HISTORY 15H: TRIALS OF THE CENTURY -- CSU FRESNO -- FALL 2004

PROFESSOR JILL FIELDS

 

Course Requirements

 

Required Texts:

U.S. Constitution (www.house.gov/Constitution/Constitution.html)

Lawrence Friedman, Law in America: A Short History

David Cole, No Equal Justice: Race and Class in the American Justice System

Helen Benedict, Virgin or Vamp: How the Press Covers Sex Crimes

Olson and Roberts, editor, My Lai: A Brief History with Documents

Assata Shakur, Assata: An Autobiography

Gerald Stern, The Buffalo Creek Disaster

 

Recommended Website

Legal Information and Cases:  www.findlaw.com

Legal Information and Cases: http://www.law.cornell.edu

Librarian's Index to the Internet: www.lii.org

 

Course Assignments:

1) Thoughtful reading of assigned texts by dates noted.

2) Class attendance and participation (10% of grade). Class participation includes contributions to class discussions, and may also include in-class quizzes given at the discretion of the professor. Consistent attendance is expected, including Library Research Workshop September 14. If you miss class, you remain responsible for materials covered, including possible schedule changes.

3) 1-3 page papers assigned to prepare for all book/reading discussions, such as discussion questions, selection and analysis of significant quotes, or summaries. (25% of grade total for all discussion assignments). Due the day we discuss each reading assignment.

4) 4-5 minimum page paper analyzing one required book of your choice (20% of grade) among Cole, Olson and Roberts, Benedict and Stern. Students will sign up for their selected book and help lead its class discussion. Papers due the day we discuss the book. (You do not need to complete discussion preparation assignment for the book you are reviewing).

5) 3-4 page primary research report on an important trial from list provided or another trial with professor’s approval. Students will sign up for due dates for the report and present their findings in class (15% of grade). This assignment may be on the topic of your research paper.

6) 1-2 page research paper proposal (5% of grade). Due November 9.

7) 12-15 page research paper (25% of grade). Due December 16, 9:30-10:45 a.m. (9:30 section); December 14, 11-1:00 (11:00 section).

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All papers must be typed, double-spaced with standard margins (1-3 page assignments may be single-spaced), proof-read, spell-checked, include page numbers, and be turned in on time to be eligible for full credit. Papers more than one week late will not be accepted. Grades are based on an assessment of both the content and form of each paper. Criteria for this assessment include:

< the accuracy and relevance of historical information presented

< the quality of analysis and thoughtful interpretation of this evidence

< the organization and construction of your argument

< the clarity of expression and eloquence of your writing.

Grammatical errors of a basic nature undermine the accuracy, clarity, and persuasive force of your paper, and therefore lower the grade given to your paper. Original thinking, passionate engagement with the text and topic, succinct phrasing, and creative use of language which enhance the presentation of your evidence and the power of your argument raise the grade assigned.

Course Participation

10% of your overall grade is based on class participation. This emphasis is designed to encourage all students to take an active part in creating the content and form of our study of Trials of the Century this semester. Every student has the opportunity to contribute to the success of the class and to the education of fellow students. Participation in class discussions can include asking questions, venturing opinions, and posing hypotheses. Students are also encouraged to bring additional information into our discussions by sharing areas of expertise and relevant personal experience. Be prepared to help lead discussion of the book you choose to review. Exceptional class participation will result in extra credit being added to your final course grade.

Course Grade

The grade for the course may be based upon more than just the mathematical calculation of grades received on required assignments. Class participation which demonstrates a strong engagement with the content and texts, improvement in the quality of analysis and writing over the course of the semester, and evidence of intellectual development can all contribute to your final grade.