United States History II Syllabus for 2023-2024
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Instructor Information

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

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.

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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.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

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.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

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.

Privacy Statement

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 .

Course

HIST-1302-DC003 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

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

Required text: David Emory Shi. America: The Essential Learning Edition, Volume Two, Third Edition. Ebook, InQuizitive, History Skills Tutorials, and Student Site. Copyright 2022; ISBN: 0393542904.

This text is available at the Amarillo College Bookstore, and it includes all of the tools you will need for the course. This text must be purchased as a new copy, not a used copy.

Supplies

Required supplies: Access to a reliable desktop or laptop computer (Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones are not reliable for taking exams or completing assignments, etc.) and a reliable internet connection.

Standard note-taking supplies; you should be taking notes as you study.

Required internet browser: Mozilla Firefox (available as a free download online).

Required software: Microsoft Word. A free version is available online at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/free-office-online-for-the-web You will not be using Google docs to complete assignments in this class.

Student Performance

Course Overview

This is an online, 16-week survey course in American History covering major topics in modern American History. As part of learning about these topics, you will also learn how to think critically about historical events. This will include acquiring historical skills and literacy, critical thinking, document analysis, and writing.

You must be prepared to complete coursework online and be a self-starter in order to be successful in this class. This means that you must be committed to completing readings and other assignments in a timely manner. Ultimately, you are responsible for your performance in class. This means you are responsible for knowing due dates, completing coursework, and turning your work in properly.

You will have tools to help you stay on track and complete your work successfully. Your first tool is your syllabus. Read it carefully! You have another powerful tool for a successful semester in Blackboard. Your Blackboard course page includes specific information for how you will proceed through the course. Start with the "Start Here" section, and follow all directions carefully.

 

Course Objectives

Throughout this course, you will:

  • Identify, define, and explain perspectives, ideas, cultures, classes, individuals, influences, and events in modern American history.
  • Determine and understand the motivations of peoples who lived during this time period. Evaluate how their ideas influenced their actions.
  • Compare viewpoints of peoples living during this time.
  • Assess and articulate how events in modern American history helped shape and were shaped by the character of its citizens.
  • Acquire and practice skills in critical thinking through reading, source analysis, listening, discussion, collaboration, and writing.

 

Accessing the Course

You will use Blackboard (accessed through AC Connect) for the following functions:

  • Communicating with your instructor and classmates (Use the message function inside the course page)
  • Taking quizzes and exams
  • Accessing course content including assignments, your textbook portal, and study aids
  • Completing coursework as assigned
  • Viewing grades

You must have full access to a working laptop or desktop computer and to the internet. You will not be able to complete coursework through use of a smartphone, since the Blackboard functions you will be using cannot be reliably accessed through your smartphone, Chromebook, or tablet. Most dual credit students use computers on their high school campuses, but you can also use your home computer if you have one. Use Mozilla Firefox as your web browser, since many of the functions you will need in Blackboard and on your textbook website to successfully complete this course will not work using other browsers.

As an additional communication tool, I have created a Remind class for this course. Instructions on how to use Remind and access our group will be covered on the first day of class. This tool does not take the place of other communication tools you will use in the course.

Course Work and Tools

This course is divided into four units; three units are each five weeks long, and the final unit is Finals Week. There are a variety of activities, assignments, and assessments that you will complete for each unit.. These are listed below, and are designed not only to help you learn about the facts of American History, but also to help you form connections with and understanding about the past. I hope you will enjoy making these connections!

Completing your work in a timely manner is your personal responsibility. If you have questions about the requirements or are unsure about how to complete the work, consult the syllabus, course schedule, and assignment instructions. If you still need help, contact me and I will be glad to assist you. If you do need to contact me, please do so at least two days before your assignment is due.
 

 

Assignments

Readings and InQuizitive

Weekly readings will include material from America: The Essential Learning Edition, Volume Two, Third Edition and, occasionally, other sources including film, primary source materials, etc. Together with each chapter you will complete InQuizitive assignments. There are videos and other materials that will help you understand and master the material. You will complete one chapter per week. Your total score in this category is the average of your percentage scores with one chapter score dropped. Periodically, I will update these scores in the grade book. If you have any difficulty acquiring or accessing the book, let me know immediately. Total points equal 200.

History Skills Tutorials

Part of learning about History is learning how to analyze historical sources and make your own argument based on the evidence. In this class, you will complete tutorials to learn basic skills. Then, you will have opportunities to use these skills as you analyze documents, watch interviews, and work with other historical materials. These assignments will help you complete your Common Assessment successfully. Total points for this category equal 100.

Common Assessment

Your Common Assessment is your term paper: it will focus on historical events using the documents of the time. You will analyze these documents and prepare your term paper using the documents provided. I will post the specific instructions for this assignment when appropriate. Total points for this category equal 150 points.

Challenges and Presentation Responses

These exercises include thought-provoking questions and presentations that will challenge you in different ways. You will explore questions involving bias, ethics, vocabulary usage in writing, and other issues. Each is unique and will help you grow your "cultural capital." There are 5 of these during the term. Total points for this category equal 100.

Exams and Quizzes

You will have three major exams in this class. Exams will include a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. I will provide you with a review sheet for each exam. Questions will be taken from the book, assigned source materials, class activities, and lectures. Each of these exams is worth 100 points for a total of 300 points overall.

You will have a syllabus quiz during the first week, and quick check quizzes throughout the semester. These are opportunities to test your understanding and skills before you take major exams, but will not cover everything you will see on a major exam. I drop the two lowest scores; total points equal 100 points.

Tutoring Policy:

If you earn a score of 75% or below, you are required to complete tutoring. Tutoring is assigned based on your specific needs and you must complete it as soon as you are given your tutoring assignments.

Extra Credit

If you would like to challenge yourself a bit more or need a grade boost, extra credit opportunities are available. I will make extra credit opportunities available at midterm and will accept your work until Wednesday during the last week of class (Finals Week). No more than 25 points of extra credit may be earned during the semester.

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

Classroom Conduct

Come to your virtual classroom prepared to learn. Complete assignments and exams on time. Bring all required materials and your enthusiasm for learning to class every day!

Acceptable student behavior is noted in the Student Handbook, and is listed under the heading: “Student Conduct & Responsibilities.” Consequences for violations of the Code immediately follow the explanation of expectations section. It is your responsibility to know and abide by this code of conduct while a student at Amarillo College. Beyond these requirements, always show consideration for every individual in the classroom. Be mindful and thoughtful of one another.

 

Academic Honesty

          Copying another person’s work is dishonorable and unwise. Do not do it. Cheating of any kind is unacceptable; if you cheat, you will be dealt with as outlined in the Student Handbook. In other words, if you cheat, you will not get credit for the assignment or exam and may also face more serious consequences. This includes copying other students’ work on exams, quizzes, and assignments, as well as copying essays written by others, using AI resources to create your essay, or turning in as original work assignments you have completed for other classes. If you use someone else’s ideas, you must give them proper credit. More details about these policies are listed below:

Amarillo College English and Cultural Studies Department
Plagiarism, Collusion, and Cheating Policy, Revised Spring 2024

The English and Cultural Studies Department takes academic integrity seriously.  Scholastic dishonesty, punishable as prescribed by Board policies, shall include, but not be limited to plagiarism, collusion, and cheating on a test or written assignment.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as “using exact words from any outside source without using quotation marks or properly citing them; paraphrasing words from any outside source without citing them; or using research from any outside source without citing it.”

Self-Plagiarism

Self-plagiarism is defined as turning in your own previous work to meet a current assignment.  This policy will be amended at the discretion of each individual instructor. 

Collusion

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing  work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Bard) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Cheating

“Cheating on a test” shall include:

  1. Copying from another student’s test paper.
  2. Using test materials not authorized by the person administering the test.
  3. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator.
  4. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of a pending test.
  5. The unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of the pending test.
  6. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.
  7. Bribing another person to obtain a pending test or information about a pending test.

Statement of Consequences

If you plagiarize, cheat, or collude, you will face consequences. Ignorance of the policy is not an excuse. Any work produced in part or in whole through plagiarism, collusion, or cheating may receive a penalty up to and including a zero for the assignment.  After assigning a zero, a subsequent infraction will result in a meeting the head of the Department and possible expulsion from the class. Another incident will result in a referral to the Vice President of Enrollment Management.

 

Integrity is vital to your success, and I look forward to hearing your own ideas and thoughts about history. If you have any questions about this policy, please ask.

 

Grading Criteria

Grading

Categories

Readings and InQuizitive Assignments: 200 points

History Skills Tutorials: 100 points

Discussions and Document Analysis: 50 points

Common Assessment (Term Paper): 150 points

Challenges and Presentation Responses: 100 points

Quizzes: 100 points

Major Exams: 300 points

 

Breakdown of Course Grades:

1000 total points possible

900-1000 points= A

800-899 points-= B

700-799 points= C

600-699 points= D

0-599 points= F

 

Tutoring Policy:

If you earn a score of 75% or below, you are required to complete tutoring. Tutoring is assigned based on your specific needs and you must complete it as soon as you are given your tutoring assignments.

Attendance

Attendance Policy

Attendance is vital to your success in this class but there are times when absences cannot be avoided due to illness, emergencies, or travel for educational purposes. If this occurs and will interfere with a scheduled exam or assignment, contact me immediately.  If you must miss class due to school activities or business must have your coach, director, or sponsor provide notice of the absence in advance of the activity.

Calendar

The schedule for assignments, exams, and other course requirements is available inside the Blackboard course. You will view this schedule on the first day of class and it will be available to you throughout the semester.

I reserve the right to modify assignments and due dates throughout the semester. For example, I may cancel an assignment or extend a due date.

Additional Information

Unique Circumstances and ADA Policy

If you require accommodation due to special needs, you must let me know immediately so that I can work with you. If you wait, for example, until the midterm exam before you disclose these needs, it will not be possible for you to retake exams or rewrite essays. You must also contact Student Services at https://www.actx.edu/arc/student-resources .

College expectations, personal and work pressures, and unexpected events in life are sometimes difficult to deal with. There is help available for anyone dealing with depression, grief, loss, anxiety, addiction, etc. The Amarillo College Social Services provides a variety of assistance options.

Emergencies

If you are on campus and an emergency arises in which you are asked to evacuate the building, do so immediately. Be prepared for emergencies by learning the locations of exits, fire extinguishers, and other information. You will find this information posted throughout the building. You should also have Amarillo College emergency contact phone numbers entered in your cell phone if you spend a significant amount of time on campus.

Syllabus Created on:

01/14/24 8:56 PM

Last Edited on:

01/15/24 1:10 AM