United States History I Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Course

HIST-1301-040 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

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Textbook: the textbook is required for this course.  David Shi, America:  The Essential Learning Edition, vol.I  2018 (second edition).

ISBN:   978-0-393-64300-8  If you want you could also get David Shi, America: The Essential Learning Edition, Combined ed. 2018 (second edition) this would save you money if you take my 1302 course in spring 2.

Supplies

paper, pen, access to computer with internet and printer. (a flash drive if you don't have one to save your papers and files)

Student Performance

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

Behavioral Expectations/Classroom Ground Rules: All cell phones must be silenced or turned off during lecture. Texting during class IS NOT permitted. Earbuds and other similar devices are not allowed during class. NO TALKING and no sleeping in class--respect the students around you! Students caught cheating on exams, quizzes, or other assignments will receive a failing grade (F) for that exam and may face institutional discipline.

Withdrawals: You must see your instructor to withdraw from the class. There is a form that must be completed for the withdrawal to proceed.  The last day to withdraw is March 2nd .

In order to initiate the withdrawal process, you must fill out the required form and have it signed by your 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 (January 27) will be administratively dropped from the course.

 

Grading Criteria

Composition of final grade will be based on the average of four exams, a primary source in-class assignment, a 5 page book analysis, and class participation/attendance. The grade scale is as follows: A = 89.5 and above B = 79.5-89.4 C = 79.4-69.5 D = 69.4-59.5 F = below 59.4 [note:  any average .5 or above is rounded up] Required Examinations:  There will be four exams during the course of the semester.   Exams will be multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blanks, and a short answer.  Exams will cover the material presented in class and the textbook. The four exams will comprise 20% of the student's grade (each exam is worth 5%).  Exams will be taken in class during class time.  See schedule below for 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 (Please Note:  make-up exams can be more difficult and may consist of an essay portion). Primary Source In-Class Assignments:  Once during the semester, students will be engaged in a primary source assignment during class time.  This assignment will be completed with either a group or a partner.  If a student misses the class day in which the assignment takes place, he/she will be expected to complete the assignment on their own (assignment will be provided in Blackboard).  The assignment needs to be completed by the next class meeting for full credit.  Late assignments will be deducted 10 points for every day they are late.  The in-class assignment will consist of 10% of the student's grade. Book analysis paper:  There will be one written assignment over the work The Divided Ground: Indians, Settlers, and the Northern Borderland of the American Revolution, By Alan Taylor (the instructor will provide a copy).  The paper will constitute 30% of total grade.  Late papers will be deducted 10 points for every day they are late (including weekends).  You will submit this assignment in Blackboard.  The paper must be an original paper that is used only for this course.  It cannot be a paper used for another class. I also will require that you have the writer's corner look at your paper before you submit it for grading. If it is not looked at I will deduct 10 points also from your grade.  Class Participation/Attendance: Students will be given an attendance grade every time class meets.  Roll will be called every class period and 25 pts. will be given for each class meeting (for a total of 100 pts for the week).  During some class periods, there may be class activities.  If a student chooses not to participate (spends the time talking or on the phone/computer), that student(s) will receive a 0 for class participation for the day, even if the student(s) attends class.  Students must stay for the entire class period to get attendance credit.  Leaving class early will result in a 0 for the day (unless it has been cleared with the instructor).  Talking, sleeping, or texting during class will also result in a 0 for the day.  If a student arrives after roll has been called it is her/her responsibility to let the instructor know after class is over.  Excused absences will be at the discretion of the instructor.  At the end of the semester, the lowest participation grade will be dropped for the final average.  Class participation will count as 40% of the student's overall grade. If you want to pass you got to come to class and participate. Participation means making at least 3 insightful comments concerning the material for the week. This shows that your understanding the material and also helps to keep discussion going.    Grade Breakdown: Four exams:  20% Primary Source Assignments:  10% Book analysis:  30% Attendance/Participation:  40%   Total:  100%

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information

This class is a general survey of United States History from Pre-Columbian America to Reconstruction.  The study includes political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of life in this country and follows the development of the United States through the 19th century.  HIST 1301 is not a prerequisite for 1302. The Instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus and/or the calendar if needed.