United States History I Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
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If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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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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Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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Course

HIST-1301-006 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.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The American Nation: A History of the United States, Vol. 1. Carnes, et al   REVEL Bundle with Access Code and Loose Leaf paper copy.  15th Ed.  2016. ISBN# 9780134138459. Access Code is REQUIRED and will be used for assignment grades.

Carnes

 

Supplies

Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet. Smartphones have numerous problems with the Exams and Quizzes in this course. All students should have access to a desktop or laptop computer with a reliable internet access when taking Exams and Quizzes.

Student Performance

• Identify, define, and explain perspectives, ideas, cultures, classes, individuals, and events in early American history.
• Determine the motivations of peoples who lived during this time period. Evaluate how their ideas influenced their actions.
• Compare viewpoints of peoples living in the Americas throughout the time period covered in this class.
• Assess how events in early American history helped shape and were shaped by the character of its citizens.
• Acquire and practice skills in critical thinking through reading, source analysis, listening, discussion, collaboration, and writing

 

 

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

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

  Come to class prepared to learn each day. This means that you must complete any assigned material including reading. Bring a notebook, pencil or pen, and your book. Come willing to learn and contribute to the class.

During discussions in the course; students are expected to be professional and follow common courtesy. The discussions in this class are meant to bring up various positions and sometimes the debate can be heated; however, it is appropriate to attach a certain argument or point of view, but it is never appropriate to attach the person who is posting information with which you may disagree.

Acceptable student behavior is noted in the Student Handbook, and is listed under the heading: “Student Conduct & Responsibilities” beginning on page 16 and continuing through page 17. Consequences for violations of the Code immediately follow and explanation of expectations. It is your responsibility to know and abide by this code of conduct while a student at Amarillo College.      

Cell phone use including texting during class is rude and will harm your participation grade. If you have an emergency situation and need to take a call during class, let me know before class starts. There will be class activities during which you will be free to use your own technology such as smart phones. Otherwise, turn your cell phones off when you are in class.

Headphones must also be removed as soon as you enter the classroom. It is rude and disruptive to the learning environment to wear them during class.

Academic Honesty

          Copying another person’s work is unwise and dishonorable. Do not do it. Cheating of any kind is unacceptable; if you cheat, you will be dealt with as outlined in the Student Handbook. In other words, if you cheat, you will not get credit for the assignment or exam, and you may also face more serious consequences. This includes copying other students’ work on exams, quizzes, and assignments, as well as copying essays written by others. If you use someone else’s ideas, you must give them proper credit, though I expect you to learn how to articulate your own thoughts in this class. Integrity is vital to your success, and I expect you to exhibit this quality in all of your work.

 If you have any questions about this policy, please ask.

Unique Circumstances and ADA Policy

            If you require accommodations due to special needs, you must let me know immediately so that I can work with you. If you wait, for example, until the midterm exam before you disclose these needs, it will not be possible for you to retake exams or rewrite essays. You must also contact disAbility Services. They have provided this explanation:

“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 122, Phone 345-5639) as soon as possible.”

            College expectations, personal and work pressures, and unexpected events in life are sometimes difficult to deal with. There is help available for anyone dealing with depression, grief, loss, anxiety, addiction, etc. The Amarillo College Social Services provides a variety of assistance options. The contact number for these services is 806-371-5439. Services are professional and confidential. Follow this link to view these services: https://www.actx.edu/socialservices/ . Please take advantage of them if you need to; they are there for you.

Emergencies

            If an emergency arises in which you are asked to evacuate the building, do so immediately. Be prepared for emergencies by learning the locations of exits, fire extinguishers, and other information. You will find this information posted throughout the building. It is your responsibility to become familiar with this information, and you should have Amarillo College emergency contact phone numbers entered in your cell phone.

If you receive notice to evacuate the building, please evacuate promptly but in an orderly manner. Evacuation routes are posted in various locations and indicate all exits, outside assembly areas, locations of fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations and emergency telephone numbers.

Grading Criteria

Course Work

            There are a variety of activities, assignments and assessments that you will complete during this course. You are responsible for completing these in a timely manner. If you have questions about the requirements or are unsure about how to complete the work, consult the syllabus and the assignment instructions. If you are still in need of help, contact me and I will be glad to assist you. If you do need to contact me, please do so well before your assignment is due.

AC Connect will be used for the following functions:

• Communicating with your instructor and classmates
• Taking quizzes
• Accessing course content including assignments and study aids
• Viewing grades

This semester we will be using REVEL, which is an interactive experience through which you may read your textbook and access additional materials for this class. Through this program, your reading, test prep, and other aspects of the course will be more engaging, focused, and clear. Most assignments and projects in this class will be based on materials within the REVEL program, though some will be based on primary source materials provided when an assignment or activity is given. You will begin using REVEL on Monday, August 29^th.

Instructions for accessing REVEL:

This course uses a Pearson digital product which contains important assignments and resources used throughout the semester. The required link below is unique to this course. Here is how to register:

1. Visit this link: https://console.pearson.com/enrollment/gs7ape

2. Sign in with your Pearson Account. You can either: sign in with an existing Pearson username and password OR create a new Pearson account if this is your first Pearson digital product.

3. Choose your course under 'My Courses' and choose an access option: redeem an access code that you got from your school's bookstore or purchase access online. There is a free trial if you are waiting for financial aid.

What you should know:

- Bookmark https://console.pearson.com  to easily access your materials.

- Pearson recommends using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari with this digital product.

- Contact your instructor if you lose the invite link.

Again, the invite link is:

https://console.pearson.com/enrollment/gs7ape

  Readings

            Weekly assigned readings will include material from The American Nation: A History of the United States, vol. 1 and, occasionally, other sources. You are responsible for completing the reading assignments and may be called upon in class to discuss materials covered in the readings. If you have any difficulty accessing your readings, let me know immediately. Your performance in this section is directly linked to your participation grade.

Assignments

            Assignments are designed to enrich your understanding of the people and events covered in class, and to help you acquire reasoning and communication skills as they relate to history. Prior to each assignment, I will provide you with instructions outlining specific expectations for the assignment. On the day each assignment is due, you must be prepared to discuss your conclusions in class. You will have two formal assignments in this class: the first will focus on individuals who expressed their views concerning events of their day through writing, art, or other media. The second assignment will require you to explore an ethical dilemma.

Exams/Quizzes

            You are required to provide a Blue Book for both the Midterm and Final Exams. These are the only formal exams you will take in this class. Exams will consist of a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. I will provide you with a review sheet one week before each exam is given. Questions will be taken from the book, assigned source materials, quizzes, class activities, and lectures. For each exam, you may bring an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper with review notes on it. You may include items such as class notes, terms, definitions, timelines, and essay prompts. You may use both sides of the paper. Final Exam date TBA.

            The Midterm Exam covers all materials assigned and covered in lecture from the very first class day up until the day of the exam. The Final Exam is comprised of material covered between the midterm exam and the final. It will be in the same format as the midterm exam. The Final Exam is worth 150 points.

            You will take 4 quizzes during the semester. Quizzes are designed to check for understanding of the readings and to encourage mastery of reading materials. These will be based on assigned readings only, and will be available on AC Connect (in Blackboard) for the full week in which they are assigned. You may attempt each quiz five times, and will have until Friday at 11:59 PM during the assigned week to take that week’s quiz. Quizzes are worth 50 points each, for a total of 200 points.  

Participation

            Attendance is directly connected to your success, and I will take attendance every day. Each day that you are present and participating, you will earn participation points. Students will be divided into teams for discussions, activities, and study. Full participation in these groups is necessary for you to be successful in the class.

There are times when absences cannot be avoided. If this occurs, contact me immediately.  Any student who must miss class due to college activities or business must have his or her coach, director, or sponsor provide notice of the absence in advance of the activity. Such absences are excused if you notify me in advance.   

             Participation is worth 400 points total; 200 points for the first half of the semester, and 200 points for the second half. If you come to class and follow these guidelines, you will do well in this category.

            Extra Credit

            Students who are in need of an extra boost to their grade may complete extra credit work. No more than 50 points of extra credit may be earned during the semester. Extra credit opportunities will be announced in class and on AC Connect (in Blackboard). Due dates will be noted and instructions given with each opportunity.

Breakdown of Grades:

1000 total points available

900-1000 points= A

800-899 points-= B

700-799 points= C

600-699 points= D

0-599 points= F

 

All make up work is at the discretion of the Professor.

Attendance

Participation

            Attendance is directly connected to your success, and I will take attendance every day. Each day that you are present and participating, you will earn participation points. Students will be divided into teams for discussions, activities, and study. Full participation in these groups is necessary for you to be successful in the class.

There are times when absences cannot be avoided. If this occurs, contact me immediately.  Any student who must miss class due to college activities or business must have his or her coach, director, or sponsor provide notice of the absence in advance of the activity. Such absences are excused if you notify me in advance.   

             Participation is worth 400 points total; 200 points for the first half of the semester, and 200 points for the second half. If you come to class and follow these guidelines, you will do well in this category.

Calendar

Additional Information

http://www.actx.edu