Welcome
to U.S. History 1 (HIST 1301)
Section/Synonym 17227-032
Course Syllabus - Fall 2014
THIS CLASS
Class meets
Mondays & Wednesdays, 12 noon - 1:20 pm at Pinnacle Campus (PIN) Room 402.
Ø Students are expected to
arrive on time and to stay for the entire class. Let me know in advance if you
have to arrive late or leave early.
Ø Students who chronically
disrupt the class by arriving late or leaving early will be withdrawn from the
course.
Ø Use of electronic devices
other than tape recorders and hearing aids is strictly prohibited.
Ø Students using cell
phones, IPods, IPads, text messaging, etc. will be asked to leave the class and
counted absent for the day.
Ø Use of computers is not
permitted. The existing research on whether digital
technologies enhance student learning is far from conclusive. Whereas these technologies
can without a doubt serve as useful “learning tools,” they tend at the same
time to function as forms of digital distraction that prevent students from
remaining fully “present” in the classroom. Additionally, students often inform
me that other students' devices are a significant classroom distraction.
Therefore, use
of computers is not permitted. See Dr. Thomas for exceptions.
Ø Taking notes is required.
BLACKBOARD NOTE: I do not post grades or
course materials on Blackboard. Course materials are posted on my website. Keep track of your exam and assignment
grades.
YOUR PROFESSOR
|
Mailing
Address: Dr.
T. Thomas ACC
– History 7748
Hwy 290 West Austin,
TX 78736 Office
Hours: Mon
& Wed 10:30 - 11:30 am & 1:30 - 3 pm and other days/times by appointment My
office is at Pinnacle Campus (PIN)
Room 815. (Driving instructions at
bottom of my homepage: www.austincc.edu/tmthomas) |
Email: (the fastest way to communicate with me) Phone
& voicemail: (512) 223-8164 Urgent
message: call History Dept Chair, Dr. Al Purcell, at 223-3398. FAX: (512) 223-8900 (make
sure my name is on cover page as the recipient) Website: www.austincc.edu/tmthomas |
A NOTE ABOUT EMAIL
The fastest way to reach
me is by email (tmthomas@austincc.edu).
I reply to ALL emails, usually within a few hours.
Ø If you send me an email,
please type something in the "Subject" space, such as "History
course". If you leave the Subject blank, your email will automatically be
deleted as spam ("junk" email).
Ø I answer EVERY email. If
you do NOT get a reply, please assume I never got your email and - either email
me again - or CALL me.
Ø You can leave a voice
message at 223-8164. For URGENT
messages, call the Division Office at 223-8132 OR History Dept
Chair, Dr. Purcell at 223-3398.
Ø I will notify you by email
of any important class announcements, using your ACC email address. Check your ACC email on a regular basis.
THIS COURSE
COURSE
OBJECTIVES & RATIONALE: This course will acquaint you with the basic
processes of United States History from the later Middle
Ages to 1877, using a textbook, classroom instruction, historical documents,
and multimedia techniques. (See also the ACC History Dept
website, http://www.austincc.edu/history/)
Ø This is primarily a
lecture course, but there will be opportunities for class participation and
discussion.
Ø This course emphasizes
analytical reading and analytical thinking skills and historical research
methods.
Ø The Texas legislature
requires students to take 6 hours of American history to graduate from a public
institution of higher learning in Texas. A grade of C or better in this
class helps fulfill that requirement.
Ø Students taking History
1301 can expect to improve their reading and writing competencies, critical
thinking skills, research skills, etc., all of which help students better
succeed in life outside academia.
Ø Students are expected to
read the relevant textbook chapter before class (see the Course Schedule below)
PREREQUISITES: In order to achieve
success in this course, you must:
Ø
have
a desire to learn
Ø
have
a desire to achieve
Ø
be
willing to accept personal responsibility for your success in this course
Ø
make
a commitment to fulfilling the requirements of the course
Ø
read
and understand English at the college-level
Ø
have a college-level reading comprehension and
vocabulary. If you cannot yet read at this level, it’s not likely that you’ll
pass this course; and so I recommend you first take developmental reading courses to improve your
reading skills, THEN come back and take this course
Ø
have
an understanding of basic geography concepts (e.g., hemispheres, longitude,
latitude, & difference between continents, countries, & cities)
Ø
have
a basic knowledge of world geography
Ø
have
a knowledge of basic political science concepts (e.g., legislative, executive,
judicial, monarchy, imperialism, impeachment, nationalism, suffrage, veto)
COURSE
ORGANIZATION: This course is divided into four units, with each
unit covering 3-4 textbook chapters.
Ø For each unit, there are study questions. The study questions are distributed by Dr. Thomas
on the first day of class and are also available to download from Dr. Thomas'
website.
Ø At the end of each unit,
an examination will be administered in class.
Ø The exam questions will be
taken from class lecture, the study questions, and the textbook.
TEXTBOOK
REQUIRED: James Roark et al, The American Promise,
Volume 1, Fifth edition.
Ø It is your responsibility
to locate and purchase a copy of the textbook.
Ø If you cannot afford to
purchase the textbook right away, there is an older version on reserve in
the PIN Library - for use in the Library.
Ø I recommend you purchase
the textbook BEFORE the course begins so that you will have it on the first day of the semester.
Ø There are THREE VERSIONS
of the textbook. You may choose to purchase ANY one of these three.
Ø WHEN ORDERING ONLINE, USE
THE ISBN NUMBER (below) to make sure you have the right textbook.
|
VERSION |
WHERE TO PURCHASE |
|
ISBN
# 978-0-312-66313-1
|
Full
color paperback. Ø
Available at ACC bookstores and other Austin and online booksellers.
Ø
You might be able to locate a USED copy for less money, at
ACC Bookstores and elsewhere. Ø
Also available directly from the publisher at http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/Catalog/Product.aspx?isbn=0312663137 Ø
When purchased NEW, it is the most expensive version (about
$106). It includes full color maps and pictures. |
|
ISBN
# 978-1-4576-1346-3
|
Black
and white paperback, called the “Value Edition”. Ø
It has the SAME text as the “full color” version (above) but
is less expensive because it is smaller and the photos are in black
and white. Ø
Available at various bookstores, including online. Ø
NOT available at ACC Bookstores. Ø
Available directly from the publisher for about $44 at: http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/Catalog/Product.aspx?isbn=1457613468 Ø
Approximately $35 - 50 when purchased new. |
|
Electronic
book (E-book) |
Interactive
ELECTRONIC book, available ONLINE from the publisher at: http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/Catalog/Product.aspx?isbn=1457608308 About
$51 for a one year subscription (one year access from date of purchase). Same
as the paper copy of the textbook, but accessible ONLY online for about $54. |
OPTIONAL: John Trimble, Writing
with Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing. ISBN #
013025713. This small, inexpensive book is especially helpful for those
who plan to write a research paper. You are not required to purchase
this reference book.
OPTIONAL VIDEOTAPES
Attending
class, & reading and studying the textbook are essential for success in this
course. However, you may also benefit from viewing videotapes designed
specifically for HIST 1301.
Ø There are 26 half-hour
videotapes in a series entitled "Shaping America".
Ø They're available in every
ACC library - you can view them in the library or check them out for viewing at
home. You can also view them via the ACC cable channels on Time Warner and
other cable companies in the area. The viewing schedule is online at ACC's Open Campus website. Click on
"Instructional Television" link.
Ø The videos are not
required for the course, but you may find them helpful in reinforcing the
concepts you learn in class or in reading the text.
ATTENDANCE
The
most successful students in this course are those who attend class.
Ø You are expected to attend
class and to arrive on time.
Ø If you miss class for any
reason, it is your responsibility to get class notes and assignments.
Ø If you miss class on an
assignment due date, it is your responsibility to get a copy of your
assignment to me on the due date. Late assignments are not accepted,
unless for documented medical reason(s).
Ø If you know you’re going
to be late or if you have to leave early, let me know ahead of time.
WITHDRAWING FROM THIS COURSE - Deadline is Nov
20th
If
you find that you are unable to meet course requirements, you should consider
withdrawing from the course to avoid any possibility of being assigned a
failing grade.
Ø BEFORE you consider withdrawing,
read the state law (“Six-withdrawal Limit”) on withdrawals from Texas public
colleges/universities, located in the ACC Student Handbook, online at: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/acaguide2.php.
Ø Withdrawal is accomplished
by completing a withdrawal form online at the “Online Services” web page
(http://www.austincc.edu/onlineservices/). It is your
responsibility to complete the withdrawal process.
Ø The deadline for
withdrawing is Nov 20th. You
can withdraw ON Nov 20th.
Students
who disrupt the class will be withdrawn from the class. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not
limited to, chronic tardiness.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
For
students with disabilities, ACC is committed to providing an equal opportunity
to access benefits, rights, and privileges of college services, programs, and
activities in compliance with state and federal law. Each ACC campus offers
support services for students with documented physical &/or psychological
disabilities.
Ø Students with disabilities
who need accommodations must request reasonable accommodations through ACC's Office of Students with
Disabilities.
Ø OSD offices are located on
each of the ACC campuses. Choose the OSD Office on the campus where you expect
to take most of your classes.
Ø At Pinnacle Campus, the
OSD office is located in room 221.
Ø Please let me know as soon
as possible how I can accommodate your special needs in this class.
YOUR RIGHT TO PRIVACY
In
compliance with the Family
Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, I will not give information
concerning your grades, academic progress, attendance, address, phone, or email
address to anyone (including your parents) unless you give your written
permission. In addition, I will not give grade information over the phone.
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
The
free exchange of ideas is vital to learning. Your comments and ideas, if
expressed respectfully, will be met with respect from your colleagues
and your professor. You are encouraged
to ask questions and to contribute to class discussions.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKING THIS COURSE
This
is a college course and all students enrolled in this course will be treated as
college students. If you are taking this course, you are considered a college
student.
Ø Unless there is an
emergency, I will not speak to, nor will I correspond with, your parents or
guardians.
Ø If there are any absences,
problems or issues, you need to speak
with me or correspond with me yourself.
Ø All sections of this
syllabus and orientation pertain equally to all students in this course,
regardless of age or educational status.
Ø Regardless of their age,
high school students who are enrolled in a college course are protected by Family
Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974,
Ø In compliance with this
Act, I will not discuss your grades or your academic progress with your parents
or guardians.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
WARNING: Any type of academic
dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any act of plagiarism and/or other type of
academic dishonesty will result in you receiving the grade of "F" for
the course.
Academic
dishonesty – cheating - is defined as fraud, deceit, or
dishonesty in an academic assignment. It includes:
v
Copying or attempting to copy from others during an
examination;
v
Copying or attempting to copy from others an
assignment;
v
Communicating examination information to, or
receiving such information from, another person;
v
Violating ACC Testing Center policies;
v
Using, attempting to use, or assisting others in using
materials that are prohibited during examination in question, such as: books,
Web sites, prepared answers, written notes, or concealed information;
v
Allowing others to do one's assignment or a portion
of one's assignment;
v
Using a commercial term paper service or otherwise
acquiring a writing assignment and submitting it as your own;
v
Purchasing or otherwise acquiring written work that
is not your own
Plagiarism
is defined as using another's work (whether printed, electronic, or spoken)
without crediting him or her. All of the following are considered plagiarism:
v turning in someone else's work as your own;
v copying words or ideas from someone else without
giving credit;
v failing to put a quotation in quotation marks;
v giving incorrect information about the source of a
quotation;
v changing words but copying the sentence structure
of a source without giving credit;
v copying so many words or ideas from a source that
it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not;
v copying from a website without giving credit
“Giving credit” means citing the source of your information. This is usually done using a footnote. If you use material from a website, book or
other source, you must give credit to that author by citing the source in a
footnote. See Dr. Thomas for assistance
with footnotes.
Any act of plagiarism or
other type of academic dishonesty will result in you receiving the grade of
"F" for the course.
(Above
definitions copied &/or adapted from http://www.laspositascollege.edu/facultystaff/honesty.php
and from http://www.plagiarism.org/learning_center/what_is_plagiarism.html)
EXAMS
There
are five exams, each consisting of 30 multiple choice questions (no essay
questions). You must take all five exams in order to receive credit for this
course.
Ø Test questions are taken from
class lecture, the textbook and the Study Guide.
Ø The first exam is a Map
Test that evaluates your knowledge of U.S. geography. You should be able to
locate the places listed on page 2 of your Study Guide.
The Map Test is not difficult - spend a couple of hours studying for it.
Ø Questions on the remaining
four exams are much more challenging than the Map Test - and so require
much more effort.
Ø Exams are graded on a
numbered scale with 100% being the highest grade, and anything below 60%
considered a failing grade. Each question is worth 3.33 points.
Ø Failure to take an exam
results in a zero for that exam.
MAKE-UP EXAM:
Ø Make-up exams are given
ONLY for DOCUMENTED medical reasons.
Ø You MUST notify Dr. Thomas
as soon as you know you will miss an
exam. Do not wait.
Ø It is your responsibility
to arrange a make-up exam with Dr. Thomas.
Ø Make-up exams may be
essay, multiple-choice, short-answer, or combination of these.
RE-TEST: If you score below 70% on an exam the first time
it is given (in class), you may take a Re-test.
Ø You may retest ONLY on
Exams 1 through 4.
Ø Retests are taken in the
Testing Center (PIN 706), on whatever day/time is convenient for you. Review the Testing Center’s policies at
http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/
Ø The
highest grade possible on the retest is a 70%.
Ø If you score lower on a
retest than you did on the original test, you’ll receive credit for the higher
of the two grades.
Ø You can retest on exams 1
through 4 on, or before, December 8th. No re-testing after Dec 8th.
Ø There
IS NO retest for the last exam, which is the Unit 5 exam.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENTS
On
a regular basis, Dr. Thomas will distribute research assignments.
Ø It is YOUR responsibility to
get a copy of the assignment and it is YOUR responsibility to submit these
assignments by the due date.
Ø Assignments submitted
after the due date will receive no credit.
Ø All assignments must be
typed and of a professional quality. If you don’t own a computer, there are computers
and printers available for your use in any ACC Library (PIN Library is on
the 9th floor).
At
the end of the semester, research assignments will be averaged and this average
will count as one test grade.
YOUR GRADE & HOW YOU EARN
IT
The quality and quantity
of the work YOU do determines YOUR final grade.
There are no “extra credit” opportunities in this course.
Your final grade is
calculated as follows:
Exam 1 (Map Test) grade
+ Exam 2 grade
+ Exam 3 grade
+ Exam 4 grade
+ Exam 5 grade
+ Research Assignment Average
TOTAL is then divided by 6.
This
is your Overall Average.
For students working towards an A, there is an
additional writing assignment, called a Book Analysis
The Book Analysis is addressed in a separate handout
and on my website, www.austincc.edu/tmthomas.
Ø For the grade of
"A" you must have an overall average of 85% or above AND submit an acceptable Book Analysis. IMPORTANT: You must complete an acceptable Book Analysis in order to be eligible
for an A in this course.
Ø For the grade of
"B" you must have an overall average of 80% or above.
Ø For the grade of
"C" you will have an overall average of 70% - 79%.
Ø For the grade of
"D" you will have an overall average of 60% - 69%.
Ø For the grade of
"F" you will have an overall average below 60%.
Ø For the grade of
"I" (Incomplete), you must have a medical excuse certified by a
physician, sent to Dr. Thomas no later than December 8th, AND you must have
completed and passed at least 3 exams.
·
IMPORTANT:
If your "Incomplete" is not completed by April 1, 2015, your "I”
grade will automatically become an "F" on your transcript. It is your
responsibility to complete the course in time to avoid the "F".
HINTS, TIPS
& ADVICE
These
have worked for other students:
Ø PREPARING FOR CLASS: Read the relevant textbook chapter BEFORE
class (see the schedule below) so that you are prepared to contribute to class
discussion.
Ø TEST-TAKING: Read each question very carefully and
completely; know what the question is asking. Read each response.
Eliminate responses that you know are wrong. When you have completed the
exam, go over it again and verify your answers. Answer the questions you know
first, then go back and answer the rest.
Ø WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: Proofread all your typed
assignments for typos, misspellings, incorrect grammar, etc. These types of
errors seriously detract from the quality of your writing assignment. Read the
assignment instructions before you begin the assignment. Get help from
the Learning Lab (PIN Room 600) if you need help with your general writing
skills or English language writing skills.
Ø RESEARCH ASSIGNMENTS: If you need assistance, consult a reference
librarian or Dr. Thomas. Read the assignment carefully and make sure you
understand what is required.
Ø STUDY GROUPS: When possible, get
together with 2 - 3 other students and form a study group. Work together to
complete the Study Questions, compare answers, quiz each other. Study groups
are a proven, effective means of attaining success in a course.
Ø SPECIAL NEEDS: Please inform Dr. Thomas
in advance if you require a special testing consideration or any in-class
accommodation. For example, a large-print exam and large-print class materials
will be provided for you if you have a sight
impairment.
Ø YOUR PROFESSOR: Do not hesitate to
consult with Dr. Thomas if you have any questions, doubts or uncertainties.
Call, email, or stop by during office hours or make an appointment. Seek help early
in the semester; don’t wait until the end of the semester to ask for help.
SEMESTER
SCHEDULE - FALL 2013
Ø The class will generally
follow this schedule.
Ø The schedule is subject to
change at Dr. Thomas’ discretion; changes will be announced in class.
Aug 25 Introduction/Syllabus
Aug 27 Europeans and the New
World Chapter 2
Sep
1 LABOR DAY – no class College Closed
Sep 3 Europeans and the
New World Chapter 2
Sep 8 The Southern
Colonies in the 17th century Chapter 3
Sep
10 UNIT 1 MAP TEST See STUDY GUIDE
Sep 10 - 15 The Northern Colonies in
the 17th century Chapter 4
Sep 17 - 22 Colonial America in the 18th
century Chapter 5
Sep
24 UNIT 2 EXAM CHAPTERS 2 - 5
Sept 29 - Oct 1 The
British Empire and Colonial Crisis Chapter
6
Oct 6 - 8 The
War for America Chapter
7
Oct 13 - 15 Building a Republic Chapter 8
Oct 20 The New Nation takes
Form Chapter 9
Oct
22 UNIT 3 EXAM CHAPTERS 6 - 9
Oct 27 - 29 Republicans in Power Chapter 10
Nov 3 The Expanding Republic Chapter
11
Nov 5 The New West & Free North Chapter 12
Nov 10 The
Slave South Chapter
13
Nov
12 UNIT 4 EXAM CHAPTERS 10 - 13
Nov 17 - 19 The
House Divided Chapter
14
Nov 24 The Crucible of War Chapter
15
Nov 26 Research Day No
Class
Dec
1 BOOK ANALYSIS
Assignment due
Dec 1 The
Crucible of War Chapter
15
Dec 3 - 8 Reconstruction Chapter
16
Dec 8 Deadline
to complete any Re-Tests Testing
Center
Dec
10 UNIT 5 EXAM CHAPTERS 14 - 16