United States History I Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Course Information

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Course

HIST-1301-001 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

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Foner, Eric, Give Me Liberty!: An American History 3^rd Ed. WW. Norton Co. NYC., 2013

Bruno Leon, editor: Opposing Viewpoints in American History Volume II: from Reconstruction to the Present.Green Haven Press, San Diego CA, 1996.

Supplies

Binder, paper, pens, #2 pencils and access to a computer with internet connection.

Student Performance

\ Upon successful completion of this couse, students will:

\ 1.  Create an argument through the use of historical evidence.

\ 2.  analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources.

\\ 3.  analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on this period in United States history.

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

Behavior expectations

This course is built on a foundation of mutual respect, active engagement, and collegiate conduct. To ensure a productive learning environment for everyone, the following behaviors are strictly prohibited: 

CAMPUS POLICIES: 

1. No cell phones during class. You must have your cell phones turned off and put away at all times throughout the school day. If there is an emergency, let me know and accommodations can be made. 

2. No hats or hoodies in the building or classrooms.

My Classroom Expectations

1. My role is to guide, support, and hold you accountable for your academic growth. Your role is to take ownership of your learning—your effort determines your success in this course. 

2. Mutual Respect: Respect your instructor, your peers, and the learning environment. Everyone in this room has a right to a focused, distraction-free space. 

3. Rigor & Commitment: This course covers a significant amount of content and skill development. Success requires a strong work ethic, active presence, and a sustained commitment to growth.

4. Maximize Class Time: Plan to work from bell to bell. Out of respect for our time together, do not ask to leave early or visit other classrooms during the class period.

5. Course Focus: Keep your focus entirely on this class. Materials for other courses should remain packed away until all work for the day is completely finished

Grading Criteria

Course requirements/grading:

Exams and Quizzes.  there will be a minimum of 4 major examinations during the semester including a comprehensive final exam.  Exams will consist of multiple choice questions and short answers and cover readings, daily work, class discussion and the lectures and will count 100 points. The purpose of these exams is to assess your content knowledge and proficiency in skills required for college credit. (These skills are enumerated in the AP U.S. History CED)

Essays. There will be a minimum of 3 major essays that will be timed and written in class (either a Long Essay, Short Answers, or  Document Based), SAQs are 50 points, full essays are 100 points

Homework. Typically, homework is not assigned unless an assignment is not completed during class or needs to made up due to an absence. 

Participation & Group Work (10/100 Points) Active involvement is essential to mastering this course's material. You will earn up to 10 points based on two key components:

• Individual Engagement (5 pts): Arriving on time, staying focused on course content, and contributing constructively to discussions.

• Group Collaboration (5 pts): Pulling your weight during team tasks, communicating effectively, and supporting your peers.

There will be no extra credit. 

Makeup Exams: Late Work & Make-Up Policy Students have 3 days from the original due date to turn in missing work or complete make-up assessments. Note that tests and quizzes must be made up during tutorials, not during class. Starting on Day 4, late work will receive a 10% penalty per day. No work or assessments will be accepted after 6 days past the original due date

Synopsis of Grading:

 Total = 100%

Academic dishonesty:

Academic Dishonesty Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Some collaboration with other students on projects is acceptable; however, students must do their own work. Papers which bear a striking resemblance to the work of other students or AI-generated content will not be accepted.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy: Unapproved use of generative AI tools to complete assignments, essays, or assessments constitutes academic dishonesty. AI tools may only be used when explicitly instructed by the teacher.

If the instructor determines that a student is not responsible for his/her work, no credit will be given for the assignment. If a student is copying another's work for a different class, that assignment will be taken up by the instructor and given to the respective instructor.

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

Below 60 = F

Attendance

Amarillo College Attendance Policy:   Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

Instructor Attendance Policy. Attendance is considered heavily in calculating class participation grade. Habitual absenteeism may cause students to lose the full ten percent for class participation. Over10 minutes tardy counts as an absence (even with a pass).  Leaving class early without prior arrangement with the instructor counts as a tardy.  Leaving class 20 minutes or more early counts as an absence. 

Calendar

Additional Information

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