United States History II Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Course

HIST-1302-DC015 United States History II

Prerequisites

Course Description

A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural and intellectual history of the United States from the Civil War/Reconstruction era to the present. United States History II examines industrialization, immigration, world wars, the Great Depression, Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Themes that may be addressed in United States History II include: American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, immigration and migration, urbanization and suburbanization, the expansion of the federal government and the study of U.S. foreign policy.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

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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

The American Nation: A History of the United States, Volume II, Carnes, et al

Access Code copy.  15th Ed., 2016

ISBN# 9780134101781

Access Code is REQUIRED and will be used for assignment grades.

Supplies

Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet. Smartphones and tablets can be useful for reading, listening, and completing chapter assignments, however, they have numerous problems with the Main Exams in this course. All students should have access to a desktop or laptop computer with a reliable internet access when taking Exams.

Student Performance

Learning Outcomes  

Upon successful completion of this course, 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

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

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

During discussions in the course; students are expected to be professional and follow common courtesy. The discussions in this class are meant to bring up various positions and sometimes the debate can be heated; however, it is appropriate to attack 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

90-100 = A

80-89 = B

70-79 = C

60-69 = D

Below 60 = F

Grades will consist of the following categories:

Exams Average  –  30%

Discussions Average  –  30%

Pearson Chapter Quizzes - 30%

Primary Source Paper  –  10%

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

Each weekly assignment will be assigned on Wednesday of the week and will be due by the next Tuesday.

So you will have at least 7 days to complete the readings, quizzes, shared writing and Blackboard discussions, so there are no excuses for not being able to complete these on time. This is especially the case if you are not at school. Family travel, sports, and other activities will take you out of school. You must coordinate with the instructor prior to missing a due date if at all possible. You know exactly when each assignment is due, it is in the Syllabus, as well as in the "Assignments Dates" page. There is no excuse for missing an assignment. There is wifi available in hotels, airports, public libraries, hospitals, Home Depot and McDonalds and Starbucks just to name a few. Not being at school is not an excuse for not completing an assignment.

Attendance

The online US History course will not have any on campus meetings. Students must log on to this course in AC Online the first day of regular classes and follow the instructions for the course. If a student needs individual assistance they can contact me to work out the problems or schedule an appointment.

Calendar

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

Date


Welcome to History 1302

Assignments and Exams

 

1-18-2022

Read all of the information and instructions regarding this course on this page. Be sure to read the whole page and not just the first few dates. This information will help save you time later in the course. Be sure you have also read all of the Start Here page and the Course Syllabus.

   

1-18-2022

There is a Discussion tab on the left hand menu. Click on that tab and then click on the Topic for Introduction. Click on my introduction posting and then click on "reply". Write an introduction of yourself. Please include which school you attend, and who is your facilitator or teacher.

It does not have to be long and is not graded. Simply state a few things about yourself for the class. Examples include: future major, interests, family information, work, how far you live from campus, hobbies, etc.

1-18-2022

As discussed in the Syllabus and the Start Here page, you will have 5 Exams total and 5 Discussions total. You will also have a short Primary Source Paper in the later part of the semester. Additionally, there are weekly chapter assignments that state what chapters are assigned for the week. Those are the only grades that will be used to compute your overall average for the course.

Each Chapter Assignment is very similar as far as the reading and study material are concerned. Each chapter will have several sections of reading and study material. Each section has a short 3 to 5 question quiz. Each chapter also has a review quiz and a shared writing assignment.

The course is divided into 5 Units. Each Unit has 3 to 4 chapter assignments. There are also five Blackboard Discussion questions that are graded separately. They are assigned with various weekly chapter assignments throughout the course. There will not be one each week. You can see where they are assigned on this Assignment Dates page.

Each weekly assignment will be assigned on Wednesday of the week and will be due by the next Tuesday. So you will have at least 7 days to complete the readings, quizzes, shared writing and Blackboard discussions, so there are no excuses for not being able to complete these on time. In addition, I drop one of the five discussion grades.

The Primary Source paper will be assigned later in the semester and you will have approximately four weeks to work on this assignment. There will be detailed instructions when the paper is assigned. The average of the four main exams left after dropping the lowest will count 30% of your overall average in the course. The average of the four discussion grades after dropping the lowest will count as 30% of your overall average. The Pearson Revel Chapter Quizzes will count as 30% of your overall average. The Primary Sourse paper will count 10% of your overall course average.

The Chapter Assignments completed before a Main Unit Exam are what you are responsible for reading and studying to prepare for that Main Exam. Therefore, each Main Exam just covers the chapters and readings assigned up to that exam and after the previous exam. The last Graded Exam is the Final and is only over the last few chapters assigned after Exam 4. It is not comprehensive of the whole course material. I drop one of the exam grades.

   

Assigned

1-18-2022

 

 

Due
1-25-2022

WEEK 1

Chapter 17: The Conquest of the West

    Introduction: The Conquest of the West

    17.1: The Real (versus the Mythical) West

    17.2: Western Indians under Threat

    17.3: The American West Exploited

    Summary: The Conquest of the West

    Shared Writing: Indian Land

    Chapter 17 Quiz: The Conquest of the West

Introduction Discussion due in Blackboard on 1-25-2022

   

Assigned

1-26-2022

 

 

Due

2-1-2022

 

WEEK 2

Chapter 18: An Industrial Giant Emerges

    Introduction: An Industrial Giant Emerges

    18.1: Essentials of Industrial Growth

    18.2: Competition and Monopoly

    18.3: Economic Consolidation: Good or Bad?

    18.4: The Government Response to Big Business

    18.5: The Rise of Organized Labor

    Summary: An Industrial Giant Emerges

    Shared Writing: Big Box Stores

    Chapter 18 Quiz: An Industrial Giant Emerges

Discussion 1 in Blackboard due on 2-1-2022

DISCUSSION 1 CLOSES AT 11:30 PM, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

   

Assigned

2-2-2022

 

Due

2-8-2022

WEEK 3

Chapter 19: American Society in the Industrial Age

    Introduction: American Society in the Industrial Age

    19.1: The Urban Middle Class

    19.2: The Urban Working Class

    19.3: The "New" Immigration

    19.4: Growth of the Cities

    19.5: Urban Reformers

    Summary: American Society in the Industrial Age

    Shared Writing: Public Spaces

    Chapter 19 Quiz: American Society in the Industrial Age

See that this assignment MUST be completed the same day as Main Exam 1.

2-6-2022

Main Exam 1 First day - EXAM 1 will be posted this morning.  The exams are all 50 multiple choice questions and you will have 60 minutes from the time you begin. Once you go into the test you must complete your work in the 60 minute time frame. You cannot save your exam somewhere in the middle and come back to it later. 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 as soon as possible. This should be plenty of time for all students. Be sure to read all of the instructions before beginning the exam. The Exam will be open through Tuesday.

All Exams must be submitted by 11:30pm the last day the exam is available.

2-7-2022

Main Exam 1 continued today

2-8-2022

Main Exam 1 - last day. The Exam will end at 11:30 pm, you should begin the exam by 10:30 pm at the latest.

   

Assigned

2-9-2022

 

 

Due

2-15-2022

WEEK 4

Chapter 20: Intellectual and Cultural Trends in the Late Nineteenth Century

Introduction: Intellectual and Cultural Trends in the Late Nineteenth Century

    20.1: Education Is “Modernized”

    20.2: Intellectuals Reinterpret Darwin

    20.3: Realism Triumphs over Sentiment

    20.4: Pragmatism and the Knowledge Revolution

Summary: Intellectual and Cultural Trends in the Late Nineteenth Century

Shared Writing: Winning

Chapter 20 Quiz: Intellectual and Cultural Trends in the Late Nineteenth Century

   

Assigned

2-16-2022

 

 

Due

2-22-2022

WEEK 5

Chapter 21: From Smoke-Filled Rooms to Prairie Wildfire 1877 - 1896

 Introduction: From Smoke-Filled Rooms to Prairie Wildfire: 1877–1896

    21.1: National Politics

    21.2: African Americans

    21.3: Urban and Rural Politics

    21.4: Economic Crisis and Political Turmoil: 1893–1896 (15 points)

    Summary: From Smoke-Filled Rooms to Prairie Wildfire: 1877–1896

    Shared Writing: American Idol

    Chapter 21 Quiz: From Smoke-Filled Rooms to Prairie Wildfire:

 1877–1896

Discussion 2 in Blackboard  -  DUE 2-22-2022

DISCUSSION 2 CLOSES AT 11:30 PM, FEBRUARY 22, 2022.

   

Assigned

2-23-2022

 

 

Due

3-1-2022

WEEK 6

Chapter 22: The Age of Reform

    Introduction: The Age of Reform

    22.1: Elements of Progressivism

    22.2: Political Reform

    22.3: Theodore Roosevelt: A Progressive as President 

    22.4: Taft and the Demise of the Republican Party

    22.5: Woodrow Wilson: A Progressive Democrat

    22.6: The Progressives and Minority Rights

    Summary: The Age of Reform

    Shared Writing: Apathy

    Chapter 22 Quiz: The Age of Reform

See that this assignment MUST be completed the same day as Main Exam 2.
 

2-27-2022

Main Exam 2 First day - EXAM 2 will be posted this morning. All Exams are set up the same as the 1st Exam.

All Exams must be submitted by 11:30pm the last day the exam is available.

2-28-2022

Main Exam 2 continued today

3-1-2022

Main Exam 2 - last day. The Exam will end at 11:30 pm, you should begin the exam by 10:30 pm at the latest.

   


Assigned

3-4-2022

 

Due

4-1-2022
 


Primary Source Paper

Be sure to note the due date and submit your paper by that date. Instructions are listed in Blackboard under the "Primary Source Paper / Common Assessment" tab on the left side menu.

   

Assigned

3-2-2022

 

 

Due

3-8-2022

WEEK 7

Chapter 23: From Isolation to Empire

    Introduction: From Isolation to Empire

    23.1: The Lure of Empire

    23.2: War with Spain over Cuba

    23.3: Seizing the Philippines

    23.4: Imposition of Order on the Caribbean and Central America   

    23.5: Toward an Empire in the Pacific

    Summary: From Isolation to Empire

    Shared Writing: Afghanistan

    Chapter 23 Quiz: From Isolation to Empire (75 points)


Discussion 3 in Blackboard  -  DUE 3-8-2022

DISCUSSION 3 CLOSES AT 11:30 PM, MARCH 8, 2022.

   

Assigned

3-9-2022

 

 

Due

3-15-2022


WEEK 8

Chapter 24: Woodrow Wilson and the Great War

    Introduction: Woodrow Wilson and the Great War

    24.1: Wilson as President

    24.2: The War at Home and in Europe

    24.3: Wilson's Plan for Peace

    24.4: Repercussions of War

    Summary: Woodrow Wilson and the Great War

    Shared Writing: Traumatic Brain Injury

    Chapter 24 Quiz: Woodrow Wilson and the Great War

 

3-14-2022

to

3-18-2022

Spring Break No Class

   

Assigned

3-23-2022

 

 

Due

3-29-2022

WEEK 9

Chapter 25: The Roaring Twenties

    Introduction: The Roaring Twenties

    25.1: A New Era of Conservative Politics

    25.2: The "New Isolationism"

    25.3: The Jazz Age

    25.4: Resistance to Change

    25.5: New and Faster Transportation

    Summary: The Roaring Twenties

    Shared Writing: Delights of Consumption

    Chapter 25 Quiz: The Roaring Twenties

See that this assignment MUST be completed the same day as Main Exam 3.

3-27-2022

Main Exam 3 First day - Exam 3 will be posted this morning.

3-28-2022

Main Exam 3 continued today

3-29-2022

Main Exam 3 - last day. The Exam will end at 11:30 pm, you should begin the exam by 10:30 pm at the latest.

   

Assigned

3-30-2022

 

 

Due

4-5-2022

WEEK 10

Chapter 26: The Great Depression and the New Deal: 1929–1939

Introduction: The Great Depression and the New Deal: 1929–1939

    26.1: Economic Collapse

    26.2: The First New Deal

    26.3: The Second New Deal

    26.4: The "Roosevelt Revolution"

    Summary: The Great Depression and the New Deal: 1929–1939

    Shared Writing: Get a Job

    Chapter 26 Quiz: The Great Depression and the New Deal: 1929–1939

DISCUSSION 4 in Blackboard  -  Due 4-5-2022

DISCUSSION 4 CLOSES at 11:30PM on April 5, 2022

 

4-1-2022

 

Primary Source Paper Due

Assigned

4-6-2022

 

 

Due

4-12-2022

WEEK 11

Chapter 27: A Second World War: 1941–1945

    Introduction: A Second World War: 1941–1945

    27.1: Roosevelt Tiptoes Toward War

    27.2: War at Home

    27.3: War in Europe

    27.4: War in the Pacific

    27.5: Uncertain Allies

    Summary: A Second World War: 1941–1945

    Shared Writing: War

    Chapter 27 Quiz: A Second World War: 1941–1945

Chapter 28: A New Enemy, Abroad and at Home: 1946–1960

    Introduction: A New Enemy, Abroad and at Home: 1946–1960

    28.1: Containing Communism in Europe

    28.2: Containing Communism throughout the World

    28.3: Communism at Home

    28.4: The Eisenhower Era

    28.5: The Civil Rights Movement

    28.6: The Election of 1960

    Summary: A New Enemy, Abroad and at Home: 1946–1960

    Shared Writing: Religion in America

    Chapter 28 Quiz: A New Enemy, Abroad and at Home: 1946–1960

All assignments from both Chapters 27 and 28 must be completed by 4-12-2022.

   

Assigned

4-13-2022

 

 

Due

4-19-2022


WEEK 12

Chapter 29: From Camelot to Watergate: 1961– 1975

    Introduction: From Camelot to Watergate: 1961–1975

    29.1: John F. Kennedy

    29.2: Lyndon B. Johnson

    29.3: Richard M. Nixon

    Summary: From Camelot to Watergate: 1961–1975

    Shared Writing: Government Surveillance

    Chapter 29 Quiz: From Camelot to Watergate: 1961–1975

See that this assignment MUST be completed the same day as Main Exam 4.
 

4-17-2022

Main Exam 4 First day - EXAM 4 will be posted this morning.

4-18-2022

Main Exam 4 continued today

4-19-2022

Main Exam 4 - last day. The Exam will end at 11:30 pm, you should begin the exam by 10:30 pm at the latest.

   

Assigned

4-20-2022

 

 

Due

4-26-2022

WEEK 13

Chapter 30: Running on Empty: 1975–1999

    Introduction: Running on Empty: 1975–1999

    30.1: Ford Fills In

    30.2: Jimmy Carter and "Constant Decency"

    30.3: Ronald Reagan and the "Reagan Revolution"

    30.4: George H. W. Bush as President

    30.5: Bill Clinton as President

    Summary: Running on Empty: 1975–1999

    Shared Writing: The Cost of Gas

    Chapter 30 Quiz: Running on Empty: 1975–1999

Discussion 5 due in Blackboard on 4-26-2022

DISCUSSION 5 WILL CLOSE at 11:30 PM on APRIL 26, 2022.

   

Assigned

4-27-2022

 

 

Due

5-3-2022

WEEK 14

 Chapter 31: From Boomers to Millennials

    Introduction: From Boomers to Millennials

    31.1: The New Immigration

    31.2: Modern Feminism and the Gender Revolution

    31.3: Crime and Punishment

    31.4: From Public Communities to Virtual Ones

    31.5: Graying of the Boomers

    Summary: From Boomers to Millennials

    Shared Writing: A College Education

    Chapter 31 Quiz: From Boomers to Millennials

   

Assigned

5-4-2022

 

 

Due

5-10-2022

WEEK 15

Chapter 32: Shocks and Responses: 2000 to the Present

Introduction: Shocks and Responses: 2000 to the Present

 32.1: George W. Bush and the War on Terror

 32.2: Bush's Second Term as President

 32.3: Barack Obama: America's First African American President

32.4: Obama's First Term as President

32.5: Obama's Second Term as President

32.6: The Persistent Past and the Imponderable Future

 Summary: Shocks and Responses: 2000 to the Present

    Shared Writing: The Future

Chapter 32 Quiz: Shocks and Responses: 2000 to the Present

LAST DAY TO TAKE EXAM 5 IS MAY 10th, 2022.

NOTICE this assignment and the last Exam MUST be completed by May 10th.

5-8-2022

Main Exam 5 - Final- First day   - EXAM 5 will be posted this morning.

5-9-2022

Main Exam 5 continued today

5-10-2022

 

Main Exam 5 - last day. The Exam will end at 11:30 pm, you should begin the exam by 10:30 pm at the latest. This is Tuesday of Finals Week. This is the last day to take the final in this class.

 

Additional Information

http://www.actx.edu

Syllabus Created on:

01/17/22 2:22 PM

Last Edited on:

01/17/22 2:22 PM