United States History I Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Course

HIST-1301-DC010 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

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

To the mature young adults which are members of this class I apologize for the insult imposed upon you by this section of the syllabus. Unfortunately, past behavior of your fellow students has necessitated its inclusion. Students are expected in this class to behave in a manner befitting adult, university students, with the proper respect displayed for their fellow students, the instructor, Amarillo College, and Tascosa High School.  I have no intention of tolerating behavior which is more stereotypical of any of the aforementioned. In order to clarify my position, the following list of behaviors are included as examples of behavior which will result in disciplinary measures. A student will receive one verbal warning only after which a discipline referral will be submitted to your principal.

Prohibited behavior includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. sleeping, head on desk

2. interrupting lecture by any unsuitable means

3. cheating in any form

4. disruptive talking/visiting between students

5. disrespect for fellow students

6. any other disruptive behavior

7. doing homework related to this class or any other (will be taken up until the end of the day)

8. wearing headphones (will be taken up until the end of class)

9. disrespectful comments

10. knitting, needlepoint or other arts and crafts.

11. Cell Phones Off—No Texting. (Will be taken up until the end of class)

The instructor reserves the right to assign seating if necessary to preserve order. Contrary to what you are probably now thinking, it is not my intention to design a class which is a prison camp for college level students. I am in favor of having fun in class perhaps as much as anyone; however, it must not be at the expense of an environment conducive to learning.

Grading Criteria

Course requirements/grading:

Exams and Quizzes.  Quizzes will be given throughout the semester that will cover the content covered during class, they will be 25 points each. There will be a minimum of 3 major examinations during the semester and a comprehensive final exam.  Exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions and cover all of the content and skills that were practiced throughout each particular unit. Major exams will count 100 points each.

Essays. There will be a minimum of 2 major essays that will be timed and written in class (either a long essay or  Document Based), these will be 100 points each. Also as an essay grade, you will write a paper that covers a historical ethical dilemma that will use two or more areas of your study at Tascosa High School to make connections and clarify the ethical dilemma, recognize connections to your personal values and rules, articulate the sources of your insights, and incorporate personal values in a reasoned response. 

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

Participation and Daily Work. There will be several opportunities for class discussion and group work throughout the semester, this will also include staying on task throughout each class period and will account for 10 points each. All students are expected to contribute to classroom discussion.  It is obviously impossible to add much to classroom discussion if you are absent, therefore, attendance is considered by the instructor in formulating the class participation grade.  When a class discussion takes place, it will count 10 points in the gradebook each time. The instructor reserves the right to deduct up to all ten points from the class participation grade for behavior detrimental to the class.  Students who continually exhibit disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise detrimental behavior may receive a zero for their class participation grade at the discretion of the instructor. 

There will be no extra credit. 

Makeup Exams: There are no makeup exams without prearrangement with the instructor. If a student misses an exam, they have 2 class days to make it up. On the third day, the most a student can receive is 70%. After three class days, the student will receive a zero for the assignment. 

Synopsis of Grading:

 Total = 100%

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 will not be accepted. 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.