United States History I Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

HIST-1301-001 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.

Recommendations and instructions for students:

1. It is recommended that all students record all lectures for help in filling out your review sheets.
2. It is recommended that students take complete notes. (It is acceptable for students to use computer laptops when taking notes.)
3. All examinations must be taken on LINED PAPER and in BLACK or BLUE ink.  Paper will be provided.
4. All cell phones must be turned off and put away during class time.  If you are expecting an important call, you can put your cell phone on the front table and notify the instructor what you are doing.
5. Assignments and examination dates are listed in this syllabus unless dates are changed at least one week in advance by the instructor.

Grading Criteria

All examinations will be short answer essay.  All questions will be taken from the review sheets.  It is recommended that the student bring the review sheets to every class.  THERE WILL BE TWO EXAMINATIONS AND ONE FINAL GIVEN.  Near the end of the course, a 25 question multiple choice exam will be given.  The score on your multiple choice examination will be used as extra credit.  This exam will be offered only once and you must be present on the day in which it is given.  Also, by department criteria, each student will be required to write a short critical thinking paper.  Instructions will be given at the time the assignment is made.

The instructor reserves the right to subjectively influence the final grade of the student based on class attendance, student participation in class, and student attitude while involved in the class.  If an emergency situation should develop, ONE examination (NOT THE FINAL) may be made up.  The missed examination must be made up within one week of the student’s return to class unless special permission is arranged with the instructor in advance.  The student is responsible for all information missed while gone.

Withdrawal Policy:  If you are unable to complete the course, you should officially drop the course by coming to the instructor and requesting withdrawal from the class.  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 MARCH 1, 2016.

Attendance

The student is expected to attend all classes unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.  YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO LEARN.  All students are expected to be in their seats prior to the start of class and be prepared to take notes at the scheduled start time for the class. Students are EXPECTED to stay in class for the ENTIRE period except in case of an emergency.  On any class longer than 90 minutes (1-½ hours), adequate breaks will be given at approximately everyone 50 minutes.  Sign in sheets will be circulated at the beginning and end of every class.  ANYONE LEAVING EARLY WITHOUT A VALID EXCUSE WILL BE COUNTED AS ABSENT.  FOR EVERY THREE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES YOUR GRADE 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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