Welcome
to U.S. History 1 (HIST 1301)
Section/Synonym 36721-032
Course Syllabus - Fall 2015
All materials copyrighted Dr. T. Thomas,
2015
THIS CLASS
Class meets
Mondays & Wednesdays, 12 noon to 1:20 pm at Pinnacle Campus (PIN) Room 402. The first day of
class is August 24th.
SOME BASICS of CLASSROOM
ETIQUETTE
In
order to ensure respect for the rights of everyone in class:
Ø You are expected to arrive
on time and to stay for the entire class.
Ø Let me know in advance
if you have to arrive late or leave early.
Ø If you cannot make it to class
on time, you can sit in on my other class, which meets from 9 am to
10:20 am in this same classroom.
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disrupt the class by arriving late or leaving early will be withdrawn from the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 is strictly prohibited. Tape recorders are permitted.
Ø Use of cell phones, IPods,
IPads, tablets, text messaging, etc. in class is not permitted.
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.
Ø Taking notes is required.
Taking notes helps you to be present and engaged in the class, and it is a
useful and transferable skill.
Ø Use of tobacco products
&/or vapor products in class is prohibited.
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
deadlines and 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. |
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 |
The fastest way to contact
me is by using email.
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 - and ask them to relay a message to me.
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 methods. (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.
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 partially fulfills that legislative requirement.
Ø By taking this course, you
can expect to improve or enhance your reading and writing competencies,
critical thinking skills, and research skills; skills that are transferable to
subsequent courses and to life outside of academia.
Ø You 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
be able to write at the college level - using
correct grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, paragraphs, vocabulary, etc.
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, Sixth 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 TWO VERSIONS of
the textbook. You may choose EITHER one.
Ø WHEN ORDERING ONLINE, USE
THE ISBN NUMBER (below) to make sure you have the right textbook.
|
VERSION |
WHERE TO PURCHASE |
|
ISBN
# 978-1-4576-6841-8 Full
color paperback |
Ø
Available at ACC bookstores and other Austin and online
booksellers. Ø
Also available directly from the publisher at http://www.macmillanhighered.com/Catalog/Product.aspx?isbn=1457668416 Ø
When purchased NEW, it is the most expensive version. It
includes full color maps and pictures |
|
Electronic
book (E-book) |
Interactive
ELECTRONIC book, available ONLINE from the publisher at: http://www.macmillanhighered.com/Catalog/Product.aspx?isbn=1457685698 Ø
About $60 for a one year subscription (one year access from
date of purchase). |
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 some ACC
libraries - 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
Distance Learning website
Ø The videos are OPTIONAL for
the course, but you may find them helpful in reinforcing the concepts you learn
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. If
you arrive late, you disrupt the class and infringe on the rights of others in
the classroom.
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 serious
medical reason(s).
Ø If you know you’re going
to be late or if you have to leave early, please let me know ahead of time.
Ø If you have to be absent
from this class on any day, please feel free to attend my other HIST 1301
class, in this same classroom, from 9 - 10:20 am.
Ø You are expected to
read the relevant chapter of the textbook BEFORE you come to class. See the semester schedule at the end of the
syllabus.
WITHDRAWING FROM THIS COURSE - Deadline is Nov
19th
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, at
http://www.austincc.edu/apply-and-register/registration-steps/drop-or-withdraw-from-a-class
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 19th. You
can withdraw ON Nov 19th.
Students
who disrupt the class will be withdrawn from the class. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not
limited to, chronic tardiness. Students
who disrupt the class by interfering with the free and respectful exchange of
ideas will be withdrawn from the class.
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.
Ø Students with disabilities
who need accommodations must request reasonable accommodations through ACC's Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
offices are located on each of the ACC campuses.
Ø Students are encouraged to
do this before the semester begins.
Ø Please let me know as soon
as possible how I can accommodate your special needs in this class.
Ø If you are requesting
accommodations, you must submit your Accommodations Form to me
Ø At Pinnacle Campus, the
SAS office is located in room 221.
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. There are no “stupid” questions and you will
not be ridiculed for asking questions. Students who disrupt the class by
interfering with the free and respectful exchange of ideas will be withdrawn
from the class.
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 directly.
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 or
scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any act of plagiarism and/or other
type of academic or scholastic 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 on any exam or assignment 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 derived
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 time and 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 on an exam is worth 3.33 points.
Ø Failure to take an exam on
the scheduled exam date results in a zero for that exam.
MAKE-UP EXAM:
Ø Make-up exams are given
ONLY for DOCUMENTED serious 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 It is your responsibility
to provide medical documentation.
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 7th. No re-testing after Dec 7th.
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. These
assignments are intended to help you acquire or enhance your skills in the
areas of historical research, documentation methods, and historical writing. At
the end of the semester, research assignments will be averaged and this average
will count as one test grade.
Ø It is YOUR responsibility
to get a copy of the assignment and it is YOUR responsibility to submit these
assignments on the due date.
Ø Assignments will be
collected in class on the due date. Assignments
submitted after the class period will receive no credit.
Ø Assignments submitted
after the due date will receive no credit.
Exceptions are given for documented serious medical
reasons.
Ø All assignments must be
typed and of a professional quality (i.e., must be stapled and with no tears,
creases, stains, holes, etc.). Cover
sheets or folders are not necessary.
Ø 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).
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 7th, AND you must have
completed and passed at least 3 exams.
·
IMPORTANT:
If your "Incomplete" is not completed by April 1, 2016, 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
Ø [YOU ARE REQUIRED TO] PREPARE 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. Answer every question, even if you
have to guess.
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 and will result
in a lower grade. Read and follow the assignment instructions. Get help from
the Learning Lab (PIN Room 600) if you need help with your general writing
skills or your 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. (Collaboration with other students, however,
is not permitted with the research
assignments.)
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. Request these accommodations
at the beginning of the semester.
Ø YOUR PROFESSOR: Do not hesitate to
consult with Dr. Thomas if you have any questions, doubts or uncertainties.
Call or stop by during office hours, make an appointment, or email at any time.
Seek help early in the semester; don’t wait until the end of the
semester to ask for help.
SEMESTER
SCHEDULE - FALL 2015
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
24 Introduction/Syllabus
Aug
26 - 31 Europeans and the
New World Chapter
2
Sep
2 The Southern
Colonies in the 17th century Chapter 3
Sep 7 LABOR DAY – no class College Closed
Sep 9 UNIT
1 MAP TEST See
STUDY GUIDE
Sep
14 - 16 The Northern
Colonies in the 17th century Chapter
4
Sep
21 - 23 Colonial America
in the 18th century Chapter
5
Sep 28 UNIT
2 EXAM CHAPTERS
1 - 5
Sept
30 - Oct 5 The
British Empire and Colonial Crisis Chapter
6
Oct
7 - 12 The War for America Chapter
7
Oct
14 - 19 Building a
Republic Chapter
8
Oct
21 The New Nation
takes Form Chapter
9
Oct 26 UNIT
3 EXAM CHAPTERS
6 - 9
Oct
28 - Nov 2 Republicans
in Power Chapter
10
Nov
4 The Expanding Republic Chapter 11
Nov
9 The New West & Free North Chapter 12
Nov
11 The Slave South Chapter
13
Nov 16 UNIT
4 EXAM CHAPTERS
10 - 13
Nov
18 The House Divided Chapter
14
Nov 19 Deadline to Withdraw Done Online in
Online Services
Nov
23 The Crucible of War Chapter
15
Nov 25 Research Day No Class
Nov
30 The Crucible of War Chapter
15
Nov 30 BOOK
ANALYSIS Assignment due
Dec
2 - 7 Reconstruction Chapter
16
Dec 7 Deadline to complete any
Re-Tests Testing Center
Dec 9 UNIT
5 EXAM CHAPTERS
14 - 16
|
HIST
1301 |
STUDENT
INFORMATION FORM |
FALL 2015 |
Please
PRINT the following information. This information is for Dr. Thomas’ use
only, is kept confidential and is not given to anyone without your
written permission.
|
Name
(PRINT): __________________________________________________________ School/College
you most recently attended: __________________________________________________________ |
Preferred
Phone Number: ______________________
In
this space, please write any special information about you that I should know, that may affect your performance in this course:
My
signature below indicates that:
Ø I have reviewed a copy of
this syllabus and understand its contents;
Ø I understand that if I
engage in academic dishonesty, I will receive the grade of “F” for this course;
Ø I understand what
plagiarism is, and that if I engage in plagiarism, I will receive the grade of
“F” for this course;
Ø I understand that I am
responsible for meeting all assignment deadlines and test dates;
Ø I understand that
assignments submitted after the due date will not be accepted, except for serious documented medical reasons;
Ø I understand that a “D” or
an “F” grade will NOT fulfill the Texas Legislative requirement for a semester
of U.S. History credit;
Ø I understand that the
deadline to withdraw from this course is November 19, 2015 and that it is MY
responsibility to withdraw myself from the class by this deadline;
Ø I understand that if I’m
excessively late to class, or am otherwise disruptive, I’ll be withdrawn from
the class.
|
Student's
Signature: _____________________________________ |
Today’s
Date: ________________ |