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.