Fall 2025 Course Syllabus
Course: HIST-1302 (Section: 71D, CRN: 93553)
United States History II 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Dr. Christina Wilbur
Email wilburca@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6394
Office Student Center - Room: 414
Office Hours MW 1:15-3:15
TTH 8:00-9:30 / 10:45-12:15
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States from the Civil War/Reconstruction era to the present. United States History II examines industrialization, immigration, world wars, the Great Depression, Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Themes that may be addressed in United States History II include: American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, immigration and migration, urbanization and suburbaniza
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open U.S. History Textbook, Vol. 2: From 1877 (Chapters 16-30)
Edited by Joseph L. Locke and Ben Wright
You can access your free, online textbook here: The American Yawp Online    
A printable, PDF version of the textbook is available here: The American Yawp Printable PDF.
An audio version of the textbook is available here: The American Yawp Audio.
Video lectures for each chapter of the textbook are available here: The American Yawp Video Lectures
 
Additional links to the textbook are also provided within Blackboard. 
Additional Materials/Resources

Additional required readings/videos:

Additional required readings and videos are included in Blackboard and listed under each Module.
Also, any class lecture PowerPoints, handouts, study guides or other ancillary material will be posted within each module. 
Corequisites/Prerequisites
  • ENGL-0302 College Reading Skills
  • ENGL-0327 Integrated Reading and Writing
Learning Outcomes
  •       Create an argument through the use of historical evidence.       
  •        Analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources.
  •        Analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on this period of United States history.
Core Objectives
  • Critical Thinking Skills: Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
  • Communication Skills: Demonstrates effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written, oral, and/or visual communication.
  • Social Responsibility Skills: Expresses intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
  •  Personal Responsibility Skills: Integrates choices, actions, and consequences in ethical decision-making.
Lecture Topics Outline
Module 1: Chapters 16-19
Week 1
Course Introduction
Capital and Labor (Ch. 16):
  •          How did struggles between workers, employers, and the state shape the American economy and politics since 1877?
Week 2
The West (Ch. 17):
  •          In what ways did migration, policy decisions, and resource development reshape identity and opportunity in the American West?
Week 3
Life in Industrial America (Ch. 18):
  •          How did industrialization transform work, communities, and everyday life across the United States?
Week 4
American Empire (Ch. 19):
  •         How did the United States expand its influence abroad and redefine its role on the world stage?
Module 2: Chapters 20-23
Week 5
The Progressive Era (Ch. 20):
  •          What reforms emerged to address corruption, inequality, and social injustice, and what were their limits and consequences?
Week 6  
World War I & Its Aftermath (Ch. 21):
  •         How did World War I reshape American society and alter global power dynamics in the interwar period?
Week 7
The New Era (Ch. 22):
  •          How did the 1920s advance technology, culture, and consumer capitalism, and what tensions did they reveal?
Week 8
The Great Depression (Ch. 23):
  •          What caused the Depression, how did it affect Americans, and which policies and movements reshaped the federal response?
Module 3: Chapters 24-27
Week 9
World War II (Ch. 24):
  •          What were the causes, major turning points, and lasting consequences of World War II for the United States and the world?
Week 10
The Cold War (Ch. 25):
  •          How did Cold War competition influence U.S. foreign policy, domestic life, and global conflict from 1945 to 1991?
Week 11
The Affluent Society (Ch. 26):
  •          How did postwar prosperity transform American politics, culture, and everyday life, and what tensions did wealth generate?
Week 12
The Sixties (Ch. 27):
  •          What major social movements, cultural shifts, and political events defined the 1960s, and how did they reshape American democracy?
Module 4: Chapters 28-30
Week 13
The Unraveling (Ch. 28):
  •          How did economic, political, and social challenges at the end of the 20th century destabilize American life and institutions?
Week 14
The Triumph of the Right (Ch. 29):
  •          How did conservative movements and leaders reshape policy, culture, and national identity in the late 20th century?
Week 15
The Recent Past (Ch. 30):
  •          What legacies from the late 20th and early 21st centuries continue to shape contemporary American society and politics?

Major Assignments Schedule

Course Schedule
This course is structured into four (4) modules.

Please see Blackboard for the additional required readings and videos for each module.
·         They will be organized in folders within the Module and labeled ‘Additional Readings: Module __’ and/or Additional Required Videos: Module __’.
·         Class handouts, exam reviews, video links of in-class videos, and other miscellaneous material will be included in the module.

 		 Class Schedule HIST 1302.71D & 1302.74D
 
Module 1
 		 Module 1: Chapters 16-19
8/25-8/31 Week 1
Course Introduction
Capital and Labor (Ch. 16):
  •          How did struggles between workers, employers, and the state shape the American economy and politics since 1877?
9/1-9/7 Week 2
The West (Ch. 17):
  •          In what ways did migration, policy decisions, and resource development reshape identity and opportunity in the American West?
Quiz 1: Opens 9/4, 8:00 am / Closes 9/7, 11:59 pm.
Syllabus Quiz: Closes 9/7, 11:59 pm.
9/8-9/14 Week 3
Life in Industrial America (Ch. 18):
  •          How did industrialization transform work, communities, and everyday life across the United States?
Assignment 1 due: 9/14, 11:59 pm.
9/15-9/21 Week 4
American Empire (Ch. 19):
  •         How did the United States expand its influence abroad and redefine its role on the world stage?
Quiz 2: Opens 9/18, 8:00 am / Closes 9/21, 11:59 pm.
Exam 1: Opens 9/18, 8:00 am / Closes 9/21, 11:59 pm.
Module 2 Module 2: Chapters 20-23
9/22-9/28 Week 5
The Progressive Era (Ch. 20):
  •          What reforms emerged to address corruption, inequality, and social injustice, and what were their limits and consequences?
9/29-10/5 Week 6  
World War I & Its Aftermath (Ch. 21):
  •        How did World War I reshape American society and alter global power dynamics in the interwar period?
Quiz 3: Opens 10/2, 8:00 am / Closes 10/5, 11:59 pm
Assignment 2 due: 10/5, 11:59 pm.
10/6-10/12 Week 7
The New Era (Ch. 22):
  •          How did the 1920s advance technology, culture, and consumer capitalism, and what tensions did they reveal?
10/13-10/19 Week 8
The Great Depression (Ch. 23):
  •          What caused the Depression, how did it affect Americans, and which policies and movements reshaped the federal response?
Quiz 4: Opens 10/16, 8:00 am / Closes 10/19, 11:59 pm.
Exam 2: Opens 10/16, 8:00 am / Closes 10/19, 11:59 pm.
Module 3 Module 3: Chapters 24-27
10/20-10/26 Week 9
World War II (Ch. 24):
  •          What were the causes, major turning points, and lasting consequences of World War II for the United States and the world?
Assignment 3 due: 10/26, 11:59 pm.
10/27-11/2 Week 10
The Cold War (Ch. 25):
  •          How did Cold War competition influence U.S. foreign policy, domestic life, and global conflict from 1945 to 1991?
Quiz 5: Opens 10/30, 8:00 am / Closes 11/2, 11:59 pm.
11/3-11/9 Week 11
The Affluent Society (Ch. 26):
  •          How did postwar prosperity transform American politics, culture, and everyday life, and what tensions did wealth generate?
Course Project due: 11/9, 11:59 pm
11/10-11/16 Week 12
The Sixties (Ch. 27):
  •          What major social movements, cultural shifts, and political events defined the 1960s, and how did they reshape American democracy?
Quiz 6: Opens 11/13, 8:00 am / Closes 11/16, 11:59 pm.
Exam 3: Opens 11/13, 8:00 am / Closes 11/16, 11:59 pm
  Module 4: Chapters 28-30
11/17-11/23 Week 13
The Unraveling (Ch. 28):
  •          How did economic, political, and social challenges at the end of the 20th century destabilize American life and institutions?
11/24-11/30 Week 14
The Triumph of the Right (Ch. 29):
  •          How did conservative movements and leaders reshape policy, culture, and national identity in the late 20th century?
 
Wed, 11/26 & Thu, 11/27: Thanksgiving Break
Quiz 7: Opens 11/24, 8:00 am / Closes 11/26, 11:59 pm.
PLEASE NOTE: Quiz 7 opens on Monday and is due on Wednesday.
12/1-12/7 Week 15
The Recent Past (Ch. 30):
  •          What legacies from the late 20th and early 21st centuries continue to shape contemporary American society and politics?
12/8-12/11 Quiz 8: Opens 12/8, 8:00 am / Closes 12/10, 11:59 pm
Exam 4: Opens 12/8, 8:00 am / Closes 12/10, 11:59 pm.
PLEASE NOTE: Quiz 8 and Exam 4 open on Monday and are due on Wednesday.

 

Quizzes Exams
Quiz 1: Opens 9/4, 8:00 am / Closes 9/7, 11:59 pm
Quiz 2: Opens 9/18, 8:00 am / Closes 9/21, 11:59 pm		 Exam 1: Opens 9/18, 8:00 am / Closes 9/21, 11:59 pm
 
Quiz 3: Opens 10/2, 8:00 am / Closes 10/5, 11:59 pm
Quiz 4: Opens 10/16, 8:00 am / Closes 10/19, 11:59 pm		 Exam 2: Opens 10/16, 8:00 am / Closes 10/19, 11:59 pm
 
Quiz 5: Opens 10/30, 8:00 am / Closes 11/2, 11:59 pm
Quiz 6: Opens 11/13, 8:00 am / Closes 11/16, 11:59 pm		 Exam 3: Opens 11/13, 8:00 am / Closes 11/16, 11:59 pm
Quiz 7: Opens 11/24, 8:00 am / Closes 11/26, 11:59 pm
Quiz 8: Opens 12/8, 8:00 am / Closes 12/10, 11:59 pm
PLEASE NOTE: These quizzes (7 & 8) open on Monday and are due on Wednesday.		 Exam 4: Opens 12/8, 8:00 am / Closes 12/10, 11:59 pm
Please note: Exam 4 opens on Monday and is due on Wednesday

Final Exam Date December 8, 2025 - 8:0 AM   Through  December 11, 2025 - 11:59 PM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade
  •      4 Exams: (50%). 12.5 % each
  •      Quizzes: (20%).  Complete 9 (8 @ 2.5% each included for your grade)
  •      Course project (30%)
 
Exams and Quizzes:
You will take 4 exams and 9 quizzes in this class (1 quiz will be dropped). The lowest scoring or missed quiz will be the quiz that is dropped. So, if you miss a quiz, you do not need to email me and ask to make it up. All quizzes and exams will be taken via Blackboard with video proctoring software. You are to abide by the proctoring rules and any deviation from them will result in a 0.  Exams and quizzes may include multiple choice, short answers, essays, or other types of questions or assessments. 

Course Project:
The course project will make up 30% of your final course grade. This project will require you to demonstrate your knowledge of material from the semester.  Multiple assignments throughout the semester will be included for your course project. The course project is not optional.  Details of the course project will be provided in Blackboard.

Grading Scale and What It Means
Grades in this course reflect not just the completion of assignments, but the quality, depth, and effort demonstrated in your work. Each letter grade represents a different level of mastery and engagement with the material:
90–100: A (Excellent Work)
An “A” represents outstanding achievement. Work at this level is thorough, polished, and shows deep understanding of the material. It goes beyond simply meeting the requirements—it demonstrates original thought, strong analysis, and careful attention to detail. Earning an “A” requires consistent effort, strong writing and critical thinking skills, and excellent time management.
89–80: B (Good Work)
A “B” represents solid, above-average work. Assignments at this level meet all requirements and show a good grasp of the material. The work is organized, accurate, and well-presented, but it may not go as far in depth or originality as “A” level work. This is good, strong work that shows you are engaging seriously with the course.
79–70: C (Satisfactory Work)
A “C” represents acceptable performance. Work at this level meets the minimum requirements but may be basic, incomplete in analysis, or show limited engagement with the material. It demonstrates that you are doing the work, but not at a high level of mastery. A “C” is passing, but it signals that there is room for significant improvement.
69–60: D (Poor Work)
A “D” represents below-average performance. Work at this level may miss key requirements, contain frequent errors, or show little understanding of the material. A “D” is technically passing, but it does not reflect adequate mastery of the subject and may not count toward certain degree requirements.
59–0: F (Failing Work)
An “F” indicates that the work does not meet the minimum requirements for the course. This may be the result of missing assignments, incomplete submissions, or a lack of understanding of the material. An “F” means no credit is earned for the course.
Remember: Grades are not just a measure of where you are now, but also an opportunity to see where you can grow. Aim high, put in steady effort, and use feedback as a tool to keep improving throughout the course.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies Time commitment for this course
This course requires a significant investment of time and consistent effort. Deadlines are firm, so it’s essential to make reading, assignments, videos, and exams a regular priority. I strongly encourage you to print the assignment schedule, keep it handy, and use it as a daily guide to stay on track. Online courses demand a high level of self-discipline and self-direction, and your success will depend largely on how organized and proactive you are. Planning and staying engaged will make a significant difference in your learning experience.
 
AI policy for this class:
You are not to use AI for assignments in this course.All work submitted to me must be your original work – not AI, AI influenced, or AI revised. You may also not use other AI tools during testing. Failure to follow these policy guidelines for this class will result in a 0 for the assignment or exam and the possibility of an assigned F for the course. If there are indications of academic dishonesty, students may be asked to take a written, or verbal assessment in my presence. 
 
If an issue arises with your work, I reserve the right to go back and reassess/regrade previously submitted work to see if academic dishonesty has occurred with previous submissions.Assigning an F for the course for plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty is at my discretion if the offense is flagrant or repeated.  Please note that I decide if an offense is flagrant or repeated – not the student.   

Technology Responsibility:
By enrolling in this online course, you are expected to be proficient with the required technology, software, and the Blackboard system. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have reliable internet access and the correct, up-to-date versions of any required software (such as Microsoft Word). Computer issues, incompatible file formats, outdated software, or poor internet connections are not acceptable excuses for late or missing work, nor are they the instructor’s responsibility to resolve.
 
Support is available if you need help learning how to use Blackboard or other required tools. Our campus provides technical assistance, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides—please take advantage of these resources early if you feel unsure.  Planning ahead and testing your technology before assignments are due will help you avoid unnecessary stress and keep you on track for success in this course.
 
Blackboard Help Guides:
        Please contact the 24-hour online help desk at (936) 496-5379 or bbhelp@lamarpa.edu. 
For mylamarpa access/login issues:
        Mr. Kenneth Lisby: Help Desk Operator
        Information Technology Services
        Email:lisbykl@lamarpa.edu
        Office: (409) 984-6150
        Office Location: Madison Monroe Building, Office 220

Civility in the online classroom:
Student incivility, rudeness, or attacks of a personal nature or statements will not be tolerated, whether directed at the instructor or another student. Any student engaging in disruptive or disrespectful activities on campus or in online classes will be required to cease such behavior. If the behavior continues after the first warning, the student will no longer continue as a student of the course.

Due Dates and Late Work Policy:
All assignments, exams, and required submissions are due on the dates and times listed in the syllabus. Unless otherwise noted, the deadline for each assignment is 11:59 PM. Submissions received after 11:59 PM are considered late, will not be graded and you will receive a 0. (For example, 12:00 AM is late.)
It is your responsibility to ensure that assignments are submitted in the correct format and that files are complete and accessible. Submissions that are blank, corrupted, or in an unreadable format will not be graded. I will not send reminders or requests for resubmission—please double-check your work before submitting.
Carefully review the assignment instructions to make sure you are meeting all requirements and submitting correctly. Planning ahead will help you avoid last-minute issues and ensure your work is accepted.

Tips for Success:
  • Submit assignments early to allow time for troubleshooting.
  • Double-check that your file opens correctly after uploading.
  • Keep backup copies of your work on your computer or cloud storage.
  • Review assignment instructions before submitting to confirm all requirements are met.
Extra Credit:
There is no extra credit offered for the course.

Email:
You must put the class and section number in the subject line of the email.  I need to know what class you are in so that I can answer your question(s). You are welcome to email me, and I do try to respond promptly within 24 to 48 hours during the week. I am available during normal business hours – Monday-Friday 9-5.  Emails received in the evening will not get a response until the next day.  I do not check email on the weekends or holidays. 

Please use your lamarpa email to communicatewith me as emails from Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, etc. may end up in a clutter folder and I will not see it, and therefore, not respond.  Additionally, do not use Blackboard email. You will not get a response.

Most questions can be answered by reading the class syllabus, assignment sheet, asking a classmate or other directions available to you in Blackboard. But should you still need help or have a question, please let me know.  

Students should always be aware of the tone and structure of their correspondence.
 
All emails should include:
  •         A greeting
  •         A clear statement of the question or inquiry
  •         Your name
  •         Include proper spelling and grammar.  'Texting' abbreviations, lack of punctuation,and 'i' are not acceptable.
Attendance Policy Attendance and Participation in this Online Course:
Regular logins are required to confirm your participation in this class. Simply logging in once at the beginning of the semester—or only around exam times—does not meet the expectations for attendance. Colleges and universities are required to report student attendance to offices such as Financial Aid, Veterans Affairs, and other administrative units. If you are not logging in consistently and completing assignments, I am required to document you as not attending.

To avoid any issues with your enrollment or benefits, you should log in daily (or at minimum several times a week) to check announcements, participate in course activities, and stay current with readings and assignments. Consistent engagement is not only essential for your success in this course but also for maintaining your official enrollment status.
Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
General Education and Developmental Studies
Chair:Dr. Steven Zani
Email:zanisj@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6431