United States History I Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Hillarie Easley-Mcpherson (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

<p>h0219086@actx.edu</p>

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

Disability Statement

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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.

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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.

Administrative Drop Policy

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Student Withdrawal Procedures

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Course

HIST-1301-DC003 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

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Revel for The American Nation: A History of the United States, Volume I, Carnes & Garraty

(2016) Access Card, 15th Edition

ISBN: 9780134100159    

 

Access Code is REQUIRED. REVEL assignments are graded and included in grades for the course. 

Supplies

  1. Internet Access: a reliable internet connection is required.
  2. Computer: You must use a laptop or desktop computer for completing assignments and taking exams.
  3. Web Browser: the best web browser to use for Blackboard and REVEL is Mozilla Firefox. If you do not have this, you may download it for free online.
  4. Smartphones and Tablets: These are optional, but may be helpful. They can be used for reading, viewing videos, and listening, but are not reliable for taking exams or completing assignments.

Student Performance

Learning Outcomes  

Upon successful completion of this course, you 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

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

You are expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures.

During discussions in the course you are expected to be professional and follow common courtesy. The discussions in this class are meant to stimulate discussion. Sometimes debate can be heated. While it is appropriate to challenge a certain argument or point of view, but it is never appropriate to attack the person who is posting information with which you may disagree.

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

Below 60 = F

 

Grade Breakdown

Exams Average  –  40%

Discussions Average  –  25%

REVEL Assignments Average - 25%

Course Paper  –  10%

All make up work will be allowed at the discretion of the instructor.

Attendance

The online US History course will not have any on campus meetings. You must log on to this course in AC Online the first day of regular classes and follow the instructions for the course. If you need individual assistance you can contact me for help. You can also schedule an appointment with me, and I can meet with you virtually or in person.

Calendar

This Course outline will also be posted on the class site.

Date


Welcome to History 1301

Assignments and Exams

 

08-23-2021

 

First Steps:

 

Read: the instructions, requirements, and due dates regarding this course in the syllabus. Pay close attention to the information included in this chart: here you will find specific information about specific assignments and exams. Re-read this information often.

Read: all of the Start Here page in Blackboard. Follow the directions listed there.

 

Assigned: 08-23-2021

Due: 08-31-2021

 

Your first Discussion post:

  1. On the left-hand side of your Blackboard course, you will see a "Discussion" tab. Click on that tab and then click on "Topic for Introduction." Click on my introduction posting and then click on "reply".
  2. Introduce yourself to the class. Include a few things such as major, interests, family life, work, etc.
  3. Include what school you attend. 
  4. Reply to two of your classmates.
  5. After completing this assignment, you should be more familiar with how the discussion forum works, and with your classmates!
  6. Due by Tuesday, August 31, at 11:59 PM.

 

08-23-2021

 

Assignment Types and Instructions:

 

The course is divided into 5 Units, and each Unit contains 3 to 4 chapter assignments.

There are five Blackboard Discussion questions that are graded separately. They are assigned with selected weekly chapter assignments throughout the semester.

There are five exams. You will have a few days in which to take each exam.

There is one research project later in the semester dealing with primary documents in American History. 

You can see where each of these items are assigned on the Assignment Dates page.

Assignments, Discussions, Course Paper, and Exams:

  1. Chapter Assignments:
    1. REVEL chapters are assigned each week. These include shared writing exercises, mini-quizzes and chapter quizzes. The average of your combined score for reading, shared writing, and quizzes will make up your score in this category.
    2. Each weekly assignment will be assigned on Wednesday of the week and will be due by the next Tuesday.
    3. The average score of weekly chapter assignments in REVEL count for  25% of your final grade.
  2. 5 Exams:
    1. There will be one exam for each unit
    2. Your lowest exam score is dropped
    3. Exams count for 40% of your final grade
  3. 5 Discussions:
    1. Topic is related to your reading assignments
    2. Assigned on Wednesday, due the following Tuesday.
    3. Your lowest Discussion score is dropped.
    4. Your Discussions count for 25% of your final grade
  4. Course Paper: 
    1. The Course paper will be assigned later in the semester.
    2. There will be detailed instructions when the paper is assigned.
    3. You will have approximately four weeks to complete this assignment.
    4. Your course paper counts for 10% of your final grade
  5. Special Note About Assignment due dates and Exams:
    1. The Chapter Assignments for each unit must be completed before the exam for that unit.
    2. What you read and study in REVEL make up what is on each exam. 
    3. The last exam is the Final Exam. It is not comprehensive, meaning that it does not cover the material from all assigned chapters, only those from the last unit.

 

 

Assigned

08-23-2021

 

 

Due
08-31-2021

 


WEEK 1

Chapter 1: Beginnings

  • Introduction: Beginnings
  • 1.1: The First Peoples (15 points)
  • 1.2: The Maize Revolution (15 points)
  • 1.3: The Collapse of Urban Centers (15 points)
  • 1.4: Eurasia and Africa versus North America (15 points)
  • Summary: Beginnings
  • Shared Writing: Obesity in America (20 points)
  • Chapter 1 Quiz: Beginnings (75 points)

 

Introduction Discussion Due 08-31-2021

Discussion (Discussion Question 1) Opens

 

Assigned

08-30-2021

 

 

Due

09-07-2021

 

 


WEEK 2

Chapter 2: Alien Encounters: Europe in the Americas

  • Introduction: Alien Encounters: Europe in the Americas
  • 2.1: Spanish Colonization of the Americas (15 points)
  • 2.2: Spain’s European Rivals (15 points)
  • 2.3: Early English Colonization (15 points)
  • 2.4: Puritan New England (15 points)
  • 2.5: English “Proprietary” Colonies (15 points)
  • 2.6: Indian and Colonist Intersections (15 points)
  • Summary: Alien Encounters: Europe in the Americas
  • Shared Writing: College Food (20 points)
  • Chapter 2 Quiz: Alien Encounters: Europe in the Americas (75 points)

Discussion 1 in Blackboard  -  DUE 09-07-2021

 

 

Assigned

09-06-2021

 

Due

09-14-2021

 

WEEK 3

Chapter 3: The Making of Society in the Colonial Era

Introduction: The Making of Society in the Colonial Era

  • 3.1: French and Spanish Settlements Falter; English Settlements Flourish (15 points)
  • 3.2: Life in the Southern Colonies (15 points)
  • 3.3: Puritan New England (15 points)
  • 3.4: The Middle Colonies (15 points)
  • 3.5: Becoming Americans (15 points)
  • Summary: The Making of Society in the Colonial Era
  • Shared Writing: Life After College (20 points)
  • Chapter 3 Quiz: The Making of Society in the Colonial Era (75 points)

This assignment MUST be completed before Exam 1 opens.

 

 

09-15-2021

 

 

Exam 1 First day - Exam 1 will open this morning. 

Exams contain 50 multiple choice questions. You will have 60 minutes from the time you begin to complete the exam. You must complete the exam in one sitting; you may not pause, log out, or leave the test once you begin. Once the clock starts, it does not stop until the end of the time limit. If you get disconnected from the exam, you should try to log back in immediately. Be sure to read all of the instructions before beginning the exam. The Exam will be open Tuesday through Thursday.

 

All Exams must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the last day the exam is available.

 

 

09-16-2021

 

 

Exam 1 continues today

 

 

09-17-2021

 

 

Exam 1 - last day. The exam ends at 11:59 PM; you should begin the exam by 10:30 PM in order to complete it on time.

 

 

Assigned

09-13-2021

 

 

Due

09-21-2021

 


WEEK 4

Chapter 4: America in the British Empire

  • Introduction: America in the British Empire
  • 4.1: The British Colonial System (15 points)
  • 4.2: Colonial Religion and Thought (15 points)
  • 4.3: The First Global War (15 points)
  • 4.4: Making the Colonists Pay (15 points)
  • 4.5: Violence Erupts (15 points)
  • Summary: America in the British Empire
  • Shared Writing: Taxes (20 points)
  • Chapter 4 Quiz: America in the British Empire (75 points)

 Discussion 2 in Blackboard  Opens-  DUE 09-28-2021

 

 

Assigned

09-20-2021

 

 

Due

09-28-2021

 


WEEK 5

Chapter 5: The American Revolution

  • Introduction: The American Revolution
  • 5.1: Preliminary Hostilities (15 points)
  • 5.2: The Question of Independence (15 points)
  • 5.3: Towards Victory (15 points)
  • 5.4: The United States under the Articles of Confederation (15 points)
  • 5.5: American Nationalism (15 points)
  • Summary: The American Revolution
  • Shared Writing: Leadership (20 points)
  • Chapter 5 Quiz: The American Revolution (75 points)

Discussion 2 in Blackboard  -  DUE  09-28-2021

 

 

Assigned

09-27-2021

 

 

Due

10-05-2021

 


WEEK 6

Chapter 6: The Federalist Era: Nationalism Triumphant

  • Introduction: The Federalist Era: Nationalism Triumphant
  • 6.1: A Patchwork Nation (15 points)
  • 6.2: The Constitution (15 points)
  • 6.3: Washington and the First Congress (15 points)
  • 6.4: Washington and Foreign Relations (15 points)
  • 6.5: John Adams as President (15 points)
  • Summary: The Federalist Era: Nationalism Triumphant
  • Shared Writing: Illegal Downloads (20 points)
  • Chapter 6 Quiz: The Federalist Era: Nationalism Triumphant (75 points)

Discussion 3 Opens: Due 10-05-2021

Assignment MUST be completed before Exam 2 opens.
 

 

10-06-2021

 

 

Exam 2, First Day - Exam 2 will open this morning. All Exams are set up the same as the 1st Exam.

 

All Exams must be submitted by 11:59 PM the last day the exam is available.

 

 

10-07-2021

 

 

Exam 2 continues

 

 

10-08-2021

 

 

Exam 2 - last day. The exam will end at 11:59 PM; you should begin the exam by 10:30 PM in order to complete it on time.

 

 


Assigned

10-04-2021

 

Due

11-02-2021
 

 


RESEARCH PAPER – Voices of the Past: a Document Analysis (Common Assessment)

Note the due dates and submit your paper on time.

 

Assigned

10-04-2021

 

 

Due

10-12-2021

 


WEEK 7

Chapter 7: Jeffersonian Democracy

  • Introduction: Jeffersonian Democracy
  • 7.1: Jefferson and the Rise of the Republicans (15 points)
  • 7.2: Jefferson’s First Term (15 points)
  • 7.3: Jefferson’s Second Term (15 points)
  • 7.4: The Looming Dangers of the Napoleonic Wars (15 points)
  • 7.5: The Legacy of Jeffersonian Democracy (15 points)
  • Summary: Jeffersonian Democracy
  • Shared Writing: Debt (20 points)
  • Chapter 7 Quiz: Jeffersonian Democracy (75 points)

Discussion 3 in Blackboard  -  DUE  10-05-2021
 

 

Assigned

10-11-2021

 

 

Due

10-26-2021

 


WEEK 8

Chapter 8: National Growing Pains

  • Introduction: National Growing Pains
  • 8.1: Madison and the March to War (15 points)
  • 8.2: The War of 1812 (15 points)
  • 8.3: Monroe and American Aspirations (15 points)
  • 8.4: Sectional Divisions Intensify (15 points)
  • 8.5: John Quincy Adams as President (15 points)
  • Summary: National Growing Pains
  • Shared Writing: Government Assistance (20 points)
  • Chapter 8 Quiz: National Growing Pains (75 points)

Discussion 4 Opens: Due on 10-26-2021

Assignment must be completed before Exam 3 opens.

 

Assigned

10-11-2021

 

 

Due

10-26-2021

 


WEEK 9

Chapter 9: Toward a National Economy

  • Introduction: Toward a National Economy
  • 9.1: The North Industrializes (15 points)
  • 9.2: Cotton Revolutionizes the South (15 points)
  • 9.3: The Revival of Slavery (15 points)
  • 9.4: The Transportation Revolution (15 points)
  • 9.5: Economic Development Under the Marshall Court (15 points)
  • Summary: Toward a National Economy
  • Shared Writing: Made in China (20 points)
  • Chapter 9 Quiz: Toward a National Economy (75 points)

Content from this chapter will be included in Exam 3

 

 

10-27-2021

 

 

Exam 3 First day - EXAM 3 will open this morning.

 

 

10-28-2021

 

 

 Exam 3 continues

 

 

10-29-2021

 

 

Exam 3 - last day. The exam will end at 11:59 PM; you should begin the exam by 10:30 PM in order to complete it on time.

 

 

Assigned

10-25-2021

 

 

Due

11-02-2021

 


WEEK 10

Chapter 10: Jacksonian Democracy

  • Introduction: Jacksonian Democracy
  • 10.1: Jackson’s New Political System (15 points)
  • 10.2: Jackson “Kills the Bank!” and Chills the Economy (15 points)
  • 10.3: Jackson Expels the Indians (15 points)
  • 10.4: States’ Rights versus the Federal Union (15 points)
  • 10.5: The Twilight of Jacksonianism (15 points)
  • Summary: Jacksonian Democracy
  • Shared Writing: Republican or Democrat (20 points)
  • Chapter 10 Quiz: Jacksonian Democracy (75 points)

DISCUSSION 4 in Blackboard  -  Due 10-26-2021

 

 

 

11-02-2021

 

 

Course Research Paper Due: Voices of the Past (Common Assessment)

 

Assigned

11-01-2021

 

 

Due

11-09-2021

 


WEEK 11

Chapter 11: The Making of Middle-Class America

  • Introduction: The Making of Middle-Class America
  • 11.1: An Emerging Middle Class (15 points)
  • 11.2: The Age of Reform (15 points)
  • 11.3: The Romantic View of Life (15 points)
  • 11.4: Education for Democracy (15 points)
  • Summary: The Making of Middle-Class America
  • Shared Writing: Family (20 points)
  • Chapter 11 Quiz: The Making of Middle-Class America (75 points) 

Chapter 12: Westward Expansion

  • Introduction: Westward Expansion
  • 12.1: Expansion by Manifest Destiny (15 points)
  • 12.2: Expansion by Negotiation and War (15 points)
  • 12.3: New Territories: Slave or Free? (15 points)
  • 12.4: Clay’s Welcome Compromise of 1850 (15 points)
  • Summary: Westward Expansion
  • Shared Writing: Family Roots (20 points)
  • Chapter 12 Quiz: Westward Expansion (75 points)

Discussion 5 Opens: Due 11-30-2020

 

Assigned

11-08-2021

 

 

Due

11-16-2021

 


WEEK 12

Chapter 13: The Sections Go Their Own Ways *

  • Introduction: The Sections Go Their Own Ways
  • 13.1: The South (15 points)
  • 13.2: The Northern Industrial Juggernaut (15 points)
  • 13.3: Building a Global Transportation Web (15 points)
  • 13.4: The Economic Surge on the Eve of the Civil War (15 points)
  • Summary: The Sections Go Their Own Ways
  • Shared Writing: Voting (20 points)
  • Chapter 13 Quiz: The Sections Go Their Own Ways (75 points)

*Content from this chapter will be on Exam 4
 

 

11-17-2021

 

 

Exam 4 First day - Exam 4 will open this morning.

 

 

11-18-2021

 

 

Exam 4 continues

 

 

11-19-2021

 

 

Exam 4 - last day. The exam will end at 11:59 PM; you should begin the exam by 10:30 PM in order to complete it on time.

 

 

Assigned

11-15-2021

 

 

Due

11-23-2021

 


WEEK 13

Chapter 14: The Coming of the Civil War

  • Introduction: The Coming of the Civil War
  • 14.1: Antislavery Sentiment Deepens (15 points)
  • 14.2: Slavery Crisis Temporarily Evaded (15 points)
  • 14.3: Political Parties Fracture over Slavery (15 points)
  • 14.4: Hopes for Compromise Wane (15 points)
  • 14.5: The Antislavery Lincoln Emerges (15 points)
  • 14.6: On the Brink of Disunion (15 points)
  • Summary: The Coming of the Civil War
  • Shared Writing: Beyond the Law (20 points)
  • Chapter 14 Quiz: The Coming of the Civil War (75 points)

Discussion 5 due in Blackboard 11-30-2021

 

Assigned

11-22-2021

 

 

Due

12-02-2021

 

 

WEEK 14

Chapter 15: The War to Save the Union

  • Introduction: The War to Save the Union
  • 15.1: War Commences (1861) (15 points)
  • 15.2: Stalemate and Slaughter (1862) (15 points)
  • 15.3: Lincoln Frees (Some) Slaves to Win the War (15 points)
  • 15.4: Turning Point (1863) (15 points)
  • 15.5: Strangling the South (1864) (15 points)
  • 15.6: Final Reckoning (1865) (15 points)
  • Summary: The War to Save the Union
  • Shared Writing: The War on Terror (20 points)
  • Chapter 15 Quiz: The War to Save the Union (75 points)

Note: Extra time to complete assignment due to holiday

 

Assigned

11-29-2021

 

 

Due

12-07-2021

 

 

WEEK 15

Chapter 16: Reconstruction and the South

  • Introduction: Reconstruction and the South
  • 16.1: Presidential Reconstruction (15 points)
  • 16.2: Radical Republicanism (15 points)
  • 16.3: The Southern Economy during Reconstruction (15 points)
  • 16.4: The End of Reconstruction (15 points)
  • Summary: Reconstruction and the South
  • Shared Writing: Adversity (20 points)
  • Chapter 16 Quiz: Reconstruction and the South (75 points)

NOTICE this assignment MUST be completed by DECEMBER 15, and should be completed before you take the Final Exam.

LAST DAY TO TAKE EXAM 5 (FINAL) IS DECEMBER 16.
 

 

12-13-2021

 

WEEK 16 (Finals Week)

Exam 5 - Final Exam- First day: Exam will open this morning.

 

 

12-14-2021

 

 

Exam 5 continues

 

 

12-15-2021

 

 

Exam 5 continues

 

 

 

 

      12-16-2021

  

Exam 5 - last day. The exam will end at 11:59 PM; you should begin the exam by 10:30 PM in order to complete it on time.

This is Thursday of Finals Week. This is the last day to take the Final in this class.

  
       
 

 

Additional Information

http://www.actx.edu

Syllabus Created on:

08/23/21 2:00 AM

Last Edited on:

08/23/21 3:27 AM