Welcome to U.S. History 2 (HIST 1302) Section/Synonym 47086-056

Course Syllabus - Spring 2016

Dr. T. Thomas

Austin Community College

 

All Course materials Copyright © 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 January 20th.

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Ø  Students who chronically disrupt the class by arriving late or leaving early will be withdrawn from the course.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.

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.

(Driving instructions at bottom of my homepage: www.austincc.edu/tmthomas)

Email: (the fastest way to communicate with me)

tmthomas@austincc.edu

 

Phone & voicemail: (512) 223-8164    

Urgent message: call History Dept at 223-3385.

 

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 History Dept at 223-3385.

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.

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. 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, 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  WHEN ORDERING ONLINE, USE THE ISBN NUMBER (below) to make sure you have the right textbook.

 

TEXTBOOK

WHERE TO PURCHASE

ISBN: 978-1-4576-6839-5

 

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.macmillanhighered.com/Catalog/Product.aspx?isbn=1457668394

 

You might be able to locate a USED copy for less money, at ACC Bookstores and elsewhere.

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.  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 1302 class, in this same classroom, from 12 noon to 1:20 pm. No permission necessary.

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 April 25th

 

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 25th. You can withdraw ON April 25th.

 

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 the reasonable access of 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. 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.

 

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKING THIS COURSE

 

This is a college course and all students enrolled in this course will be treated as college students. If you are taking this course, you are considered a college student.

Ø  Unless there is an emergency, I will not speak to, nor will I correspond with, your parents or guardians.

Ø  If there are any absences, problems or issues, you need to speak with me or correspond with me yourself. 

Ø  All sections of this syllabus and orientation pertain equally to all students in this course, regardless of age or educational status.

Ø  Regardless of their age, high school students who are enrolled in a college course are protected by Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974,

Ø  In compliance with this Act, I will not discuss your grades or your academic progress with your parents or guardians.

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

 

WARNING: Any type of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any act of plagiarism and/or other type of academic dishonesty will result in you receiving the grade of "F" for the course.

 

Academic dishonesty – cheating - is defined as fraud, deceit, or dishonesty in an academic assignment. It includes:

v  Copying or attempting to copy from others during an examination;

v  Copying or attempting to copy from others an assignment;

v  Communicating examination information to, or receiving such information from, another person;

v  Violating ACC Testing Center policies;

v  Using, attempting to use, or assisting others in using materials that are prohibited during examination in question, such as: books, Web sites, prepared answers, written notes, or concealed information;

v  Allowing others to do one's assignment or a portion of one's assignment;

v  Using a commercial term paper service or otherwise acquiring a 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  Exam 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 serious medical issues or problems.

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 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 9th.  No re-testing after May 9th.

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. 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 at the start of class on the due date.

Ø  Assignments will be collected at the start of class on the due date. 

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). 

 

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

·        IMPORTANT: If your "Incomplete" is not completed by July 5, 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 - SPRING 2016

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 20                         Introduction/Syllabus  

Jan 25                        The Contested West                                                   Chapter 17

Jan 27 - Feb 1           Business & Politics in the Gilded Age                          Chapter 18

Feb 3 - 8              The City & Its Workers                                              Chapter 19

Feb 10 - 15                Dissent, Depression, & War                                         Chapter 20

 

Feb 17                  UNIT 1 EXAM                                                           CHAPTERS 17 - 20

 

Feb 22 - 24                Progressivism                                                               Chapter 21

Feb 29 - Mar 7       World War I                                                               Chapter 22

Mar 9                          From the New Era to Great Depression                      Chapter 23

 

Mar 14 - 16               SPRING BREAK                                                          COLLEGE CLOSED

 

Mar 21                        UNIT 2 EXAM                                                           CHAPTERS 21 – 23

 

Mar 23                 The New Deal Experiment                                           Chapter 24

Mar 28 - 30              The U.S. & The Second World War                            Chapter 25

Apr 4                   Cold War Politics in the Truman Years                       Chapter 26

Apr 6                          The Politics & Culture of Abundance                          Chapter 27                 

Apr 11                  NO CLASS - Research Day

Apr 13                  The Politics & Culture of Abundance  - Part 2            Chapter 27

 

Apr 18                         UNIT 3 EXAM                                                           CHAPTERS 24 – 27

 

Apr 20                  Book Analysis Assignment Due

Apr 20                  The Sixties                                                                 Chapter 28

Apr 25 - 27           Vietnam & the Limits of Power                                    Chapter 29

May 2 - 4              Civil Rights                                                                 Various Chapters

May 9                          1970s - End of the Cold War                                       Chapters 30 - 31

 

May 9                   Retest Deadline (Exams 1 - 3)                        Testing Center (7th fl)

 

May 11                        UNIT 4 EXAM                                                           CHAPTERS 28 – 31