Georgia History
Maymester 2009

Dr. Jennifer Lund Smith     e-mail: jlsmith@ngcsu.edu    Young Hall 118   Phone: 867-2700

Office Hours:    

 

This class offers an in depth look at the history of Georgia. During the semester we will look at the major themes in Georgia history as well as discuss the state in relation to other southern states and to the nation. Additionally we will investigate sources in Georgia history that will enable you to find, assess, and ultimately use in your careers as students, researchers, and history teachers. (Or other careers you may chose as well!)

 

Required Book (in the bookstore)

 

Godshalk, David R. Veiled  Visions

Thomas A. Scott, Cornerstones of Georgia History

New Georgia Encyclopedia (online)
 

This class moves fast and it will rely on previous knowledge of American history. If you are rusty on your American history, or have not had a college class in American history,  you should m make sure you have an American history text available. Virtually any text that narrates American history will do.

If you are planning to teach Georgia History at some point in your career, Kenneth Coleman's A History of Georgia, written in the 1970s, is a very complete book with a lot of detailed information. It is not required for this course, but teachers of Georgia history ought to have it in their collection.  If you feel uncomfortable without a text, you too might consider this book.

Three exams (including the final): each worth 20%

Quizzes: 10%

Reflections on fieldtrips: 20%

Discussion 10%

 

Attendance and Make-ups
A Maymester class moves very quickly. You are expected to attend all classes: I will take attendance. Make-ups on exams are allowed ONLY in the case of a medical emergency, or family crisis.  You MUST contact the instructor BEFORE HAND by phone, note or e-mail AND you must provide documentation. If you miss an exam and you do not let me know before and you do not provide documentation, you will receive a “zero” on the exam. Due dates on assignments are firm. Late assignments will lose 10 points for each day they are late. After a week they will no longer be accepted and you will receive a “zero.”  I will not accept any assignment by e-mail; you must hand me a hard copy. If you miss class due to an illness, you are responsible for finding out what happened in class that day and if an assignment was given. Be sure you get the phone numbers of at least two reliable people you can call if you miss class. You may miss one class, but after that your grade will drop 5 points for each class you miss.

 

As a Maymester class in Georgia history, we are required to make field trips. Because students may be taking classes other than Georgia history, we will cancel some classes during the week and take field trips on Fridays. 

 

Academic Integrity
All your work, unless specifically stated otherwise by the instructor, is to be done individually.  Academic dishonesty will result in an F in the class.  See the Undergraduate Bulletin for the full text of the NGCSU Academic Integrity Policy.

 Classroom Etiquette
 Students are expected to show respect for others in the class. Carrying on a conversation with other students, reading newspapers or books, and doing assignments for another class are not appropriate. Drinks are fine, but there should be no eating in the classroom. I expect you to arrive to class on time. Students arriving to class late disrupt a class already in session. Should you enter class after an in-class writing assignment has been given, you will not be able to participate or get credit for the assignment. All cell phones and audio pagers must be turned off before you enter class. Incoming calls and pages are particularly disruptive. Should you forget and your cell phone does, ring, I will answer it. Cell phone, and electronic devices such as palm pilots need to be put away (not in view) during class and exams. If you have one in view during an exam or assignment you will receive an F on that exam or assignment. Violations of the above will also be considered negative classroom contribution and will cost you grade points.
 
Class Schedule
    This is a tentative course schedule. It is almost certain to change. Changes will be announced in class, and you are responsible for being aware of those changes whether or not you are in class when the announcement is made.

May 11: Images of Georgia

May 12: Settlement: Georgia Under the Trustees: Scott Ch. 1, 3   
                Lecture on Traveler's Rest

May 13 Off Day  
 
May 14:   From Royal Province to Revolution: Scott Ch. 4

May 15:  Chief Vann House field trip $5
             Link to Chief Vann House
                   Paper on Deliverance Due
 

May 18: Exam 1 (1 hour)
             Land, Land, Land: Scott Ch 5