Welcome to U.S. History 2 (HIST 1302) Section/Synonym
31704-021
Course Syllabus - Spring 2018
All
Course materials Copyright © T. Thomas, 2018
THIS
CLASS
Class
meets Mondays & Wednesdays, 12 – 1:20 pm at Pinnacle Campus (PIN) Room 402. The first day of class is Wednesday, January
17thth.
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 Students who chronically
disrupt the class by arriving late or leaving early will be withdrawn from the
course.
Ø Let me know in advance
if you have to arrive late or leave early.
Ø If you cannot make it to
class on time, you can sit in on my other class, which meets from 9 –
10:20 am in this same classroom.
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 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. 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. Other
days/times by appointment My
office is at Pinnacle Campus (PIN) Room
815 (8th floor) |
Email: (the fastest way to communicate with me) 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 |
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 512-223-8164. 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 1877 to the present, using a textbook,
classroom instruction, historical documents, and multimedia techniques.
By taking this course, you
can expect to improve or enhance your reading and writing competencies, critical
thinking skills, and research skills. These are skills that are transferable to
subsequent courses, to courses in other disciplines, and to life outside of
academia.
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 (some universities
require only a D) or better in this class partially fulfills that 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 and a desire to achieve to the best of your ability
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
a basic knowledge of world geography and an understanding of basic geography
concepts (e.g., hemispheres, longitude, latitude, & difference between
continents, countries, & cities)
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, 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 I recommend you acquire
the textbook BEFORE the course begins so that you will have it on the first day of the semester.
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 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.
TEXTBOOK |
WHERE TO PURCHASE |
“Value” Edition ISBN: 978-1-319-06200-2 |
Ø
Available
at
ACC bookstores and other booksellers. Ø
This version is usually the least expensive version. Ø
It contains the same text as the full-color paperback
(below), but is a black and white version, with fewer graphics, photos, maps,
etc.. |
Full color paperback ISBN: 978-1-319-06209-5 |
Ø
Available at ACC bookstores and other booksellers. Ø
This version is the more expensive version. It includes full color maps and pictures. |
OPTIONAL: John Trimble, Writing
with Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing. You can purchase any edition number. This small, witty, “informal” book is a great
guide for writing of any kind. 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 a couple of hours to read the entire 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. You will be withdrawn from the class if you’re chronically late.
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 9 – 10:20 am. 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 23rd
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/apply-and-register/registration-information/course-withdrawals
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 23rd. You can withdraw ON April 23rd.
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/support-and-services/services-for-students
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. 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 comply with the College’s policy
and 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
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. For details, see: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
FREEDOM
OF EXPRESSION
“Academic
Freedom” - 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, 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 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
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. For more
information on policies concerning student rights and responsibilities, see the
ACC Catalog & Student Handbook, http://www.austincc.edu/catalog
EXAMS
There
are four 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. Each correct question receives 3.33 points.
Ø Failure to take an exam on
the scheduled exam date results in a zero for that exam.
Ø Exams are NOT graded on a
“curve”. There are no “extra credit”
opportunities in this class.
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.
Ø Make-up exams, like
original exams, are graded on a numbered scale from 0 to 100%.
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
PIN 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 3rd. No
re-testing after May 3rd.
Ø There IS NO retest for the
last exam, which is the Unit 4 exam.
EXAM
SCHEDULE:
Ø Exam 1 Chapters 17 - 20 Feb 12
Ø Exam 2 Chapters 21 - 23 Mar 7
Ø Exam 3 Chapters 24 - 27 Apr 11
Ø Exam 4 Chapters 28 - 31 May 9
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 If you miss class when an
assignment is distributed, it is your responsibility to get a copy of the
assignment.
Ø If you miss class on an
assignment due date, it is your responsibility to get a copy of your
assignment to me (email, or other method) on the due date.
Ø Late assignments will
receive no credit. Exceptions are given
for documented serious medical reasons.
Ø All assignments must be
typed and of a professional quality - they must be stapled and with no
tears, creases, stains, holes, etc. & must conform to standard written
English, with correct grammar, punctuation,
and spelling. Your name on the
assignment must be typed.
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).
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.
Calculating your grade
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 requirement - called a Book Analysis
The Book Analysis is addressed in a separate handout
and also available on my website, www.austincc.edu/tmthomas.
Criteria for Assigning the
Final Course Grade
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.
YOU CANNOT GET AN “A” IN THIS COURSE UNLESS YOU SUBMIT AN
ACCEPTABLE BOOK ANALYSIS BY THE 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 May 7th, AND you must have
completed and passed at least 3 exams.
·
IMPORTANT:
If your "Incomplete" is not completed by July 5, 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
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: ALWAYS
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. 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: ALWAYS
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. If you
need assistance, consult a reference librarian, the Learning Lab (PIN 600), a
History Tutor (located in the Learning Lab), or Dr. Thomas. Read the assignment
carefully and make sure you understand what is required.
Ø STUDY GROUPS: When possible, get
together with a few 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 NOTES and 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.
Highlight key words and phrases in your notes.
Ø SPECIAL NEEDS: Please inform Dr. Thomas
in advance if you require a special testing or other in-class accommodation.
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 - SPRING
2018 – revised 12 Feb 2018
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 covered in this class.
Jan
17 Introduction/Syllabus
Jan
22 The Contested West Chapter
17
Jan
24 Business & Politics in the Gilded Age Chapter 18
Jan
29 - 31 The City & Its Workers Chapter
19
Feb
5 - 7 Dissent, Depression, &
War Chapter
20
Feb 12 UNIT
1 EXAM CHAPTERS
17 - 20
Feb
14 - 19 Progressivism Chapter
21
Feb
21 - 26 World War I Chapter
22
Feb
28 RESEARCH DAY – NO CLASS
Mar
5 From the New Era to Great Depression Chapter 23
Mar 7 UNIT
2 EXAM CHAPTERS
21 – 23
Mar 12 - 18 SRPING BREAK College Closed
Mar
19 The New Deal Experiment Chapter
24
Mar
21 - 26 The U.S. & The Second World War Chapter 25
Mar
28 - Apr 2 Cold War Politics in the
Truman Years Chapter
26
Apr 4 - 9 The Politics & Culture of Abundance Chapter 27
Apr 11 UNIT 3 EXAM CHAPTERS
24 – 27
Apr
16 - 18 Reform,
Rebellion & Reaction Chapter
28
Apr 23 BOOK
ANALYSIS Assignment Due
Deadline
to WITHDRAW from Class
Apr 23 - 25 Vietnam & the
Limits of Power Chapter
29
Apr
30 - May 2 America Moves to the Right Chapter
30
May
3 (Thursday) Retest Deadline (Exams 1
- 3) Testing Center
(7th fl)
May 7 Promises & Challenges of Globalization Chapter 31
HIST
1302 |
STUDENT
INFORMATION FORM |
SPRING 2018 |
Please
PRINT the following information. This information is for Dr. Thomas’ use
only, is kept confidential and is not given to anyone without your
written permission.
Name
(PRINT): __________________________________________________________ School
you most recently attended: __________________________________________________________ |
Preferred
Phone Number: ______________________
In
this space, please write any special information about you that I should know,
that may affect your performance in this course:
My
signature below indicates that:
Ø I have reviewed a copy of
this syllabus and understand its contents;
Ø I understand that if I
engage in academic dishonesty, I will receive the grade of “F” for this course;
Ø I understand what plagiarism
is, and that if I engage in plagiarism, I will receive the grade of “F” for
this course;
Ø I understand that I am
responsible for meeting all assignment deadlines and test dates;
Ø I understand that
assignments submitted after the due date will not be accepted, except for serious documented medical reasons;
Ø I understand that a “D” or
an “F” grade MAY NOT fulfill the Texas Legislative requirement for a semester
of U.S. History credit;
Ø I understand that the deadline
to withdraw from this course is April 23rd and that it is MY responsibility to
withdraw myself from the class by this deadline;
Ø I understand that if I’m
excessively late to class, or am otherwise disruptive, I’ll be withdrawn from
the class.
Student's
Signature: _____________________________________ |
Today’s
Date: ________________ |