United States History II Syllabus for 2014-2015
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-1302-H United States History II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: 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 Civil War/Reconstruction era to the present. United States History II examines industrialization, immigration, world wars, the Great Depression, Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Themes that may be addressed in United States History II include: American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, immigration and migration, urbanization and suburbanization, the expansion of the federal government and the study of U.S. foreign policy.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED BOOKS FOR CLASS:

Title: America:  A Narrative History, Vol. II
Authors:  Tindell and Shi
Volume 2 ISBN: 9780393912647
Publisher:  W. W. Norton, 9th edition

Title:  The Social Fabric, Vol. II
Authors:  Wheeler, Hartshorne & Tebeau
Vol. 2  ISBN: 9780205617336
Publisher:  Pearson, 11th Ed.  2009

NOTE: All books above are printed and packaged specifically for AC students and can only 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 Edition of a book that has just been updated from the previous year, or to grab the wrong Volume and end up with a Volume I book, even though you are taking the class which needs Volume II instead. Please be sure that ALL of your books match in both Volume and Edition those listed on this Syllabus and no other books.  Please trust only what is on this Syllabus, and no other source of information no matter how well meaning the person, since you will be the one who suffers if you get the wrong books.  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 Online during a window of time from Friday at 0800 (8am) until 2355 (11:55pm) on Sunday night, and the student will log-in and be given a Test with a time limit.  The AC Connect Program will automatically close and submit a

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:  
--5 Quizzes (Worth 60% or 12% Each)
--Multi-Media Presentation and Written Presentation of a Local Historical event from 1877 to the Present era at the Honors Expo (Worth 40%)

EXAM SCHEDULE:   

Students will be tested, on average, once every two to three weeks over the roughly 15 weeks of the Semester. Testing will be done entirely Online, during a window of time that opens at 0800 (8am) on Friday mornings and will end at 2355 (11:55pm) on Sunday nights.  You may access the Exam only once, so plan your effort accordingly.   That means you must limit all distractions from friends, family, the neighbor's dog, or anything else that may get in the way of you doing your very best on these Quizzes.  Each quiz has 25 questions worth 4 points each a total of 100 points with a 50-minute time limit open over the Friday to Sunday period.  This 3-day window allows everyone to take each of the Tests and there are 5 Exams scheduled during the Term. I DO NOT allow any Make-Up Assignments -- for any reason so do not ask.  The second reason for not granting Make-Ups is that they tend to be more work for an already over-stressed student.  So remember, there will be 5 Quizzes in total given about every second weekend.  So to summarize, there are 5 scheduled Quizzes scheduled for the last Friday-Sunday period  and ALL 5 count toward your Final Course Grade. The Quizzes comprise a total of 60% of your class average, while the remaining 40% will come from the the Assignment (listed below).

It is possible that events could alter this, but barring weather or some other major issue, the Exams will be given as listed, and PLEASE remember that there is a NO Makeup Policy for any of the Tests due to the time limits required for a Hybrid course format.  It is imperative that students be in attendance each day the class meets in order 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 along with a complete understanding of how they work or interact, and an Internet Service Provider that can be trusted as much as it is possible to trust such devices and services.

COMPOSITION OF FINAL GRADE: 
--5 Quizzes (Worth 60% or 12% Each)
--Multi-Media Presentation and Written Presentation of a Local Historical event from 1877 to the Present era at the Honors Expo (Worth 40%)
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 Tests or Assignments under any circumstances.  There is NO extra credit offered.  The Assignments must be submitted by the date listed, with no extensions or exemptions.  Remember, for the Multi-Media Project you will be working as part of a team---and must contribute your share for the Team to be successful and achieve a good grade.  I suggest each Team select a Leader who will assign duties and set meeting times, along with submitting the Outline and Bibliography to Dr. J prior to the Team's presentation itself.  I did not set the time or date for the Honors Expo, so please be very aware as that date approaches that each Team Leader will need to both submit the appropriate documentation to DR J and to make the necessary arrangements to set-up the Display or whatever format your Team has decided to use for the Presentation.

 

Students MUST submit all Assignments and Exams electronically per the appropriate Instructions on the Course Website BUT no Assignments will be accepted in any other form as mandated by College and Course Syllabus rules.

 

RULES GOVERNING EXAMS:

The goal is to test students using a combination of specific information 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 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 choose 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 50 minutes.  The AC Connect system will automatically close out and submit what a student has completed when time expires, so please be very careful with your time management.  A student may be able to log back-in to their Test if knocked out for some reason---but only if you have Time Remaining and have NOT hit the Submit Button.  Remember, that Timer is relentless---and it will keep ticking no matter what you do---so I suggest using something such as a Kitchen Timer to keep track of how much time remains when taking these tests.

 

RULES FOR THE MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATION

HONORS EXPO December 4

This assignment was originally 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---or the impact of the military or aviation in general on the region.  These assignments are just like any other, with a Thesis, a narrative that "proves" or "supports" the argument, and a Conclusion---plus the use of a Cover Sheet, appropriate citations, and a Bibliography.  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, the creation of a WebPage or just a traditional written PowerPoint.  Students should use animated maps or any other tool that is appropriate to their project, and should 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.  This is the assignment which each Team will be required to "Present" in the Honors Expo during their set class time on 4 December.  Each student must contribute equally to the Project and the Team as a whole will be given only 10-minutes for their presentations---but they will have their Projects on Display for 2-days in the assigned building which will be provided to us later in the Term by Professor Jill Gibson.  The Team Leader is responsible for handling any of the materials used for the Display,  but all students will be graded on their individual appearance, and contributions to the overall Team effort.  Appropriate professional dress is expected on the day your Team presents so plan accordingly.  I remind you that Professor Jill Gibson who manages all Honors classes is also a Speech-Communications Professor and will be very aware of each student's personal dress and bearing. Students do not need to bring their personal computer to the assigned location for this assignment---since the College will provide all necessary electronic devices required. Each student MUST provide the written portion to DR. Powell as well of approximately 2-page summariziing their role in the project and the impact it played in history.  The written paper should be a typed double-spaced summary with a Cover Sheet and using the standard Thesis, Narrative, and Conclusion format.  (Worth 40% of your Course Average)

 

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 Official Written format 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 and Professor Jill Gibson.

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:  Quizzes will, on average, be administered at the end of every two to three weeks the class meets during the 15 weeks of the Regular term.  This means that a great deal of material will be covered in lecture/discussion in the period between the Quizzes.  Therefore, it is imperative that students be in attendance each day, since most of the content that will be tested will come from the Professor's lecture/Discussion with the class.  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 1877 to the present 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, 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 – "Call DR J" 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 18, 2014.

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 1, 2014 - Labor Day Holiday
 Thursday & Friday - November 27 & 28, 2014 - Thanksgiving Holiday

 

Go to the Course Webpage on AC Connect and select the "Course Info - Start HERE!" TAB:
--Print out and keep a copy of the Course Syllabus for the semester handy,
--Print out the Course Schedule on the "Calendar of Assignment" TAB and post somewhere prominent.
--Review all Course Policies located including the SafeAssign, Wikipedia and Plagiarism Handouts.

 

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