Welcome to U.S. History 1 (HIST 1301) Section/Synonym 10346-031

Course Syllabus - Fall 2016

Dr. T. Thomas

Austin Community College

 

All materials copyright Dr. T. Thomas, 2016

 

THIS CLASS

Class meets Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:00 - 10:20 am at Pinnacle Campus (PIN) Room 402. The first day of class is August 29th. 

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 12 noon to 1:20 pm 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Ø  Students who chronically disrupt the class by arriving late or leaving early will be withdrawn from the course.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. All electronic devices must be stowed away from your desktop.

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 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” and engaged 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, smoke, &/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)

tmthomas@austincc.edu

 

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 History Department Office at 512-223-3385 - and ask them to relay a message to me.

Ø  If there are any important class announcements. I’ll send any emails to you at your ACC email address, so 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 I encourage 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, to courses in other disciplines, 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.  I distribute the study questions on the first day of class and they are also available to download from my 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 acquire a copy of the textbook.  Some students purchase the textbook; some rent it.  It’s your choice.

Ø  If you cannot afford to acquire the textbook right away, there is an older version on reserve in the PIN Library - for use in the Library.

Ø  I recommend you acquire 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

Full color paperback

ISBN-10: 1-4576-6841-6;

Or

ISBN-13: 978-1-4576-6841-8                    

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.

Ø  You should be able to purchase a less-expensive, “used” copy at ACC bookstores.

“Value” Edition

ISBN-10: 1-4576-8793-3;

or

ISBN-13: 978-1-4576-8793-8

Ø  Not available at ACC Bookstores, but may be available from other booksellers.

Ø  Available directly from the publisher at:

http://www.macmillanlearning.com/Catalog/product/americanpromisevalueeditionvolume1-sixthedition-roark

Ø  Same text as the full-color paperback above, but less expensive black and white version, with fewer graphics

OPTIONAL: John Trimble, Writing with Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing. ISBN # 013025713. This small, inexpensive book is especially helpful for students who plan to do any type of writing in college. You are not required to purchase this reference book but I encourage you to get a copy and read it at some point early in your college career - it’s a quick read - and will take you about 2 hours the read the entire 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.

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 (via email or other method). 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 12 noon to 1:20 pm.

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 28th

 

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 28th. You can withdraw ON Nov 28th.

 

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 at least 2 weeks 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 as soon as possible.

Ø  At Pinnacle Campus, the SAS office is located in room 221.

 

Link to other Student Services at ACC: http://www.austincc.edu/current-students

 

 

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

 

Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution.

 

The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students’ academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates.

 

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.

Violation of Testing Center policies while using the testing center will also result in a failing grade for this 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.

 

For more information on policies concerning student rights and responsibilities, see the ACC Student Handbook, https://drive.google.com/a/austincc.edu/file/d/0B-EwSafm0XzVd3F5Y1ZXS0x4WUU/view

 

(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 9th.  No re-testing after Dec 9th.

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 take-home 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.

 

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, & must conform to standard written English, with correct grammar and punctuation, etc.). 

Ø  Cover sheets or folders are not necessary, but multiple-paged assignments must be stapled.

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). 

 

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 also vailable on my website, www.austincc.edu/tmthomas.

 

Ø  For the grade of "A", there are TWO requirements:

1.     you must have an overall average of 85% or above AND

2.    you must submit an acceptable Book Analysis by the submission deadline. 

 

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 9th, AND you must have completed and passed at least 3 exams.

·        IMPORTANT: If your "Incomplete" is not completed by April 1, 2017, 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  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  CLASS POWERPOINT SLIDES: These are posted to my website after class.  I encourage you to review them and to review your class notes at least once a week.

 

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 during the first week 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 2016

Subject to change at Dr. Thomas’ discretion - changes will be announced in class.

 

Aug 29                         Introduction/Syllabus  

Aug 31 - Sep 7             Europeans and the New World                        Chapter 2

Sep 5                   LABOR DAY – no class                         College Closed

Sep 12                         The Southern Colonies in the 17th century     Chapter 3

Sep 14                 UNIT 1 MAP TEST                            See STUDY GUIDE

Sep 14 - 19                  The Northern Colonies in the 17th century      Chapter 4

Sep 21 - 26                  Colonial America in the 18th century               Chapter 5

Sep 28                 UNIT 2 EXAM                                  CHAPTERS 1 - 5

Oct 3 - 5                     The British Empire and Colonial Crisis            Chapter 6

Oct 10 - 12                  The War for America                                     Chapter 7

Oct 17 - 19                  Building a Republic                                          Chapter 8

Oct 24                         The New Nation takes Form                           Chapter 9

Oct 26                 UNIT 3 EXAM                                  CHAPTERS 6 - 9

Oct 31 - Nov 2             Republicans in Power                                       Chapter 10

Nov 7                          The Expanding Republic                                  Chapter 11

Nov 9                          The New West & Free North                          Chapter 12

Nov 14 - 16                  The Slave South                                              Chapter 13

Nov 21                 UNIT 4 EXAM                                  CHAPTERS 10 - 13

Nov 23                 Research Day                                   No Class

Nov 28                 BOOK ANALYSIS Assignment due

Nov 28                 Deadline to Withdraw                          Online in Online Services

Nov 28                         The House Divided                                          Chapter 14

Nov 30 - Dec 5            The Crucible of War                                       Chapter 15

Dec 7 - 12                    Reconstruction                                                            Chapter 16

Dec 9                   Deadline to complete any Re-Tests          Testing Center

Dec 14                 UNIT 5 EXAM                                  CHAPTERS 14 - 16