Brief Description of Course: This course is a study of the origins and development of revolutionary sentiment in 18th century America, the War for American Independence, and the economic, social, and political consequences of the securing of independence.

Textbooks: The paperbacks required for this course are:

    I. R. Christie, Crisis of Empire

    Bruce Lancaster, The American Heritage Book of the Revolution

Attendance: Attendance will be taken and recorded. Good attendance is encouraged because it tends to improve one's performance on tests. Students are responsible for all information discussed in class and are also expected to be on time and to conduct themselves with decorum and courtesy in the classroom.

Advisement: Office: 113 Rogers-Stout Phone: 439-4748

    Office Hours: 9:15-12:30 TR, and by appointment

    e-mail: Schmittd@mail.etsu.edu

Term Paper: Each student will be required to do a research project on some aspect of the Revolutionary period of interest to you. The student will choose a subject in consultation with the instructor and develop a thesis statement.  The student will then compile an annotated bibliography on the subject using both primary and secondary sources. The first draft of the bibliography, which will be reviewed and commented upon by the instructor and then returned for revision, will be due in Week 9 of the semester. The final draft will be due in Week 14 of the semester.

Book Reviews: Two book reviews of 4-5 typed pages each will be due during the semester. Spelling and grammar should be perfect. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. A list of acceptable outside reading will be posted. Since only one student will be allowed for each book, make your choice as soon as possible. Substitutions can be made if prior approval is secured from the instructor. Due dates will be announced in class.

Exams: There will be three exams, the last of which will be during the regularly scheduled final exam period. The exams will be combinations of long essay, short essay, and identifications. Spelling and grammar at a college level is expected. All make-ups will be given during the final week of classes.

Grading Scale: A : 92.0-100          B-: 80.0-81.9 D+: 68.0-69.9

                         A-: 90.0-91.9         C+: 78.0-79.9 D : 60.0-67.0

                         B+: 88.0-89.9         C : 72.0-77.9 F : -59.9

                         B : 82.0-87.9          C-: 70.0-71.9

Final Grade: The final grade will be determined by the following formula:

    40% - test scores

    25% - book reviews

    25% - research project

    10% - class participation

Accommodation: If there is any student in this class who has need for test-taking or notetaking accommodation, please feel free to come and discuss this with me.

    Week 1: Introduction and Background

    Week 2: The French and Indian War and the New Empire

    Week 3: Taxes and Tea: The Crisis in the Empire

    Week 4: 18th Century Warfare 

    Week 5: The Beginnings of War: Boston & Canada

    Week 6: The Early War and the Declaration of Independence

    Week 7: New York, Trenton, and Princeton

    Week 8: The Philadelphia and Saratoga Campaigns

    Week 9: The French Alliance and the Home Front

    Week 10: The War in the South to Kings Mountain

    Week 11: Greene's Southern Campaign

    Week 12: Yorktown and the End of the War

    Week 13: The Treaty of Paris and Domestic Politics

    Week 14: Securing the Revolution: The Critical Era

    Week 15: Final Examination