United States History I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

HIST-1301-005 United States History I

Prerequisites

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

Course Description

A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural and intellectual history of the United States from the pre-Columbian era to the Civil War/Reconstruction period. United States History I includes the study of pre-Columbian, colonial, revolutionary, early national, slavery and sectionalism, and the Civil War/Reconstruction eras. Themes that may be addressed in United States History I include: American settlement and diversity, American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, immigration and migration, and creation of the federal government.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Roark et al., The American Promise: A History of the United States Vol I to 1877.  3rd ed. Boston, MA: Bedford St. Martin's, 2005.

Supplies

\ Paper, pens, #2 pencils and scantrons for tests.  Access to a computer with internet connection.

Student Performance

\ Upon successful completion of this couse, students will:

\ 1.  Create an argument through the use of historical evidence.

\ 2.  analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources.

\ 3.  analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on this period in United States history.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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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

To the mature young adults which are members of this class I apologize for the insult imposed upon you by this section of the syllabus. Unfortunately, past behavior of your fellow students has necessitated its inclusion. Students are expected in this class to behave in a manner befitting adult, university students, with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the instructor, Amarillo College, and Tascosa High School. This is not junior high, elementary school, nor the Lad 'N' Lassie day care center, and I have no intention of tolerating behavior which is more stereotypical of any of the aforementioned. In order to clarify my position, the following list of behaviors are included as examples of behavior which will result in expulsion from this class. A student will receive one verbal warning only. Verbal warnings may include dismissal from class for the remainder of the class period. A second incident results in permanent expulsion with no chance for reinstatement.

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

1. banging, tapping on wall, desk, or floor

2. sleeping, head on desk

3. interrupting lecture by any unsuitable means

4. cheating in any form

5. disruptive talking/visiting between students

6. throwing paper wads or any other objects

7. passing notes

8. disrespect for fellow students

9. any other disruptive behavior

10. doing homework related to this class or any other (wil be taken up until the end of the day)

11. wearing headphones (will be taken up until the end of class)

12. disrespectful comments

13. eating

14. moving from desk to desk, walking around room.

15. knitting, needlepoint or other arts and crafts.

16. Cell Phones Off—No Texting. (Will be taken up until the end of class)

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 level 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.

Grading Criteria

Course requirements/grading:

Exams.  There will be 8 major examinations during the semester and a comprehensive final exam.  Exams will be multiple choice and cover both the readings and the lectures. The major exam grades are worth 35% of the final grade anf the final exam is worth 15% of the semester average.

Essays. There will be 4 major essays that will be timed and written in class (2 Free Response, 2 Document Based), these will account for 25% of the semester average

Homework. This will include reading guides and anything else I deem as "homework." These grades will account for 15% of the semester average.

Participation and Daily Work. There will be several opportunities for class discussion and group work throughout the semester, this will also include staying on task throughout each class period and will account for 10% of the semester average. Since some portion of the readings will be presented and discussed in class during virtually every class period, all students are expected to contribute to classroom discussion.  It is obviously impossible to add much to classroom discussion if you are absent, therefore, attendance is considered by the instructor in formulating the class participation grade.  Class participation is 10% of the final grade and it is based primarily on attendance, but the instructor reserves the right to deduct up to all ten points from the class participation grade for behavior detrimental to the class.  For example, a student who misses 20% of the class periods will probably receive only 8 of the possible 10 percentage points for the class participation grade at the discretion of the instructor. Students who continually exhibit disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise detrimental behavior may receive a zero for their class participation grade at the discretion of the instructor. 

There will be no extra credit.

Makeup Exams: There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor. If a student misses an exam, they have 2 class days to make it up. On the third day, the most a student can recieve is 50%. After three class days, the student will recieve a zero for the assignment. 

Synopsis of Grading:

 Total = 100%

Academic dishonesty:
Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Some collaboration with other students on projects is acceptable; however, students must do their own work. Papers which bear a striking resemblance to the work of other students will not be accepted. If the instructor determines that a student is not responsible for his/her work, no credit will be given for the assignment. If a student is copying another's work for a different class, that assignment will be taken up by the instructor and given to the respective instructor.
 

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

Below 60 = F

Attendance

Amarillo College Attendance Policy:   Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

Instructor Attendance Policy. Attendance is considered heavily in calculating class participation grade. Habitual absenteeism may cause students to lose the full ten percent for class participation. Over10 minutes tardy counts as an absence (even with a pass).  Leaving class early without prior arrangement with the instructor counts as a tardy.  Leaving class 20 minutes or more early counts as an absence. 

Calendar

Additional Information

\ The Instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus and/or calendar if necessary.