United States History I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.

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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

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Course

HIST-1301-H 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED BOOKS FOR CLASS:

Title:  America:  A Narrative History, Vol. I
Authors:  Tindell and Shi
Vol. 1 ISBN:  9780393912630
Publisher:  W. W. Norton  9th Edition

Title:  The Social Fabric, Vol. I
Authors:  Wheeler, Hartshorne & Tebeau
Vol. 1  ISBN: 9780205617340
Publisher:  Pearson, 11th Ed.  2009

NOTE:  All books can be be purchased from the AC Bookstore.  Please remember that each student is responsible for purchasing the CORRECT Textbook/Readers for this course.  It is very easy in the hectic early days of a new term to glance at a card in the bookstore and select the wrong books.  It is also possible for a student to get conflicting advice from others, including bookstore personnel who mean well, but may be misinformed about the correct books for the proper Professor.  So be sure to go online, print-out-a-copy of the Syllabus and bring it with you when buying your books.  If in doubt, buy what is listed on the Syllabus, then sort out any issues later.  The Syllabus is the final word on which book is correct, so read it carefully and buy accordingly.

 

 

Supplies

Students will be tested, using a Mid-Term, and Last Exam format, with each of these Tests requiring the student to answer two Identification questions, plus one General Knowledge Essay.  These two major Exams will be taken Online, duri

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, 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 of United States history.

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:  
--Mid-Term and Last Exam
--Multi-Media Presentation of a Local Historical event from the pre-Civil War era
--Oral and Written Presentation about each student's experience working for one of Amarillo College's Support organizations 

EXAM SCHEDULE:    The Mid-Term Examination is set to open at 0800 (8am) on Friday 18 October 2013 and will close at 2355 (11:55pm) on Sunday 20 October 2013.   The non-comprehensive Last Exam is scheduled from 0800 (8am) on Friday 6 December 2013 until 2355 (11:55pm) on Sunday 8 December 2013.  It is possible that events could alter this, but barring weather or some other major issue, the Exams will be given as listed, and there is a NO Makeup Policy for these Tests.  Be warned, that the Mid-Term and Last Exam will be given only between the date and times specified.  Therefore, it is imperative that students be in attendance each day to contribute to the learning process and thus help both themselves and their classmates succeed in the course.  Students will also need to have absolutely reliable access to both a Computer with the necessary Programs already loaded, and an Internet Service Provider that can be trudted as much as it is possible to trust such devices and services.

COMPOSITION OF FINAL GRADE:  All Assignments are worth 25% 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 EXAMS:

The goal is to test students using a combination of specific information, followed by open-ended Essays that allow each student to reveal to Dr. Powell what they have learned about major themes being emphasized in the course.  The use of textbooks from the course is perfectly acceptable, but remember that each student's Test is timed so there is no chance of waiting until Exam Day and then trying to look-up what you want to write in response to the questions being posed.  The Exam will be opened and the Timer started once a student logs in, and each student will have 75 minutes to post their two Short Answer, and one Major Essay responses.  The AC Connect system will automatically close out and submit what a student has written when time expires, so please be very careful with your time management. 

RULES FOR THE MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATION

This assignment is designed to allow each student to select, subject to Dr. Powell's approval, any subject/theme that applies to this period of American History, and has a local connection.  One example might be the role played by the North American Bison or buffalo in the evolution and decline of the Native Americans in this region.  The journey of Lt. Zebulon Pike might be another interesting choice, as would the impact of Glidden's Wire, or the Railroad in shaping the development of the area into the transportation and cattle hub for the High Plains.  These assignments are just like any other, with a Thesis, a narrative that "proves" or "supports" the argument, and a Conclusion.  The key difference is that it is presented using technology, such as a PowerPoint slide model, or a PowerPoint with student created Voice-Over that narrates the story and images, or even the use of YouTube video, or just a more traditional written PowerPoint.  Students should use animated maps or any other tool that is appropriate to their project, and should also avail themselves of the local resources such as the Lynn Library staff, the Panhandle Plains Museum, or even the Texas Tech Ranching Heritage Museum at Texas Tech University to name just a few.  Do not hesitate to ask Dr. Powell for help in finding the resources to make this a really interesting presentation.  Each student will be given up to 20-minutes for their individual presentations.  The in-class computer is capable of handling any of the projects, so students do not need to bring their own personal computers to class for this assignment. 

 

RULES FOR THE OUT-OF-CLASS PROJECT

Each student will select an Amarillo College based aid/support organization and spend at least (6) six-weeks volunteering there, providing they gain the approval of the appropriate AC Sponsor, and Dr. Powell.   Following their actual work within the chosen organization, each student will prepare both a Written and an Oral Presentation that includes a Thesis stating what how this experience fits into the larger themes of American history appropriate to this class, followed by a narrative summary of what each person did, and any challenges faced, with a Conclusion that reveals how participating in helping others illustrated specific examples of similar events from the era of U.S.. History studied during the term.  Each student must provide their selection, with a signed approval from the Sponsor No Later than 19 September 2013 with the actual 6-week internship beginning Monday 23 September through Friday 1 November as subject to the Sponsor's or Organizations need.  The first in-class Presentations start on Tuesday 5 November and be concluded on Thursday 7 November barring unforeseen circumstances.  This is obviously one of those rare situations in which the Hybrid format of one class meeting per week must be altered and we will meet twice during that week to complete everyone's Presentation.  Remember, each student MUST provide the written portion to DR. Powell on the preceding Thursday, and only the Oral version is given to the class at-large, using whatever tools the student feels are necessary.  The written paper should be a typed double-spaced summary with a Cover Sheet and using the standard Thesis, Narrative, and Conclusion format.  It should be roughly 350-500 words, but if you find yourself going past the 500-word mark or falling way under the 350-word point, then come and visit with Dr, Powell for some guidance.  A simple verbal summary is acceptable, but most will opt for some inclusion of technology to provide visual support using images of the Sponsor and other participants, perhaps an actual event that occurred during the 6-weeks. or anything else deemed important.  Again, the computer in the classroom will be sufficient, and students should plan on bringing Flashdrives or similar devices with their material to class on the day they present.  Please, do not hesitate to ask Dr. Powell for assistance in selecting an organization, or for an introduction to the Faculty Sponsor involved.  As always, the Presentation date is set, and should not be changed barring unforeseen weather, which in the Fall term is unlikely.

 

STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONS

For those students who require “special” accommodation for Testing, they MUST take the EXAMS during the same window as all other students with the only alterations allowed being those granted in written from from the appropriate Office. 

The off-site volunteer work at the chosen organization will be adjusted as necessary.  The Multi-Media Presentation should not present any particular difficulty, but any that are encountered will be handled.   If you are in doubt, then discuss the problem with Dr. Powell and we will visit together with the Faculty Sponsor.

The in-class assignments should be similar to those from your classmates, depending, of course, on your particular challenge.  Please feel free to discuss this with me, so that together we can create an environment that allows you to fulfill your potential in originality of effort and depth of research, producing a high quality finished product.  Again, if you are uncertain, then please contact Dr. Powell for guidance.

 

 

 

Attendance

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

QUIZ SCHEDULE:   The testing includes a Mid-Term, on the stated date, plus a non-comprehensive Last Test, on the posted date.  These will be taken Online during the window of time over a weekend as noted on the Syllabus under the Calendar of Assignments.    The Multi-Media Presentations will also be Presented on the assigned date during the normal class meeting, as will the Oral Presentation of each student's experience volunteering for one of the AC Assistance Programs chosen by the student.  The written portion of that Project MUST be submitted to Dr. Powell at the class meeting PRIOR to the student's Oral Presentation and should include a clear Thesis statement revealing what the student learned during their experience, and citation of specific examples of how the exposure to the environment of the chosen agency provided new insight for the student into what their fellow students face each day.  The written assignment should conclude with how this exercise applies to events that are similar to those of pre-Civil War American History.  Student attendance is essential for these assignments to succeed, and everyone must be present in order to comment on and contribute to the learning process.  There may, of course, be a few exceptions as dictated by the weather, which might require alterations of this general schedule and would demand that this class meet for two consecutive class meeting days, such as Tuesday and Thursday instead of just the normal Thursday time slot.  Any change like this will be made clear, by College Administrators for weather and by Dr. Powell if there is a need to meet twice in the same week.   Such events will be rare, however, and the basic Hybrid schedule of meeting only once per week will dominate.  But, it remains imperative that students be in attendance each day that a meeting is set, because there are so few of them during the term.  Dr. Powell will take attendance each meeting, and every class session will be based upon discussion of assigned readings, lecture material, or the outside work being conducted by individual students. 

 

 

Calendar

Additional Information

AC Connect for Course Webpage:  Students can access the associated course webpage on the Internet through the AC Connect Server at https://acconnect.actx.edu or through the AC Homepage http://www.actx.edu/.   Students will be able to access and complete the quizzes on the associated calendar dates, enter the BVT Study Lab to  take practice quizzes and find additional study aids, view their quiz scores, review the Course Syllabus, and more.  All electronic correspondence between student and Professor must to be conducted through the AC Connect -- Course Home Page – Send E-mail link.

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 20, 2013.

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 2, 2013 – Labor Day Holiday
Thursday - November 28, 2013 - Thanksgiving Holiday
Friday - November 29, 2013 - Thanksgiving Holiday

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