United States History I Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

HIST-1301-012 United States History I

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 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

Degler, Desantis, Farmer, & Powell. Foundations of American History Vol I, bundled with required Access Card. 11th edition. Paper. BVT Publishing.

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AND

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Retrieving the American Past:  Amarillo College Reader American History, Vol I. Pearson Custom Publishing.

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Supplies

\ Adequate paper and writing instruments for all exams.

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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

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2. Analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources.

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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

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Expected Student Behavior

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

Grading Criteria

There will be two (2) examinations and a final examination given.  Near the end of the semester, a 25 question multiple choice examination will be given.  The score on your multiple choice exam will be used as extra credit.  The course grade will be determined by the average of the two exam grades and the final.  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 examination.  If an emergency situation should develop, ONE examination may be made up.  The missed examination must be made up within one week of the scheduled examination date unless special permission is arranged with the instructor in advance.  The final examination cannot be made up unless the student has a valid reason for taking an incomplete and has filed the proper paperwork with the college.

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 NOVEMBER 17, 2015.

Attendance

The student is expected to attend all classes unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. You have to be present to learn.  ALL students are expected to be in their seats ready to take notes at the scheduled start time for class.  If you are tardy, you must go to the front desk and talk to whomever is designated.  If you have a valid excuse, they will let you into the classroom.  If you leave class for any reason after class has started, you will have to follow the same procedure as the tardy student in order to get back into the classroom.  Students are responsible for ALL information missed.  Class will start precisely at the scheduled start time and end at the scheduled end time.

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. 

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In addition to the previously stated student performance goals, after studying the material presented in this course, the student will also be able to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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