United States History I Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Course Information

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Course

HIST-1301-006 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 Resources Student 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Textbook:  The textbook for this class is America: The Essential Learning Edition 4E, Volume 1 

Supplies

Writing utensils (pen or pencil), PC, Mac, iPad, Notepad, and notebooks. All of these are suitable for note-taking purposes.

For exams, you will need a pencil or pen. 

Student Performance

After taking this course, the student will be able to: 
1. Write a basic historical argument (a clear claim + reasons) supported with evidence from readings and lectures.
2. Read primary sources for meaning by identifying who created the source, why it was created, and what it reveals about its time.
3. Explain how the United States changed over time (to 1877) using cause-and-effect and evidence from primary/secondary sources.

Students 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

Behavioral Expectations/Classroom Ground Rules: All cell phones must be silenced. Texting during class is discouraged. AirPods and similar devices are not allowed during class. No talking (except during classwork) and no sleeping in class. Please respect others around you. Students who cheat on exams or other assignments will receive a failing grade (F) on that assignment and may face institutional disciplinary action.

Withdrawals: You must see your instructor to withdraw from the class. A form must be completed for the withdrawal to proceed. The last day to withdraw is March 3.

In order to initiate the withdraw process, you must fill out the required form and have it signed by the instructor. You can access the form in the Blackboard class under the "Withdrawal Form" tab.

Administrative Drop:  Any student who has not attended class by the census date (Jan. 27) will be administratively dropped from the course.

Grading Criteria

The final grade will be based on the total points from four (4) exams, a film assignment, the Letter to the Editor paper, class participation/attendance, and the examination of primary source documents. The grade scale is as follows:

A = 540 points and above
B = 480-539
C = 420-479
D = 360-419
F = 359 points and below

Required Examinations: There are four (4) exams during the semester. Exam questions will focus on the Core Objectives from each chapter relevant to the exam. Exams will cover material presented in class and in the textbook. Each exam is worth 100 points, for a total of 400 points. Exams will be taken in class. See the class schedule for exam dates. 

Make-up Policy:  All make-up exams must be arranged with the instructor. If the student misses an exam, the student must arrange to take the exam within one week of the scheduled test date. Make up exams will be taken in the Testing Center.

Letter to Editor Paper: The instructor will provide the instructions in Blackboard. This paper is worth 50 points. You will submit this assignment in Blackboard.

Film Assignment: Students will watch a historical film with the instructor and discuss its historical elements. The instructor will provide additional information and instructions in class. This assignment is worth 50 points.

Class Participation/Attendance: Students are required to attend every class period and participate in class discussions. Roll will be taken each class period, and full attendance is worth 50 points. Students must stay for the entire class period to receive attendance credit. Leaving class early or falling asleep will result in a 0 for that day.

Primary Source Discussions: During specific class periods, students will work in groups on primary source documents. If a student chooses not to participate (e.g., by playing on a phone or computer, talking), that student will receive a 0 for class participation for that day, even if the student attends class. This assignment is worth 50 points. 

Note: If a student arrives to class after roll has been called it is their responsibility to let the instructor know after class is over.

Grade Breakdown:
Four exams: 400 points
Letter to Editor Paper: 50 points 
Attendance/Participation: 50 points
Primary Source Discussions: 50 points
Film Assignment: 50 points
Total: 600 points

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. This is an on-campus course. It is the student's responsibility to attend class. It is also the student's responsibility to obtain any information missed due to an absence. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the information they missed. You cannot participate in class if you do not attend; therefore, an unexcused absence will result in 0 points for that class day. Excused absences must be documented or cleared with the instructor.

Note: This is how I will track your attendance grade for this class.

Calendar

Additional Information

Academic Integrity:
All work must be completed individually unless otherwise stated. The following acts constitute scholastic dishonesty: acquiring or providing information for any assigned work or examination from any unauthorized source; informing any person or persons of the contents of any examination prior to the time the exam is given in any subsequent sections of the course or as a makeup; plagiarism; and submitting a paper or project that is substantially the same for two (2) courses unless expressly authorized by the instructor.

This class is a general survey of United States History from Pre-Columbian times to 1877. The study examines the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of life in this country and traces the development of the United States as a world power.

The Instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus and/or the calendar if needed.