History of the United States I Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

HIST-1301-008 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.

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Department Expectations

\N

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ REQUIRED TEXT: FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN HISTORY VOLUME 1 to 1877, 10th Edition
\ By Carl N. Degler, Vincent P De Saintis, Clarence L. Ver Steeg, Brian Farmer, and James Powell
\  

Supplies

\ Adequate paper and writing instruments for all exams.

Student Performance

\ After studying the material presented in this course, 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.
\  

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Expected Student Behavior

\ Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures.

Grading Criteria

\ Grading: There will be two (2) examinations and a final examination given. The Course grade will be determined by the average of these grades. The instructor reserves the right to subjectively influence the final grade of the student relative to class attendance, student participation in class, and student attitude while involved in the class. No other grades will be given for this class. All examinations will be short answer essay. The student is required to bring adequate paper and writing instruments to complete the exam. If an emergency situation should develop, one exam may be made up. The missed examination must be made up within one week of the scheduled exam date unless special permission is arranged with the instructor in advance. The final cannot be made up unless the student has a valid reason for taking an incomplete and has filed the proper paper work with the college.

\ When ever possible video tapes will be used to supplement the lecture.
\  

\ 90-100 = A

\ 80-89 = B

\ 70-79 = C

\ 60-69 = D

\ Below 60 = F
\  

\ The makeup policy will be discussed in class.

\ Withdrawal Policy:  If you are unable to complete the course, you should officially drop the course at the Registrar’s office on campus.  Withdrawal from the class must be initiated by the student.  Failure to do so will result in a grade of “F”.  The last day to drop the class with a “W” is April 19, 2012.

Attendance

\ The student is expected to attend all classes unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. Students are expected to be in their seats prior to the beginning of class. The door to the classroom will be closed ten (10) minutes after the beginning of class. Assignments and tests are as listed in the enclosed syllabus unless changed one week in advance by the instructor. All reading assignments should be completed prior to assigned examination dates. It is recommended, but not required, that the student record lectures in order to facilitate their preparation for examinations. The student is responsible for all information covered. If the student misses a class it is their responsibility to make arrangement to acquire the missed information. Roll will be taken at the beginning and end of each class.  Anyone who does not sign the exit roll will be counted absent for that class.  For every three absences the students final average will be dropped one letter grade.

Calendar

Additional Information

\ By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all the listed learning objectives with a minimum grade of 60% competency level based on the course examinations. The course is designed to meet the needs of both history majors and non-history majors. The history major should acquire a good general background on which to build later studies of history. The non-history major should have some knowledge of an appreciation for our nation, its history, people, culture, society, economics, and politics.  In addition, by the end of the semester the student will be able to:

\ 1.        List and discuss major reasons for the age of exploration and colonization of the new world.

\ 2.       List and discuss the English colonies including England’s colonial policies and colonial wars.

\ 3.       Demonstrate knowledge as instructed on the causes and results of the American Revolution.

\ 4.       Outline major features of the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of the United States and why those features are there.

\ 5.       Demonstrate proficiency as instructed on the Federalists, Jeffersonian, and Jacksonian periods.

\ 6.       List and discuss the causes and results of the war with Mexico and the Civil War.

\ 7.       Analyze and evaluate the plans of reconstruction including provisions of the compromise of 1877.