United States History I Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

HIST-1301-007 United States History I

Prerequisites

<p>Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills</p>

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 ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Out of Many: A History of the American People, Volume I. 8th Edition. 2016. Faragher, et al. ISBN-13 9780134101576. This is an online text.

Supplies

Pencil, pen, and notebook; access to a reliable desktop or laptop computer and reliable internet connection. You will use Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome as your web browser.

Student Performance

            This is a hybrid, 8-week survey course in American History covering the time period from sustained European contact with the Americas to 1877. We will cover Pre-Columbian cultures as they existed prior to 1492, cultural exchanges due to contact among these cultures, and the colonial periods. Next we will explore the American Revolution, followed by the creation of the new republic and the economic, social, and political challenges of establishing and maintaining it. Westward expansion, including the sectional crises that led to the Civil War, and Reconstruction will also be covered. As part of learning about these topics, you will also learn how to think critically about historical events, evaluate primary sources, compare viewpoints, and share your analyses of these events and materials through written and verbal forms.

            You must be prepared to complete coursework online and be a self-starter in order to be successful in this class. This means that you must be committed to completing readings and other assignments in a timely manner, and be able to discuss these in class.

            All students must attend the in-class portion of the class in order to obtain full credit for this course.

            As a student in this class, you can expect me to be prepared to teach you each day, and to answer your questions about the topics we discuss. I will respond to emails and other communications promptly, and will work to help you achieve the course objectives in this class.

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

Come to class prepared to learn each day. Complete any assigned material including reading and assignments. Bring a notebook, pencil or pen, and your book (laptops are acceptable; your ebook is accessible using other devices as well). Come willing to learn and contribute.

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.

You are expected to show respect for every individual in the classroom. Harassment or mocking of other students on any basis including religion, race, nationality, color, sex, physical or mental challenges, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. is inappropriate. Be mindful and respectful of one another.

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. You must also remove headphones as soon as you enter the classroom. 

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.

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 and exams
• Accessing course content including your E-book, assignments, Exams, and study aids
• Completing other coursework as assigned
• Viewing grades

This is a hybrid 8-week course, and will likely be challenging. In order to be successful, you must have full access to a working computer (desktop or laptop) and to the internet. You will not be able to complete coursework through use of a smartphone, since the Blackboard functions you will be using cannot be reliably accessed through smartphone or tablet technology. Additionally, you will be completing 50 to 60 pages of reading material a week; you must complete the reading in order to be successful in the course.

Readings

            Weekly assigned readings will include material from Out of Many: A History of the American People, vol. 1 and, occasionally, other sources. You will complete about two chapters of reading material each week. You may be called upon in class to comment on them. You will complete quizzes and writing exercises as you progress through the text. The average score from these will count for a total of 200 points. If you have any difficulty acquiring the book or with your readings, let me know immediately.

            REVEL for Out of Many, Volume 1 is the digital text you'll be using to access assignments throughout the semester. To access your materials, follow these instructions using the link provided (unique to this course):

1. Follow this link to accept the invitation to join this course in REVEL: https://console.pearson.com/enrollment/xwcfy1
2. Sign in or create a Pearson Account.
3. Click 'View access options' to redeem your access code or buy instant access. (Temporary access option available.)
4. Note: If you are unable to purchase your book this week, as an invited member of this course you can choose to have temporary access until you are able to purchase your book (up to 14 days). In this way, you can begin your readings and assignments right away.

American Ethics and Diversity Assignment

            You will have one formal writing assignment in this class: it will focus on American ethics and diversity during the time period covered in class. You will be expected to carry out research, develop a thesis, and write an essay concerning a given topic. Further information regarding this assignment will be given when the assignment is opened for students. You will have the option of turning in your paper early so that I can review it with you and make suggestions on improving your essay. This assignment is worth 100 points.

            Exams and Quizzes

            You will have two major exams in this class. Exams will consist of a combination of multiple choice, essay, and short answer questions. I will provide you with a review sheet before each exam is given. Questions will be taken from the book, assigned source materials, quizzes, class activities, and lectures. Each exam is worth 100 points for a total of 200 points. 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.

            You will take quizzes within your Pearson textbook (REVEL) for each chapter assigned during the semester. These will be based on assigned readings only, and will be available for the period in which the chapter is assigned. I will take the average of all quizzes and assignments within REVEL, with a total of 200 points available for the term.

          Participation and Team Activities

            Attendance is directly connected to your success; 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, and points will be assessed for each activity. Participation is worth 100 points for the term.

            Extra Credit

            Students may complete extra credit throughout the semester. No more than 25 points of extra credit may be earned. Extra credit opportunities will be announced in class and on AC Connect (Blackboard). Opportunities for extra credit and due dates will be noted and instructions given for each opportunity.

Grading

Work completed in each category will be graded according to how well it adheres to the standards provided with each assignment. Points are assessed as follows:

Participation and Team Activities: 100

Readings Assignments and Quizzes: 200 points

Research Paper: 100 points

Midterm Exam: 100

Final Exam: 100

Breakdown of Grades:

600 total points available

540-600 points= A

480-539 points-= B

420-479 points= C

360-419 points= D

0-359 points= F

Attendance

Attendance Policy

Attendance is vital to your success in this class. There are times when absences cannot be avoided due to a variety of reasons including illness, emergencies, or travel for educational purposes. 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.   

Calendar

Additional Information

Instructor’s note on course schedule and syllabus: schedule may be adjusted during the term to accommodate reasonable variance in class discussions during the term. We may, for example, cover some material more quickly than planned, while other lectures and discussions may lengthen the time we spend on a particular subject. Due dates for readings, quizzes, exams, and other course work will remain the same.