviewed (to be obtained through Interlibrary Loan or from area libraries):

    Ludmilla Alexeyeva and Paul Goldberg, The Thaw Generation: Coming of Age in the Post-Stalin Era

    Abraham Ascher, The Revolution of 1905: Russia in Disarray (vol. 1)

    _____, The Revolution of 1905: Authority Restored (vol. 2)

    Vladimir Brovkin, Behind the Front Lines of the Civil War: Political Parties and Social Movements in Russia, 1918-1922

    Sarah Davies, Popular Opinion in Stalin’s Russia: Terror, Propaganda, and Dissent, 1934-1941

    Karen Dawisha, Eastern Europe, Gorbachev and Reform: The Great Challenge

    John Keep, The Russian Revolution: A Study in Mass Mobilization

Course Description: HIST 5850 is an intensive investigation of Russian History during the twentieth century.

Course Requirements:

A. Common readings: See required texts listed above.

B. Book review: Six times during the semester, each student will write a 2-4 page book review on the assigned monograph listed above. This review should include a discussion of the book’s thesis, methodology, and content. You will need to use the Interlibrary Loan Service at the Clayton State library or use area libraries to locate most of the titles on the reading list.

C. Research Paper:  One of this course’s objectives is to improve your ability to write and think critically.  Near the end of the semester, each student will submit a research paper of a minimum of 20 pages that uses primary and secondary sources to examine a critical issue of the student’s choice in twentieth century world history.  You are encouraged to use the nearby Georgia State Archives and the Federal Archives in addition to the Clayton State University and other Atlanta area libraries in conducting your research. Be aware that it is important to turn in your assignment on the date when it is due (click on the Schedule of Reading and Writing Assignments link above for the due date). Research papers that are submitted late (i.e. after the beginning of class) will be penalized by one letter grade (i.e. ten points) for each 24-hour period that the assignment is overdue. It is imperative to submit this assignment on-time.

D. Academic Misconduct: Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Clayton State University's academic misconduct policies can be found at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial.

E. Computer Requirement: Each Clayton State University student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on Clayton State University's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

University Attendance Policy: Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades. The purpose of the new policy is to increase retention. Students who have poor class attendance records often do poorly in our courses. The new policy is designed to emphasize to students that attending class is important and expected.

Attendance will be taken by means of a sign-in sheet that will be distributed during class meetings or a call of the roll by the instructor.  Taking good notes is necessary but not sufficient for doing well in the course.  Thus, if you do miss class, you must get the notes from another student.  You are also encouraged to visit me during office hours to clarify material. 

Course Policies: Students must abide by the policies found in the Clayton State University Student Handbook and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities document, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Students have responsibility for the development of their academic, social, and career goals. As part of their educational experiences at Clayton State University , students are responsible and accountable for their academic choices and actions. They are responsible for reviewing, understanding, and abiding by the regulations, procedures, requirements, and deadlines described in official publications including the Catalog, the Student Handbook, Class Schedules, and applicable Departmental Student Handbooks. In addition, you should refrain from the use of cellular telephones, pagers, PDAs, and other electronic devices (excluding appropriate laptop use), and not engage in behavior that disrupts the learning atmosphere—this includes leaving before the class is dismissed. Please do not eat in class and do not drink in classrooms where the consumption of liquids is prohibited. 

Interactions with Faculty, Staff and Other Students: 

    Each student is expected to:

  • understand the concept of academic misconduct as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct;
  • be respectful and polite to all faculty, staff, and other students;
  • be familiar with and abide by the University's sexual harassment policies as well as University policies regarding consensual relationships between instructors and students;
  • consult the Student Code of Conduct about other aspects of student conduct in and out of the classroom.

Responsibilities in the Classroom:

    Each student is expected to:

  • attend class regularly unless other arrangements are made;
  • arrive for class on time and leave the classroom only at the end of class;
  • engage in class discussions and activities when appropriate;
  • exhibit classroom behavior that is not disruptive of the learning environment;
  • secure and turn off all electronic communications and entertainment devices during class time unless otherwise directed by the course instructor. Any use of a cell phone or other unauthorized electronic device during an examination may lead to an accusation of academic misconduct, which may ultimately lead to expulsion from the University.  
  • be aware that children are NOT permitted in any Clayton State University classroom under any circumstances, nor may they be left unattended anywhere on the campus.

Course Responsibilities:

    Each student is expected to:

  • observe the prerequisites, co-requisites and other requirements for the course;
  • obtain and understand the course syllabus;
  • keep up with the coursework, complete all course requirements, submit all assignments, and take all scheduled examinations;
  • address any conflicts in scheduling with the instructor as soon as possible and in accordance with course policies concerning scheduled course activities;
  • review all graded material and seek help if necessary;
  • register any disabilities with the Office of Disability Services prior to the beginning of classes, and notify the instructor of any documented disabilities that might interfere with completion of course work prior to the end of the drop-add deadline;
  • fairly and thoughtfully complete the course and instructor evaluation form(s);
  • check for emails regularly at the university-issued email address;
  • have ready access to a notebook computer with software that is appropriate to each course.

Academic Progress: Each student is expected to take an active part in assessing his or her academic progress each semester, and to monitor progress towards completion of graduation requirements. 

    Each student is also expected to:

  • review academic policies and procedures described in the current Catalog as well as in applicable Departmental Student Handbooks and other official advisement materials.
  • know basic University, school or college, and departmental admission, progression, and graduation requirements in his or her chosen majors and minors in order to plan completion of these requirements;
  • communicate regularly with the assigned academic advisor to review academic progress, program plan and continuing enrollments.
  • maintain personal copies of a tentative degree plan, progress reports, general educational material, and transfer credit evaluations until after graduation;
  • see that any academic records from other colleges and universities are transferred and received by all the appropriate offices for evaluation.

Center for Academic Success (CAS): The CAS offers a variety of personalized academic services including staff and peer tutoring and multimedia instruction to all Clayton State University students.  Standardized testing is offered through the Testing Center.  The CAS develops and coordinates online instructional resources, workshops, courses, and external labs teaching interdisciplinary academic skills. The Learning Support Program (COMPASS Testing Program, Regents Testing Program, and Learning Support and Regents Test Remediation courses) is also facilitated by the CAS.

The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted into law, July 26, 1992, guarantees individuals with disabilities in the United States protection form discrimination on the basis of disability. ADA extends civil rights protection for individuals with disabilities to employment in the private sector, transportation, public accommodation, services provided by state and local governments, and telecommunications relay services. Clayton State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations for students and employees with disabilities. Information on ADA for students is available through the Disability Resource Center.

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

The content of this course syllabus correlates to education standards established by national and state education governing agencies, accrediting agencies and learned society/ professional education associations.  Please refer to the course correlation matrices located at the following web site: http://a-s.clayton.edu/teachered/Standards%20and%20Outcomes.htm.

Midterm Progress Report: A midterm grade will be recorded for each student in the course. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course without academic accountability and receive a grade of W. Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, before the last day to withdraw without academic accountability, which can be found at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/calendar/academiccalendar.htm. 

Grading:

               Book reviews (6 total @ 10% each)                                   60%

Research Paper                                                                  40% 

Grading scale: A, 100%-90% of total

          B, 89%-80%

          C, 79%-70%

           D, 69%-60%

           F, 59% and below