Posted: June 2nd, 2015

history

HST 303: American Military History
Midterm and Final Exam Review
– Questions will cover material from the assigned readings, Learning Modules, and videos up to the date of the test. (Exams are non-cumulative, meaning that the first exam will cover events in the first half of the class and the second exam will cover readings over the second half of the class).
– The questions are designed to reward those students who have taken detailed notes and thought about why specific events are connected to one another.
-Each exam will follow the same format. Students will have 90 minutes to complete each exam.
The exam will be timed. You will have ninety (90) minutes to complete the exam. I will have to deduct points for exams that run past the 90 minute time limit (one point for each minute over). IN OTHER WORDS-YOU WILL NOT HAVE TIME TO LOOK UP ANSWERS!!!
Format
Multiple Choice, Matching, and Fill in the Blank (About 40 questions for 60 points)
Essay (1 Question, 40 points)
Multiple Choice, Matching, and Fill in the Blank
Expect similar types of questions that appeared in the quizzes.
Essays
This review sheet lists two possible essay questions for each exam. The computer will pick one of these two questions at random. Students will type out their response to the essay in the space allowed. Because students can prepare for these questions in advance, and because they can use notes to help them write their response, I expect FANTASTIC answers to all essays. Expect my grading to reflect the opportunities students have to prepare their responses in advance. In other words, have an answer to both possible essay questions BEFORE you take your exams!
For each essay, students will write a highly detailed response that identifies, explains, and analyzes SPECIFIC HISTORICAL EVENTS, IDEAS, and PEOPLE to address the question. Plan on writing about 5-7 complete paragraphs (each containing about five or six complete sentences). NO POINTS WILL BE GIVEN FOR FILLER ON THE ESSAYS. If you are writing something that is neither a specific historical example nor a thoughtful summary and/or analysis of that example, you are wasting your time on the essay. All of your exam must be completely in your own words. Your essay should contain 5-7 detailed and complete paragraphs that are FULL OF SPECIFIC EXAMPLES to support whatever argument you are making. A Word About Grading: Because I personally grade the essays, you will not receive a final grade from the computer. In general, I will log in and grade the tests about once per week. Grades will only be posted in the online grade book
when I have gone reviewed your essays and calculated your final score. Possible Essay Questions for the MIDTERM:
1. Summarize and explain the military histories of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Give a complete summary of the wars that include both the US and Canadian theaters. Explain how the United States was able to defeat the most powerful military force in the world at that time. What role did Native Americans play in the conflict? Finally, what are the consequences and enduring lessons of the war? Use specific examples to support your argument. Be sure to compose an essay of at least 5-7 complete paragraphs (at least five or six detailed sentences).
2. Using at least a dozen specific examples from your assigned reading (battles, matters on the home front, etc), explain the outcome of the Civil War. Be sure to include at least a paragraph about the war in West Virginia/Appalachia (there is a video on this topic). Do not write about the origins of the war or why the North and South went to war. Instead, write a critical essay that summarizes the military history of Civil War from Fort Sumter to the Confederate Surrender that focus on the outbreak of war, battles, tactics and strategies, combat motivation, and the home front. Be sure to discuss the importance of the border states, Emancipation, and the USCT as they relate to the events on the battlefield. Be sure to compose an essay of at least 5-7 complete paragraphs (at least five or six detailed sentences).
Again, it is extremely important to use specific examples from assigned readings. A response that simply uses vague descriptions of common historical knowledge and prevailing assumptions about the past will receive no credit.
Possible Questions for the FINAL:
1. Using examples from diplomatic and military history, explain the origins of World War I and World War II and the outcome of the conflict. Why did Germany and Japan go to war and how were they defeated? Summarize the major battles both before and after US entry into the war, with an emphasis on US military history in both wars. Be sure to compose an essay of at least 5-7 complete paragraphs (at least five or six detailed sentences).
2. Summarize and compare the military history of the Korean War, Vietnam Conflict, and Gulf War. Be sure to explain tactics and strategy while summarizing key battles and military history. Also, explain the similarities and differences of the wars. How did US civilian opinion affect the wars? What are the enduring lessons of the wars that might assist military and civilian leaders today? Be sure to compose an essay of at least 5-7 complete paragraphs (at least five or six detailed sentences).
Again, it is extremely important to use specific examples from assigned readings. A response that simply uses vague descriptions of common historical knowledge and prevailing assumptions about the past will receive no credit.