Welcome to U.S. History 1 (HIST 1301) Section/Synonym
34378-031
Course Syllabus - Fall 2017
All materials copyright Dr. T. Thomas, 2017
THIS
CLASS
Class meets
Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:00 - 10:20 am at Pinnacle Campus (PIN) Room 402. The first day of
class is August 28th.
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disrupt the class by arriving late or leaving early will be withdrawn from the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 Recording lectures is
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 digital technologies and
student learning in higher education indicates that computers function as forms
of digital distraction that prevent students from remaining fully “present” and
engaged in the classroom. Additionally, students who are not using computers
report 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. Covered drinks are OK. Food is not.
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 |
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, they’ll be sent to 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.
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 history courses, to courses in other disciplines, and to life
outside of academia.
Ø This is primarily a lecture
course, but I expect and 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. A grade below C does not
fulfill the legislative requirement.
Ø You are expected to read
the relevant textbook chapter before class (see the Course Schedule below)
Ø For common course
objectives, see the ACC History Dept website, http://www.austincc.edu/history/
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. This course does require that you read the textbook, so if you
cannot yet read at the college level, it’s not likely that you’ll pass this
course. If you’re not at college level, 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, Seventh 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. You
don’t have to bring the textbook to class, but you are expected to read the
relevant chapters before class.
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: 1-319-06208-3 OR 978-1-319-06208-8 |
Ø
Available at ACC bookstores and other Austin and online
booksellers. Ø
Also available directly from the publisher at Ø
When purchased NEW, it is the most expensive version. It
includes full color maps and pictures. |
“Value” Edition ISBN 1-319-06199-0 OR 978-1-319-06199-9 |
Ø
Not available at ACC Bookstores, but may be available from
other booksellers. Ø
Available directly from the publisher at: 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, will take
you about 2 hours the read the entire book, and it’s an excellent guide for all
types of writing.
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.
Ø To view the videos online,
contact Dr. Thomas for the URL and password.
CAMPUS
CARRY OF CONCEALED HANDGUNS
The Austin Community College District concealed
handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government
Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while
maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students,
faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are
licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at
activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed
handgun policy. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their
handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact
the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.
Ø Full ACC Policy: http://www.austincc.edu/campus-carry/policy
Ø Campus Carry Webpage: http://www.austincc.edu/campus-carry
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 27th
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 27th. You
can withdraw ON Nov 27th.
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.
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.
Acquiring
fraudulent credentials through cheating raises additional concerns for
employers and institutions beyond ACC, who rely on ACC to certify a student’s
academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and
skills of the graduate.
For
these, and other moral and ethical reasons, academic or scholastic dishonesty
will not be tolerated.
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 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 The remaining four exams
include test questions that are derived from class lecture, the textbook and
the Study Guide.
Questions on these 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 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 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. 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 at the beginning of class on the due date.
Ø Assignments will be
collected at the beginning of class on the due date. Late assignments will receive no credit.
Exceptions are given at Dr. Thomas’ discretion for documented, serious
medical reasons.
Ø All assignments must be
typed and of a professional quality (i.e., they must be stapled and with no
tears, creases, stains, holes, & must conform to standard written English,
with correct grammar, punctuation, and
spelling).
Ø 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
The 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 available 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 11th, AND you must have completed
and passed at least 3 exams.
·
IMPORTANT:
If your "Incomplete" is not completed by April 1, 2018, 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, concerns 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
2017
Subject
to change at Dr. Thomas’ discretion - changes will be announced in class.
Aug
28 Introduction/Syllabus
Aug
30 Europeans and the New World Chapter 2
Sep 4 LABOR DAY – no class College Closed
Sep
6 Europeans and
the New World Chapter
2
Sep
11 The Southern
Colonies in the 17th century Chapter 3
Sep
13 The Northern
Colonies in the 17th century Chapter
4
Sep
18 Colonial
America in the 18th century Chapter
5
Sep 20 UNIT 1 MAP TEST See STUDY GUIDE
Sep
25 Colonial
America in the 18th century Chapter
5
Sep 27 UNIT 2 EXAM CHAPTERS 1 - 5
Oct
2 - 4 The British Empire and Colonial Crisis Chapter 6
Oct
9 - 11 The War for America Chapter
7
Oct
16 - 18 Building a
Republic Chapter
8
Oct
23 The New Nation
takes Form Chapter
9
Oct 25 UNIT 3 EXAM CHAPTERS 6 - 9
Oct
30 - Nov 1 Republicans in Power Chapter
10
Nov
6 The Expanding Republic Chapter 11
Nov
8 The New West & Free North Chapter 12
Nov
13 - 15 The Slave South Chapter
13
Nov 20 UNIT 4 EXAM CHAPTERS 10 -
13
Nov 22 Research Day No Class
Nov 27 BOOK ANALYSIS Assignment due
Nov 27 Deadline to Withdraw Online in
Online Services
Nov
27 The House Divided Chapter
14
Nov
29 - Dec 4 The Crucible of War Chapter
15
Dec
6 Reconstruction Chapter
16
Dec 8 Deadline to complete any
Re-Tests Testing Center
Dec
11 Reconstruction Chapter
16
Dec 13 UNIT 5 EXAM CHAPTERS 14 -
16