History of the United States I Syllabus for 2011-2012
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

HIST-1301-H History of the United States I

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

A general survey of United States history from the European background to the present. The study includes political, economic, social and cultural aspects of life in this country and follows the development of the United States as a world power.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ REQUIRED BOOKS FOR CLASS:

\

\ Title:  Foundations of American History, Vol. I to 1877
\ Authors:  Degler, Desantis, Farmer, et al.
\ ISBN:  1602290873   10^th Edition

\

\ Title:  The Social Fabric, Vol. I American Life from 1607 to 1877
\ Authors:  Wheeler, Hartshorne, & Tebeau
\ ISBN:  978-0-558-34137-4

\

\ OPTIONAL:

\

\ Title:  Study Guide for Foundations of American History, Vol. I to 1877,
\ Authors:  Tischauser, Farmer
\ ISBN:  1596028475   10^th Edition
\
\ NOTE:  All three books above are printed and packaged specifically for AC students and can only be purchased from the AC Bookstore.

Supplies

Students will be tested, on average, every two weeks over the course of the 16 week term.  Each student must purchase and bring to class within the first two weeks, one package of 6 Scantrons which can be fou

Student Performance

After Studying the Material Presented in this Course of Study, the Student will be able to:

1. Trace the development of a stable, democratic political system flexible enough to address the wholesale changes that occurred since the founding of the nation.
2. Explain how this nation has been peopled from the first inhabitants to the many groups that arrived in slavery or servitude during the colonial period down to the voluntary immigrants of the Civil War era.
3. Evaluate economic and technological changes as they have affected daily life, work, family organization, leisure, the division of wealth, and community relations.
4. Delineate the role of religion in our nation prior 1877.
5. Recount how the recurring reform movements in U.S. history dealt with economic, political, and social problems in attempting to make their ideals congruent with reality.
6. Define the changes in our beliefs and values over time and describe how they have varied among different groups: women and men; non-whites and whites; and people of different regions, religions, and classes.
7. Describe the role of geographical factors in the history of the U.S.
8. Practice critical thinking and information retrieval skills.

Teaching and Learning Strategy
The course is structured around major theme-based readings, coupled with in-class discussions that enhance the normal learning experience.  Students will then take their knowledge into the community by giving presentations on key historical events to primary school classes around the city.  These will be student-led opportunities to share their learning with young people who may dream of attending college in the future.  The class will be divided into teams with each one giving two of these on-site presentations during the semester.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

\ DISABILITY STATEMENT:    Any student, who because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (SSC 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

\

\ STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:  Student records are confidential under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.  Therefore, the student’s progress within this class cannot be discussed with parents, friends, or guardians without written permission from the student.  The student (not a parent, friends, or the professor) is responsible for contacting the professor if the student is concerned about their progress in the class, absent for an extended period due to illness, surgery, or other circumstances, or any other extenuating situations which may arise during the course of the semester. The student is responsible for following and understanding their rights and responsibilities as listed in the student handbook at on the AC Webpage.  

\

\ NOTE:  If a student misses class, it is the student’s responsibility to get class notes from another student.  DO NOT ASK THE PROFESSOR FOR THE NOTES.

\ \

\  Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:

\

\
1. \ sleeping, head on desk
\
2. \ interrupting lecture by any unsuitable means
\
3. \ banging, tapping on wall, desk, or floor
\
4. \ passing notes
\
5. \ disrespect for fellow students
\
6. \ wearing headphones
\
7. \ disrespectful comments
\
8. \ eating
\
9. \ cheating in any form
\
10. \ disruptive talking/visiting between students
\
11. \ any other disruptive behavior
\
12. \ doing homework related to this class or any other
\
13. \ moving from desk to desk, walking around room
\
14. \ throwing paper wads or any other objects
\
15. \ knitting, needlepoint, other arts and crafts
\

\

\ The instructor reserves the right to assign seating if necessary to preserve order.  Contrary to what you are probably now thinking, it is not my intention to design a class which is a prison camp for college students.  I am in favor of having fun in class perhaps as much as anyone; however, it must not be at the expense of an environment conducive to learning.

\

\ Review behavior guidelines in the AC student handbook.

Grading Criteria

Required Assignments:  
--6 quizzes
--2 Off-site Presentations
--2 In-Class Assignments 

QUIZ SCHEDULE:  Quizzes will, on average, be administered every two weeks during the 16 weeks of the term.  Some tests will be given at the start of class, while others will be taken at the close of the hour depending upon the material.  There may, however, be a few exceptions as dictated by the amount of classroom discussion, weather, and so on, which might require testing on two consecutive class meetings.  Therefore, it is imperative that students be in attendance each day.  Students will also need to provide the Professor with 6 Scantrons by the end of the second WEEK of class.

COMPOSITION OF FINAL GRADE:  All Assignments are worth 10% of your course grade.  There is NO extra credit offered.

GRADE SCALE:
A          90 and above
B          80-89
C         70-79
D         60-69
F          Failing (below 60)

MAKE-UP POLICY:  There are no make-up quizzes or assignments under any circumstances.  There is NO extra credit offered. 

RULES GOVERNING QUIZZES:

The goal is to test students often using 10 question quizzes that will be done in-class during a 15 minute window of time.  The quiz will begin on time and no one who arrives after that point will be allowed to take that day’s test.  There will be no use of notes or books, and positively no ELECTRONIC DEVICES of any type will be allowed on the desk while the Quiz is underway.  Students must have a completely clear desk with only the Quiz, a single Scantron and a #2 pencil for the duration of the Quiz.  All other materials, including any personal items must be placed beneath the desk and out-of-sight for the duration of the testing period.  When they have completed their Quiz, each student must turn it in at the front desk and SIGN the roll sheet for that day.  Any Scantron without a corresponding student signature will not be considered a valid Quiz and becomes a drop grade for the student in question.  Students are responsible for remembering to sign the roll sheet for the day. 

The issue of not having a Scantron on Test Day is addressed by requiring each enrolled student to provide the Professor with 6 Scantrons early in the Term.  Dr. Powell will then distribute both the Quiz and a Scantron to each student when the Test is ready to be taken.   Late arrivals will not be allowed to take a quiz once the exam has been handed out and is underway so be sure to be on-time and remain for the entire class!

For those students who require “special” accommodation, they must take the Quiz on the same day as all other students and as close to the time it is being administered as possible.  For example, if the Quiz is being taken at the end of the 1030 class period it would start at 1200 and end at 1215.  If the student has an 1200 class then an immediate solution will be arranged.  They must, of course, bring their own Scantron and pencil and follow all other applicable rules with the exception of any previously approved accommodations by all parties involved.  A student who requires a “time and one-half” extension for the Quiz may, for example, be granted 23 minutes to complete the Quiz by rounding up to the next higher full minute.  All other restrictions as to the use of books, notes, electronic devices, including computers, iPods, cell phones, etc. will be in effect.  Note, if the student does not have an intervening class, they must leave the lecture hall and report directly to the appropriate testing location where a Quiz will be waiting for them.  They may not use any outside assistance, such as books, notes or any electronic devices just like their fellow classmates.   

The off-site Presentations given to Primary Schools should be coordinated with the Primary Teacher.  You may use any method deemed appropriate, but the most commonly used include role-playing of major figures involved in a key event, multi-media formats with you narrating the story of how something important unfolded, and working with the Primary students themselves to give an in-class demonstration on some historical technique or event.  If you are in doubt, then discuss these with Dr. Powell and the appropriate off-site teacher.

The in-class assignments are similar to those done off-site with more intellectual depth and latitude, of course.  You may request to create you own team, but any needs will be handled by Dr. Powell.  All projects must be approved, and include a summary, bibliography, and any multi-media requirements.  Your grades on these team presentations will be based upon the originality of the effort, equal participation by all members, the depth of research, and clarity of the finished product.  Again, if you are uncertain, then please contact Dr. Powell for guidance.

 

Attendance

Attendance is necessary to successfully complete this course.  See AC Student Handbook for guidelines.

QUIZ SCHEDULE:  Quizzes will, on average, be administered every two weeks the class meets during the 16 weeks of the term.  Some tests will be given at the start of class, while others will be taken at the close of the hour depending upon the material.  There may, however, be a few exceptions as dictated by the amount of classroom discussion, weather, and so on, which might require testing on two consecutive class meetings.  Therefore, it is imperative that students be in attendance each day.  Students will also need to provide the Professor with 6 Scantrons by the end of the second WEEK of class.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ AC Online Course Webpage:  Students can access the associated course webpage on the Internet through the AC Online Course Server at https://actx.angellearning.com/default.asp or through the AC Homepage http://www.actx.edu/.   Students will be able to view their quiz scores, review the syllabus, find additional study help, and more.  All electronic correspondence between student and Professor needs to be conducted through the AC Online -- Course Home Page – E-mail found under the Communications tab.

\

\ WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE:  It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from a course. Failure to withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated withdrawals that are submitted on or before NOVEMBER 16, 2011.

\

\ COPYRIGHT OF COURSE:  The course presentations/materials shall not be reproduced, distributed, re-used, or revised without prior knowledge and consent of the professor. The content of this class is copyrighted and protected under laws similar to those governing more traditional materials such as books or articles.   Therefore, audio recorders must have PRIOR approval of the instructor and cannot be disseminated beyond personal use and no visual reproductions or photographs are allowed under any circumstances.

\

\ HOLIDAYS:  No class will be held on the following dates:
\ Monday - September 5, 2011 – Labor Day Holiday
\ Thursday - November 24, 2011 - Thanksgiving Holiday
\ Friday - November 25, 2011 - Thanksgiving Holiday

\

\ **Changes or adjustments in course material, or other parts of this syllabus may be made during the semester if circumstances warrant.