History 3690: The US Constitution and the Nation (Honors) 

 

Instructor:      Dr. Lynne Curry                                               email:            cflc2@eiu.edu                           

Office:             2532 Coleman Hall                                          my office       581-7988

Office hours:  TR 11:00 - 12:30; and by appointment              department:  581-3310

 

Description: This course surveys the development of the US Constitution and the American legal system within the context of the nation’s political, social, and economic history. 

 

Required texts:       Michael Les Benedict, The Blessings of Liberty

                                 Waldrep, Curry, Riccio, The U. S. Constitution and the Nation

                                 Articles posted on course website                      

 

Course requirements:

1.  I expect your attendance, thorough preparation, and active participation at each class meeting

 

2.  One mid-term examination and a final.  All are in essay format.  The final is not comprehensive.  Dates are as follows: Mid-term, Thursday, October 14th; Final exam, Monday, December 13th, 10:15 am to 12:15 pm.  Note:  I will not reschedule your final examination unless you have three exams scheduled for the same day.

 

3.  Research paper (10-12 pages, typed, double-spaced, references).  An in-depth analysis of a major U. S. Supreme Court decision.  You may choose the case according to your own interests, but your choice must be approved by me in advance.  Sources must include: (1) The text of the majority opinion and any concurring or dissenting opinions; (2) at least 3 secondary sources (books or articles) pertaining to the issues raised by the case.  You are required to submit a draft of your paper by the deadline indicated on the course agenda.  The draft must be at least 5 pages long and include citations for your sources. Late papers will be docked one-half grade unless you make arrangements with me in advance.

 

4.  Check our course website on WebCT daily.  Important information, announcements, weekly assignments, emails from me,  and additional readings will be posted there.

 

Grading:

Mid-term exam I          30%

Research paper            35%                

Final exam                  35%                                                                                                      

 

Accommodations:  If you have a documented physical or learning disability, please contact me as soon as possible regarding any required arrangements

                                                                                   

Things that annoy me, so don’t do them: Consistently coming in late.  Getting up in the middle of class to use the restroom.  Cell phones ringing.  Loud gum chewing.  Private conversations in class.  Treating fellow students rudely.  Packing up your books before I say class is over.  Dull, boring, glassy-eyed, unprepared students who just sit there like rocks.