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
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.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
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.
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
The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .
HIST-1301-011 United States History I
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
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.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
Hybrid
America: Essential Learning Edition, Volume I. 2nd Edition. 2018. Shi, et al. ISBN 0-978-0-393-61660-6. You may purchase this book at the Amarillo College Book Store.
This text is required.
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 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.
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.
If you score below a 60% on any of the course work, you are required to attend a tutoring session before you can turn in additional work in the course. Please see me immediately if you earn a score 60% or below on any of your work, and I will assist you with scheduling tutoring.
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".
Course and Contact Information:
Class Time: T/TH, 5:30 PM- 6:45 PM in Dutton Hall 201, 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:
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).
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/ .
Course Work
All assignments are listed in the syllabus or announced in class. All assignments are available in Blackboard or in your 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:
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 America: Essential Learning Edition, vol. 1, Second Edition 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 Core Objectives questions as you progress through the text. Each question set is worth 100 points for a total of 550 points for the term.
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, please let me know 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 essay, and sources cited page on February 24th in the provided dropbox in Blackboard. 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, class activities, and lectures. Each exam is worth 100 points for a total of 200 points. Both exams will be given online.
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 Class Discussion
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 100 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: 100
Readings and Core Objectives Assignments: 550 points
Term Paper: 150 points
Midterm Exam: 100
Final Exam: 100
Grade Breakdown:
1000 total points available
900-1000 points= A
800-899 points-= B
700-799 points= C
600-699 points= D
0-599 points= F
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.
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Assignment Schedule |
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Independent Study |
In Class |
Due Date |
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Week 1 |
Readings: Chapter 1: The Collision of Cultures in the 16th Century; Chapter 2: England and The American Colonies Assignment: Complete Core Objectives Questions for Chapters 1 & 2. Submit completed questions in dropbox (in Blackboard) |
Discussion: Pre-Columbian World, Columbian Exchange, Early Colonialism |
January 27 |
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Week 2 |
Readings: Chapter 3: Colonial Ways of Life; Chapter 4: From Colonies to States Assignment: Complete Core Objectives Questions for Chapters 3 & 4. Submit completed questions in dropbox (in Blackboard) Common Assessment (Term Paper) opens; Due on February 24th |
Discussion: Colonial Life and Conflict |
February 3 |
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Week 3 |
Readings: Chapter 5: The American Revolution; Chapter 6: Creating a More Perfect Union Assignment: Complete Core Objectives Questions for Chapters 5 & 6. Submit completed questions in dropbox (in Blackboard) |
Discussion: Governing a Nation at War, Creating the Union |
February 10 |
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Week 4 |
Readings: Chapter 7: The Early Republic; Chapter 8: The Emergence of a Market Economy Midterm Exam: Opens online Tuesday, February 11th. Closes at 11:59 pm on February 14th |
Discussion: Jefferson, National Expansion, and War; The Market Revolution |
February 17 |
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Week 5 |
Readings: Chapter 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism; Chapter 10: The Jacksonian Era Assignment: Complete Core Objectives Questions for Chapters 9 & 10. Submit completed questions in dropbox (in Blackboard) Common Assessment Due: Upload to dropbox in Blackboard |
Discussion: An Era of Good Feelings; The Age of Jackson |
February 24 |
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Week 6 |
Readings: Chapter 11: The South and Slavery; Chapter 12: Religion, Romanticism, and Reform Assignment: Complete Core Objectives Questions for Chapter 12. Submit completed questions in dropbox (in Blackboard) |
Discussion: American Economies and changes in Slavery; An Era of Reform |
March 2 |
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Week 7 |
Readings: Chapter 13: Western Expansion and Southern Secession; Chapter 14: The War of the Union Assignment: Complete Core Objectives Questions for Chapters 13 & 14. Submit completed questions in dropbox (in Blackboard) |
Discussion: Manifest Destiny, Sectionalism, and Civil War. Document Analysis. |
March 9 |
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Week 8 |
Readings: Chapter 15: Reconstruction Final Exam: Opens online Tuesday, March 10th. Closes at 11:59 pm on March 12th |
Discussion: Reconstruction |
March 12 |
Instructor’s note on course schedule and syllabus: I may adjust the lecture/activity schedule during the term to accommodate reasonable variance in class discussions. Due dates for readings, Core Objectives questions, exams, and other course work will remain the same.
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.
01/21/20 3:30 PM
01/21/20 4:12 PM