United States History I Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Course

HIST-1301-019 United States History I

Prerequisites

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

Occupational License Disclaimer

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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

REVEL 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. Directions about how to access your text are in the Grading Criteria: Coursework, Reading section of this syllabus.

If you would also like to purchase a paper copy of this text, this option is available when you access REVEL for this class.

This text is required.

Supplies

Access to a reliable desktop or laptop computer and reliable internet connection are required. Also bring a notebook, pencil, and pen.

You will be using Mozilla Firefox as your web browser for all online coursework in this class. Before class begins, make sure that you have this browser installed on your computer.

Student Performance

This is a hybrid 8-week course. It is fast-paced and requires you to stay up-to-date on all course requirements and assignments. 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 using your smartphone, since the Blackboard functions you will be using are not reliable through smartphone or tablet technology. Additionally, you will be completing 40 to 60 pages of reading material per week; you must complete the reading in order to be successful in the course.

I expect you to attend class regularly and communicate with me if you must miss a 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

Course and Contact Information:

Class Time:        T/TH, 3:30 PM- 4:45 PM in Dutton Hall 103, M/W, Online

Office Hours:     By appointment                        

Office:               Dutton Hall Social Sciences Adjunct Faculty Office

Phone:           

Email:                Utilize the course mail function in Blackboard only (accessed via AC Connect).

Course Overview

            This is a hybrid, 8-week survey course in American History covering the time period from sustained European contact with the Americas to 1877. As part of learning about these topics, you will also learn how to think critically about historical events, evaluate primary and secondary sources, compare viewpoints, and share your analyses of these events and materials through written and verbal forms.

            You must complete coursework online and be a self-starter to be successful in this class. This means that you must be committed to completing readings and other assignments in a timely manner, and come to class prepared to participate in discussing historical events as outlined in the course schedule.

            All students must attend class in order to achieve a passing grade. If you are having challenges with class attendance, please contact me immediately.

            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 within 24 hours on weekdays, and will work to help you achieve the course objectives in this class.

Course Objectives

            Throughout this course, students will:

1. Identify, define, and explain perspectives, ideas, ethical challenges, cultures, classes, individuals, and events in American history.
2. Determine and explain motivations of peoples you will study. Evaluate how their motives influenced their actions.
3. Compare perspectives of peoples living in the Americas throughout the time period covered.
4. Assess how events in American history shaped and were shaped by its citizens.
5. Acquire and practice skills in critical thinking through reading, source analysis, discussion, collaboration, and writing.

Classroom Conduct

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

Acceptable student behavior is explained 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. There is also an explanation of expectations of student behavior in this section. It is your responsibility to know and abide by this code of conduct while a student at Amarillo College.

Show courtesy for every individual in the classroom. Harassment or disrespectful behavior towards other students on any basis 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 a situation that requires you to take a call during class, let me know before class starts. When you receive such a call, quietly step out to take it. 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 before class begins. You must also remove headphones as soon as you enter the classroom. It is rude and disruptive to the learning environment to wear them during class.

College expectations, personal and work pressures, and unexpected events in life can be challenging. There is help available for anyone dealing with depression, grief, loss, anxiety, addiction, etc. Amarillo College Social Services can help. Their contact number is 806-371-5439. Services are professional and confidential. Follow this link to view these services: https://www.actx.edu/socialservices/ .

Grading Criteria

Course Work

            All assignments are listed in the syllabus or announced in class. All assignments are available in Blackboard or in your REVEL E-book. Review the syllabus often to check due dates and course expectations. You are responsible for completing assignments 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 first. If you still need help, contact me at least two days before the assignment is due and I will be glad to assist you.

You will use Blackboard for the following functions:

• Communicating with your instructor and classmates
• Taking quizzes and exams
• Accessing course content including your E-book, assignments, exams, study aids, and other materials
• Completing other coursework as assigned
• Viewing grades

This is a hybrid 8-week course, and will likely be challenging for many of you. 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 using your smartphone, since the Blackboard functions you will be using are not reliable through smartphone or tablet technology. Additionally, you will be completing 40 to 60 pages of reading material per week; you must complete the reading in order to be successful in the course.

Readings

            Weekly 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 each week; be prepared to discuss in class you have read. You will also complete quizzes as you progress through the text. The average score from REVEL reading and quizzes will count for a total of 300 points. 

           If you have any difficulty acquiring the book or with your readings, let me know immediately.

          Note: If you are unable to purchase your book this week, as an invited member of this course you can select temporary access until you are able to purchase your book (up to 14 days). This means you can begin your readings and assignments right away.

 

Term Paper

            You will have one formal writing assignment focused on document analysis and comparison. There are three distinct steps in this assignment. First, you will choose two documents to examine and compare. Next, you will write an essay based on your analysis, and you will take your essay to the Writer’s Corner for assistance in proofreading and editing. Finally, you will turn in your complete project including your rough draft, essay, and sources cited page on Thursday, October 3 in class. You have the option of turning in your paper early so that I can review it with you and make suggestions on how you can improve. All steps of this assignment combined are worth 150 points.

 Exams

            You will have two major exams in this class. Exams will include 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 125 points for a total of 250 points. The Final Exam date is Thursday, October 17 in our normal classroom and at our regular meeting time.

            The Midterm Exam covers all materials assigned and covered in lecture from the very first class day through the day of the exam. The Final Exam is comprised of material covered between the Midterm and the Final Exam.

           

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 may 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. Attendance and participation is worth 200 points.

           

Extra Credit

            Students may complete extra credit throughout the semester. You may earn up to 25 points. Extra credit opportunities will be announced in class or in Blackboard.

 

Grading

Attendance and Participation: 200

REVEL Readings and Quizzes: 300 points

Term Paper: 150 points

Midterm Exam: 125

Final Exam: 125

Grade Breakdown:

900 total points available

810-900 points= A

720-809 points-= B

630-719 points= C

540-629 points= D

0-539 points= F

Attendance

Attendance is vital to your success in this class and is required. 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.  If you must miss class due to college activities or business, have your 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

If you feel you are not doing as well as you had expected in this course, please come speak to me about your concerns. I will be glad to help you overcome the difficulties you are having.