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
If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
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.
Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.
If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc
Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.
Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016
Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.
NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.
The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students. If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .
HIST-1301-020 United States History I
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
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.
(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)
Tech Supported
Shi. America: The Essential Learning Edition, VOL I- With Access, Third Edition. W.W. Norton & Company, 2022. ISBN: 978-0-393-54279-0
This text is required. If you purchase a used book, you will need to purchase access to online tools that accompany this book (an in-app purchase). If you would like to use an e-book, you can purchase it online on the first day of class.
Access to a reliable desktop or laptop computer, reliable internet connection, and online textbook are required. A hard copy of the book is also acceptable if purchased as a bundle with online tools access.
Mozilla Firefox must be installed as an available web browser. You will use this browser when accessing Blackboard and your textbook website. Other browsers such as Safari and Microsoft Edge are incompatible with the tools we will be using.
If you do not have Mozilla Firefox on your devices, find free download options here: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
This is a Tech-Supported, 8-week course. It is fast-paced. To be successful, you will need to be familiar with the syllabus and course schedule and follow these carefully. You must have full access to a working computer (desktop or laptop) and to the internet. You will not be able to complete coursework using your smartphone, since some of the Blackboard functions you will be using may not work properly using smartphone or tablet technology.
Attend class regularly and communicate with me if you must miss a class or if you need to leave class early.
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".
Course and Contact Information:
Class Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 7:00 PM - 9:45 PM; Meetings are on ZOOM
Office Hours: T/TH: 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM, or by appointment. Conducted in person or via ZOOM
Office: Social Sciences Adjunct office, Dutton Hall
Phone:
Email: Utilize the course email function in Blackboard only. Follow the link named Send Email.
Course Overview
This is an 8-week Lecture survey course in American History covering the Pre-Columbian world to to 1877. As part of learning about this period, you will also learn how to think critically about historical events, evaluate primary and secondary sources, compare viewpoints, and share your analyses of these events and materials through written and verbal forms. This course will be given in a tech-supported format, which means that we will conduct classes using Zoom and other similar technologies, and you will be viewing some course content in a pre-recorded format.
You must be prepared to complete coursework online, work with others in class, and be a self-starter to be successful. You must be committed to completing readings and other assignments in a timely manner, and come to class prepared to discuss topics outlined in the course schedule.
All students must attend class in order to achieve a passing grade. If you are having challenges with class attendance, please contact me immediately.
As a student in this class, you can expect me to be prepared to teach you each day, and to answer your questions about the topics we discuss. I will respond to emails and other communications within 24 hours on weekdays, and will work to help you achieve the course objectives in this class.
Course Objectives
Throughout this course, students will:
Classroom Conduct
Come to class prepared to learn and contribute each day. Complete assigned materials each week. Bring a notebook, pencil or pen, and your book to all class meetings. When you enter the classroom, enable your video feed so class members and your instructor can see you. This is required as part of your participation score in the course.
Acceptable student behavior is explained in the Student Handbook and is listed under the heading: “Student Conduct & Responsibilities” beginning on page 16 and continuing through page 17. Consequences for violating the Code immediately follow. There is also an explanation of expected student behavior in this section. It is your responsibility to know and abide by this code of conduct while a student at Amarillo College.
You are expected to show respect for every individual in the classroom. Harassing or disrespecting others on any basis is inappropriate. Be mindful and respectful of one another, and use this opportunity to learn more about differing viewpoints and experiences.
Cell phone use including texting and taking calls during class is rude and will harm your participation grade. Using phones is acceptable when technology is required during the class time.
There will be class activities during which you will be free to use your own technology such as smart phones. Otherwise, turn your cell phones off before class begins unless this is your means of attending class. Again, if you must use them to participate effectively (such as during an online session or meeting), this use is acceptable.
College expectations, personal and work pressures, and unexpected events in life can be challenging. There is help available for anyone dealing with depression, grief, loss, anxiety, addiction, etc. Amarillo College Social Services can help. Their contact number is 806-371-5439. Services are professional and confidential. Follow this link to view these services: https://www.actx.edu/socialservices/ .
Course Work
I will list all assignments in your weekly checklists, on the course schedule, or announce them in class. All assignments are available in Blackboard or on the companion website for your textbook. Review the syllabus and schedule often to check due dates and course expectations. You are responsible for completing all assignments in a timely manner, and for staying informed about what is expected of you. If you have questions about the requirements or are unsure about how to complete the work, consult the syllabus and the assignment instructions first. If you are still in need of help, contact me at least two days before the assignment is due and I will be glad to assist you.
You will use Blackboard and the companion website for your textbook for the following functions:
Readings and Assignments
Weekly readings will include material from America; the Essential Learning Edition, vol. 1 and occasionally other sources. You will complete about two chapters of reading each week. Be prepared to comment on what you have read. For all chapters, you will complete content mastery exercises in InQuizitive, an interactive and personalized tool, as you progress through the text. For some chapters, you will complete Thinking Like an Historian exercises. You will also complete History Skills Tutorials which will help you learn how to identify and analyze primary and secondary sources. At the end of the semester, I will drop your lowest InQuizitive score.
Scores from Thinking Like an Historian, History Skills Tutorials, and your average from InQuizitives will count for a total of 350 points.
If you have any difficulty acquiring the book or completing your readings, let me know immediately. I will provide instructions for accessing the online materials during our first class meeting.
Note: If you are unable to access your online materials (if you purchased a used book) this week, as an invited member of this course you have temporary access to online exercises and tutorials. This means you can begin your readings and assignments right away.
Term Paper (Common Assessment)
You will have one formal writing assignment focused on primary source analysis and comparison. There are three distinct steps in this assignment. First, you will complete the History Skills Tutorials (see above). Second, choose one set of documents to analyze and compare; I will provide these to you in the assignment. When you have thoroughly read and analyzed the documents, you will write an essay based on the text, your analysis, and any additional research of the topic. You will upload your rough draft to the dropbox provided and then take your rough draft to the Writer's Corner for help with completing your final draft. Third, upload your complete project, which includes your finished essay and your sources cited page (your bibliography) to the dropbox provided in Blackboard. The rough draft and your completed essay including the sources cited page are worth a total of 150 points.
Exams
You will have two quizzes and two major exams in this class. They will include a variety of question types, including essay questions. Questions are from the book, assigned source materials, class activities, and lectures. Each exam is worth 100 points, and each quiz is worth 50 points.
Participation and Class Activities
Attendance is directly connected to your success; each day that you are present and completing in-class activities, unannounced quizzes, and responses to pre-recorded lectures, you will earn participation points. Full participation is necessary for you to be successful in the class, and points will be assessed for each activity including a syllabus assignment, document analyses, responses to pre-recorded lectures, and in-class discussions. All work in this category totals 200 points.
Extra Credit
Students may earn extra credit throughout the semester. You may earn up to 25 points. Extra credit opportunities will be announced in class or in Blackboard.
Grading
Attendance, Class Activities, Lecture Responses, and Participation: 200 points
InQuizitive Activities: 150 points
Thinking Like an Historian Exercises: 100 points
History Skills Tutorials: 100 points
Term Paper: 150 points
Quizzes: 100 points
Exams: 200 points
Grade Breakdown:
1000 total points available
900-1000 points= A
800-899 points= B
700-799 points= C
600-699 points= D
0-599 points= F
Attendance is vital to your success in this class and is required. There are times when absences cannot be avoided due to a variety of reasons including illness, emergencies, or travel for athletic or educational purposes. If this occurs, contact me immediately. If you must miss class due to college activities or business, have your coach, director, or sponsor provide notice of the absence in advance of the activity. Such absences are excused if you notify me in advance.
Your course calendar is available during our first class session. Weekly folders and checklists will open each week during the term.
I may modify some syllabus items throughout the term. If this is needed, I will note the changes for you.
If you are not doing as well as you had expected in this course and are concerned about your progress, please speak to me about your concerns. I will be glad to help you.
08/20/23 10:15 PM
08/20/23 10:27 PM