History 349/LACS 349:

Revolutionary Movements in Modern Latin America

GSI: Jamie Andreson | Fall 2014 | E-mail: ajamie@umich.edu | Sec 002: Wed 1-2, 2520 CCL | Office hours: Mondays 1-3 pmOffice location: 1621 Haven Hall Mailbox: 1029 Tisch Hall | Sec 003: Wed 3-4, 3556 DANA | | |
Section objectives:
Section is designed to complement rather than summarize material covered in lecture. Discussion section provides the opportunity to think critically and analytically about the issues raised throughout the course material. In section we will gain further understanding of the readings and their connections to lectures, as well as the relationship between primary and secondary sources. We will also prepare for papers, projects and exams by discussing topics, arguments, and polishing writing skills. Classroom expectations:
In order to foster a positive learning environment for everyone, students are required to arrive to class on time, prepared and ready to engage in respectful and collaborative learning. This means abiding by the following codes of conduct:

* Do not use cell phones or laptop computers for purposes other than consulting course material. * Be respectful and attentive to your fellow students. Provide space for everybody to talk and listen to varied perspectives during debates and discussion. * Support your statements with evidence. Do not rely on personal opinions or anecdotes but rather connect talking points to course material. * Stay courteous and composed. Disagreements may arise, but please avoid personal attacks or inappropriate and potentially hurtful behavior.

Participation and attendance:
Attendance and active participation in discussion is mandatory. Your discussion section grade is worth 15% of your overall course grade, and is based upon your engagement with the course material and your preparation for section. Students are expected to arrive in section having read all the required readings on the syllabus, ready and willing to discuss the material. We do not seek to summarize readings, but rather question and interpret them with other ideas that may serve as points of conflict or comparison. The activities during section are for your benefit as we deepen our understanding of the material covered in the lectures and readings. Your participation in discussion will also greatly influence your overall grade, as together we work on projects, papers, and exam preparation. More than 1 unexcused absence in section will reduce your section grade by 1/3 of a grade (e.g. from B to B-). If you miss more than 3 sections without approval, you will receive a 0 for your section grade. Please clear any potential conflicts (e.g., religious holidays, sporting events, doctors appointments, family matters) with me beforehand to avoid penalty.

Office hours:
Office hours provide an opportunity for students to work one-on-one with me to help answer questions, clarify material, and prepare for papers or exams. Every student is required to meet with me in office hours at least once before the first midterm. This will allow me to get to know your learning styles and for you to discuss any concerns or considerations regarding the course material or structure. If you cannot make the formal office hour time slots, please e-mail me to schedule an alternate meeting.

Grade appeals
If you would like to discuss a grade with me, you must first read and consider my comments for 48 hours. Then, you may submit in writing an academic justification for a grade revision, along with the original paper. Requests will not be honored later than 2 weeks after the papers/exams were returned. I will consider this submission, review the document in question, and re-evaluate the grade. I reserve the right to lower a grade under review, if the reappraisal dictates a diminished score.

Getting in contact:
I will communicate with both sections via messages in Ctools, otherwise e-mail is the best way to contact me. Please be patient. I reserve the right to a 48-hour response period to any inquiry. I will not respond to questions or concerns about assignments or exams within 24-hours of the due date. Please plan ahead to discuss your assignments with me during scheduled office hours, where I will be happy to help.

Schedule of dates, assignments and exams:
Wed, September 17 – Map Quiz

Wed, October 8 – Group 1 film presentations and paper / Group 2 primary source paper

Mon, October 13 – Fall break, no class

Mon, October 20 – Midterm exam

Wed, October 22 – No section meeting

Mon, November 17 – Group 2 presentations and papers / Group 1 primary source paper

Wed, November 26 – Thanksgiving recess

Wed, December 17 – Final exam

** This syllabus is subject to revision at the GSIs discretion**