SYLLABUS for HISTORY 1301

DR. H. REN KENT
OFFICE: 2130
OFFICE HOURS: 12:00-2:00p.m., M. T, W,Th. and 4 hours by appointment
Phone: 223-4860
Dr. Kent's e-mail address: renk@austin.cc.tx.us

TEXT: America: Past and Present, Robert Divine, et. al.vol.1,5th ed.

Internet address for Dr. Kent's courses:(index.html)
Then click on History 1301

SCOPE OF COURSE:

This course is a survey of American history from exploration and settlement through Reconstruction . The approach will be a thematic one in that it will focus on certain selected themes such as the political, diplomatic, economic, and cultural facets of the American experience.

REQUIREMENTS, TESTS, PAPERS AND GRADING SYSTEM:

You will be expected to read the text, attend lectures, participate in class discussions, and write some papers for a grade above C, depending on your overall test score.

• There will be four (4) unit tests, each covering four chapters of the text.
• Each test will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions derived from the 23 learning objectives found in a separate handout and on a separate page of this web site (Learning_Objectives_-Histo.html).
• Each test is worth 100 points. Many, but by no means all, of the questions will be covered in the lectures and the computer tutorials found in the computer lab and on the web site.
• The computer tutorials consist of three extended essays for each of the four unit tests and will prove very helpful in studying and reviewing for the unit tests.  Click here to go to the tutorials.
• To make a C in the course you will need a total of at least 280 points (70%) on the four exams. To make a B you will need a minimum of 310 points and must submit one acceptable film critique. To make an A you will need the minumum 340 points and must submit two acceptable film critiques. Guidelines for the critiques of the films appear in a separate handout and on a separate page of this web site (Critique guidelines.html)

RETESTING POLICY

One retest is permitted for each unit test, with the final score being the average of the test and retest grades.  You must take the retest in the testing center within one week after the test grades are returned tothe class. The retest for Unit IV may be taken only in class during the last class period.

WITHDRAWALS

It is your responsibility, not the instructor's, to withdraw yourself from the course if for any reason you feel you will not make the grade you need in the course and do not want to run the risk of making an F.

November 23, is the last day to withdraw without grade.

ABSENCES

I have no policy regarding the number of absences you are allowed in the course. You are adults and know what you must do to pass. There is a high positive correlation between regular attendance and high grades. In cases where the grade is borderline, say two or three points shy of a B, a student who has attended class faithfully might have the grade raised to the higher letter grade.

INCOMPLETES - Incompletes are permitted only if you have satisfactorily completed three of the four unit tests. If you find that you need to take an incomplete you must inform the instructor five days before the semester ends, and come to the instructor's office before the end of the semester to sign the necessary form.  You will have until one month into the next semester to complete the course.  If you do not your grade will automatically become an F.

Return to Kent's Web Site (index.html)