Welcome
to U.S. History 2 (HIST 1302)
Section/Synonym 25171-021
Course Syllabus - Spring
2015
All course
materials are copyrighted and are NOT to be posted online.
THIS CLASS
Class meets
Mondays & Wednesdays, 12 noon - 1:20 pm am 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disrupt the class by arriving late or leaving early will be withdrawn from the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.
Ø Use of tobacco products &/or vapor products in class are 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
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 |
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.
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 1877 to the present, 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
1302 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 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
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. 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. At the end of each unit, an examination will be
administered in class. 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 2,
Fifth edition. (an older version
will not be suitable for this course)
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-10: 0-312-66314-5 Full
color paperback for about $101 new (used versions for less $ are also
available) |
Full
color paperback. Available at ACC bookstores and other Austin and online
booksellers. Also available directly from the publisher at http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/Catalog/Product.aspx?isbn=9780312663148 When
purchased NEW, it is the most expensive version (about $101). It includes
full color maps and pictures. You might be able to locate a USED copy for
less money, at ACC Bookstores and elsewhere. |
|
ISBN-10: 1-4576-1347-6 Black
and white paperback for about $42 new.
It is called the “value edition”. |
“Value
Edition” Paperback, with black and white photos. Available at various
bookstores, including online. Also available directly from the publisher for about
$42 at: http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/Catalog/Product.aspx?isbn=9781457613470 NOT
available at ACC bookstores, but it may be available at OTHER local
bookstores or online. This is a less expensive version, since the photos are
black and white. |
|
ISBN-10: 1-4576-0831-6 Electronic
book (E-book) – same as the paper copy of the textbook, but accessible ONLY
online for about $53. |
Interactive
ELECTRONIC book, available ONLINE from the publisher at: http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/Catalog/Product.aspx?isbn=9781457608315 About
$53 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.
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.
Ø If you’re late, you’ll be
given a “blue slip”. If you accumulate
three “blue slips” you’ll be withdrawn from the class.
WITHDRAWING FROM THIS COURSE - Deadline is April
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, located in the ACC Student “Need to Know” section,
online at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow/
Ø Withdrawal is accomplished
by completing a withdrawal form online at the “Online Services” web page (http://www.austincc.edu/onlineservices/)
Ø It is your responsibility to complete the
withdrawal process.
Ø The deadline for
withdrawing is April 27th. You can withdraw ON April 27th.
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.
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 At Pinnacle Campus, the
SAS office is located in room 221.
Link
to all student
services at ACC
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.
Ø Your comments and ideas, if expressed respectfully, will be met with
respect from your colleagues and your professor.
Ø You are encouraged to ask questions and to contribute to class discussions.
Ø Students who interfere with the right of others to teach or to learn
will be withdrawn from the course
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
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 term paper 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 four unit exams, each consisting of 30 multiple choice questions (no essay
questions). You must take all four exams in order to receive credit for this course.
Ø Test questions are taken
from class lecture, the textbook and the Study Guide.
Ø Exams are graded on a
numbered scale with 100% being the highest grade, and anything below 60%
considered a failing grade.
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
Unit Exams 1 through 3.
Ø Retests are taken in the
Testing Center (PIN 706), on whatever day/time is convenient for you.
Ø 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 3 on, or before May 11th. No
re-testing after May 11th.
Ø There IS NO retest for the
last exam, which is the Unit 4 exam.
RESEARCH ASSIGNMENTS
On
a regular basis, Dr. Thomas will distribute research assignments in class.
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 grade
+ Exam 2 grade
+ Exam 3 grade
+ Exam 4 grade
+ Research Assignment Average
TOTAL is then divided by 5.
This is your Overall Average.
For students working towards an A, there is an
additional writing assignment, called a Book Analysis
(see Book
Analysis details in separate handout or on website).
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 May 11th, AND you must have
completed and passed at least 3 exams.
·
IMPORTANT:
If your "Incomplete" is not completed by July 15, 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:
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.
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. If you plan to take more college courses in the
future, you may wish to purchase an excellent, short guide to writing by John
Trimble, Writing with Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing.
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.
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.
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 - SPRING 2015
Subject to change
at Dr. Thomas’ discretion; any
changes will be announced in class
NOTE: There is a Chapter 16 in your textbook, but Chapter 16 is covered in History 1 - and not in this class.
Jan
21 Introduction/Syllabus
Jan
26 The
Contested West Chapter
17
Jan
28 - Feb 2 Business & Politics in the Gilded
Age Chapter 18
Feb
4 - 9 The City & Its Workers Chapter
19
Feb
11 - 16 Dissent, Depression, & War Chapter
20
Feb
18 UNIT 1 EXAM CHAPTERS
17 - 20
Feb
23 - 25 Progressivism Chapter
21
Mar
2 - 9 World War I Chapter
22
Mar
11 From
the New Era to Great Depression Chapter
23
Mar
16 - 18 SPRING BREAK COLLEGE
CLOSED
Mar
23 UNIT 2 EXAM CHAPTERS
21 – 23
Mar
25 The New Deal Experiment Chapter
24
Mar
30 - Apr 1 The U.S.
& The Second World War Chapter
25
Apr
6 - 8 Cold War Politics in the
Truman Years Chapter
26
Apr
13 - 15 The Politics & Culture of
Abundance Chapter
27
Apr
20 UNIT
3 EXAM CHAPTERS
24 – 27
Apr
22 Book Analysis Assignment
Due
Apr
22 The Sixties Chapter
28
Apr 27 - 29 Vietnam & the Limits of Power Chapter
29
May
4 - 6 Civil Rights Various
Chapters
May 11 1970s - End of the Cold War Chapters 30 - 31
May 11 Retest Deadline (Exams 1 - 3)
May 13 UNIT 4 EXAM CHAPTERS 28 – 31