United States History I Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Instructor Information

Phone

Phone number not available

Office Location

<p>Dutton Hall 202G</p>

Office Hours

Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, and by Appointment

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

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Course

HIST-1301-010 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The American Yawp. Stanford University Press. This is an open-source online text. The link to this online textbook is available within the course.

If you would also like to purchase a paper copy of this text, this option is available on the website.

This text is required.

Supplies

Access to a reliable desktop or laptop computer and reliable internet connection are required.

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

Student Performance

This is an online 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 30 to 50 pages of reading material per week; you must complete the readings and all assigned materials in order to be successful in the course.

You must attend class regularly. This means you need to participate in class discussions, and log into the course several times per week.

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:       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 an online, 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 be prepared to participate in discussing historical events as outlined in the course schedule.

            All students must log in to 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 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, and complete assigned material each week. Engage in discussions and ask questions when necessary.

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.

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. All assignments are available in Blackboard or in your online textbook. 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 and exams
  • Accessing course content including your textbook, assignments, exams, study aids, and other materials
  • Completing other coursework as assigned
  • Viewing grades

Readings Assignments

            Weekly readings will include material from The American Yawp, vol. 1 and occasionally other sources. You will complete about two chapters of reading each week; be prepared to discuss what you have read. You will have a set of questions for most of the weekly readings, these are each worth 50 points for a total of 300 points.

 

Term Paper (Common Assessment)

            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 proofread and edit it. Finally, you will upload your complete project to the drop box provided by Monday, March 2nd. 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. Your completed essay is worth 100 points.

 Exams

            You will have three 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, and discussions. Each exam is worth 100 points for a total of 300 points. The Final Exam will be given online during the last week of class.

            Each exam covers the chapters assigned up to that exam, or the materials covered since the previous exam. Exams include short answer and multiple choice questions.

           

Discussions

            Full participation is necessary for you to be successful in the class. Take time to participate fully in discussions. To begin a discussion, you must go into the discussion room and click on the "Start Thread" option for that question. After you have completed your post, you will be able to see and comment on your classmates' posts. Through these, you will discuss the events and ideas covered in your readings and primary source materials.You will complete four discussions at 50 points each for a total of 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.

 

Graded Work

Chapter Questions: 50 points each assignment for a total of 300 points

Class Discussions: 50 points each for total of 200 points

Common Assessment: 100 points

Exams: 100 points each for total of 300 points

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. You must access this course at least twice (and usually more) a week in order to complete assigned work, engage in discussion, etc. Check your course schedule often so that you can be prepared to turn in your completed work on time.

Calendar

ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE

Assignment

Due Date

Week 1

  • Readings: Chapter 1: The New World; Chapter 2: Colliding Cultures
  • Chapter Questions
  • Class Discussion: Introductory Discussion

January 27

Week 2

  • Readings: Chapter 3: British North America; Chapter 4: Colonial Society
  • Chapter Questions
  • Exam 1
  • Common Assessment (Term Paper) Opens

February 3

Week 3

  • Readings: Chapter 5: The American Revolution; Chapter 6: A New Nation
  • Chapter Questions
  • Class Discussion: Governing the new nation

February 10

Week 4

  • Readings: Chapter 7: The Early Republic; Chapter 8: The Market Revolution
  • Chapter Questions
  • Exam 2

February 17

Week 5

  • Readings: Chapter 9: Democracy in America; Chapter 10: Religion and Reform
  • Chapter Questions
  • Class Discussion: The power of ideas

February 24

Week 6

  • Readings: Chapter 11: The Cotton Revolution; Chapter 12: Manifest Destiny
  • Common Assessment (Term Paper) Due

March 2

Week 7

  • Readings: Chapter 13: Sectional Crisis; Chapter 14: Civil War
  • Chapter Questions
  • Class Discussion: The causes of war

March 9

Week 8

  • Reading: Chapter 15: Reconstruction
  • Final Exam (open Tuesday-Thursday)

March 12

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.

Syllabus Created on:

01/21/20 4:33 AM

Last Edited on:

01/21/20 5:28 AM