Welcome to U.S. History 2 (HIST 1302) Section-Synonym 95817-007
Course
Syllabus – Spring 2020
All materials
copyright Dr. T. Thomas, 2020
THIS
CLASS
Class
meets Mondays & Wednesdays, 9 – 10:20 am at South
Austin Campus (SAC)
Room 1318 (3rd floor
Ø The first day of
class is Wednesday, January 22nd.
Ø You are expected to
arrive on time and to stay for the entire class.
SOME BASICS of
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
In
order to ensure respect for the rights of everyone in class:
Ø Students who
chronically disrupt the class by arriving late or leaving early will be
withdrawn from the class.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 attend my other class, which meets from 12
noon – 1:20 pm in this same classroom.
Ø Recording lectures is
permitted.
Ø Use of cell phones,
smart watches, tablets, text messaging, etc. is not permitted. All electronic
devices must be turned to “silent” and stowed where you cannot see them
– for example, in a backpack or purse.
Ø Use of computers in
the classroom 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 in
the classroom is not permitted.
Ø Taking notes is
required.
Taking notes helps you to be present and engaged in the class, it enhances your
learning of the course material, and it is a useful and transferable skill.
Ø Use of food, tobacco,
smoke, &/or vapor products in class is prohibited. Covered drinks
are OK.
YOUR PROFESSOR
|
Mailing Address: Dr. T. Thomas ACC – History 1820 West Stassney
Lane Austin, TX 78745 Office Hours: Mon & Wed 10:30 - 11:30 am & 1:30 -
3 pm. Other days/times by appointment My office is at South Austin Campus (SAC) Office 1321.2 (3rd floor; enter through room
1321) |
Email: (the fastest way to communicate with me) Phone &
voicemail: (512) 223-9255 Urgent message: call History Dept at 223-3385. Website: |
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 512-223-9255. For URGENT
messages, call the History Department Office at 512-223-3385 - and ask them
to relay a message to me.
BLACKBOARD
Blackboard
is a course management system, where you can find your grades, copies of course
materials such as this syllabus, and class announcements. The log in page for Blackboard is located at:
https://acconline.austincc.edu/
Ø Class announcements
will be posted on Blackboard and sent to your ACC email. So, check Blackboard and ACC email regularly.
Ø You WILL need an ACC
electronic ID (ACCeID) to Log into Blackboard, so if
you’re new to ACC and you haven’t already, you can activate your ACCeID at: http://www.austincc.edu/help/acceid
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, digital images, 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 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 (some universities may
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. 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 standard
English 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 units, with each unit covering 3-4 textbook chapters.
Ø For each chapter/unit,
there are study
questions in a document
entitled “Study Guide”. I distribute the Study
Guide on the first day of class and it is also available to download from Blackboard
and 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 and the Study Guide questions.
TEXTBOOK
REQUIRED: James
Roark et al, The American Promise, Volume
2, Seventh edition. (see details below)
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 SAC 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 chapter(s) before class.
Ø There are TWO
VERSIONS of the textbook – details below. 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
# 978-1-319-06209-5 |
§
Available at ACC bookstores and other booksellers. §
This version is the more expensive version. It includes full color maps and pictures. |
|
“Value” Edition ISBN # 978-1-319-06200-2 |
§
Available
at
ACC bookstores and other booksellers. §
Same text as the full-color paperback above, but less expensive black and white
version, with fewer graphics. |
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, you’re encouraged to get class notes from a colleague in the class.
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 Monday, April 27th
If
you find that you are unable to successfully meet the course requirements, you
should consider withdrawing from the course to avoid any possibility of being
assigned a failing grade.
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.
Ø A “withdrawal” appears as a “W” on your transcript.
Ø A “withdrawal” does not affect your Grade Point Average (GPA) –
however, there MAY be negative academic or financial aid consequences if you
withdraw – or if you withdraw from too many courses.
Ø BEFORE you consider
withdrawing, read the state law information (“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 “Student Online
Services” web page (http://www.austincc.edu/onlineservices/).
Ø It is your
responsibility to complete the withdrawal process by the deadline.
Ø The deadline for
withdrawing is Apr 27th. You can
withdraw ON Apr 27th.
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 them through ACC's Student
Accessibility Services (SAS). Students
are encouraged to do this at least 2 weeks before the semester begins.
Ø Please let me know as
soon as possible which accommodations you’re requesting for this
class, and submit your Accommodations Form to me as soon as possible.
Ø SAS offices are
located on each of the ACC campuses. At South Austin Campus, the SAS office is
located in room 1112, on the 1st floor.
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.
Ø 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.
Ø It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at
all times.
Ø 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 Text of 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
(FERPA), I will not give information concerning your grades, academic progress,
or attendance to anyone (including your parents). In addition, I will not give
grade information over the phone.
Ø Unless there is an
emergency, I will not communicate with your parents or guardians.
Ø If there are any
problems or issues, you need to speak with me or correspond with me
yourself.
NOTE: ACC makes your “Directory
Information” (name, address, phone number, birthdate, and other information) available
to the public without your consent, unless you specifically request in
writing that this information NOT be publicly available.
For more information, and for instructions on how to restrict
public access to your Directory information see: http://www.austincc.edu/ferpa
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 are considered
college students.
Ø Regardless of your
age or high school status, when you are enrolled in a college course, your
privacy is protected by the Family Education
Rights and Privacy Act of 1974,
Ø Unless there is an
emergency, I will not communicate with your parents or guardians. With regard to academic issues, it is a
violation of federal law for me to communicate with anyone other than you.
Ø If there are any
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 (i.e., high school) status.
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. For
more information on policies concerning student rights and responsibilities,
see the ACC Catalog & Student Handbook, http://www.austincc.edu/catalog
Academic dishonesty – cheating - is defined as fraud,
deceit, or dishonesty in an academic assignment. It includes:
Ø
Copying
or attempting to copy from others during an examination;
Ø
Copying
or attempting to copy from others an assignment;
Ø
Communicating
examination information to, or receiving such information from, another person;
Ø
Violating
ACC Testing Center policies;
Ø
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;
Ø
Allowing
others to do one's assignment or a portion of one's assignment;
Ø
Using
a commercial term paper service or otherwise acquiring a writing assignment and
submitting it as your own;
Ø
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:
Ø turning in someone else's work as your own;
Ø copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit;
Ø failing to put a quotation in quotation marks;
Ø giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation;
Ø changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without
giving credit;
Ø copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority
of your work, whether you give credit or not;
Ø copying from a website without giving credit
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 Study Guide for this course will help
you to prepare for each exam. You’ll get
a copy on the first day of class. Be
sure to read page 1. You can also view and download the Study Guide from
Blackboard and from my website.
Ø The Study Guide is
for your use, to help you prepare for the exams - and is not submitted to me. We don’t review the Study Guide questions in
class.
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 grade is NOT included in your Exam Average for the
semester. It is graded simply “pass” or “fail”. A passing grade is 21 correct out of 30 (70%). 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 and the Study
Guide.
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 – unless the
absence is due to a serious, documented,
medical issue (see “Make-up Exam” below).
Ø You have two opportunities to pass exams 1 through 4. The first time you take an exam is called the
“INITIAL EXAM”. The second attempt is
called a “RETEST”.
Ø If you score below 70%
on the INITIAL EXAM, then you can take a RETEST. The maximum score you can make on a RETEST is
70% (See the “RETEST” section below for RETEST details.)
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 from a physician.
Ø Make-up exams may be
essay, multiple-choice or combination of these.
Ø Make-up exams, like
original exams, are graded on a numbered scale from 0 to 100%.
RETEST:
If
you score below 70% on an exam the first time it is given (in class), you may
take a Re-test.
Ø Retests are taken in
the SAC Testing Center (SAC 1135), on your own time.
Ø Review the Testing
Center’s policies at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/
Ø You may retest only
on Exams 1 through 4. There is no retest for exam #5.
Ø The highest grade allowed on the retest is a 70%. If you score above
70% on the Retest, you will get credit for 70%.
Ø If you score lower
on a retest than you did on the initial test, you’ll receive credit for the higher
of the two grades.
Ø You can take the
retest anytime on or before
Friday, May 8th. No re-testing after May 8th.
Ø If you need to retest
on an exam, I recommend you retest within one week of the initial exam, while
the material is “fresh” in your mind.
EXAM
SCHEDULE:
Ø Exam 1 Map Test Jan 29th
Ø Exam 2 Chapters 17 - 20 Feb 19th
Ø Exam 3 Chapters 21 - 23 Mar 23rd
Ø Exam 4 Chapters 24 - 27 Apr 20th
Ø Exam 5 Chapters 28 - 31 May 13th (NOTE: no retest for Exam 5)
Ø Retest Deadline May
8th
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. Grades will be posted in Blackboard.
CRITERIA FOR ASSIGNING YOUR FINAL COURSE GRADE:
Ø For the grade of "A", there are THREE
requirements:
1.
you
must have a “passing” score on the Map Test AND
2.
you
must have an overall exam average of 85% or above AND
3.
you must submit an “accepted” Book Analysis by
the submission deadline.
The Book Analysis is addressed in a
separate handout and also available on Blackboard and on my website,
www.austincc.edu/tmthomas.
Ø For the grade of "B" you must “pass” the
Map Test AND have an overall exam average of 80% or above.
Ø For the grade of "C" you must “pass” the
Map Test AND have an overall exam average of 70% - 79%.
Ø For the grade of "D" you must “pass” the
Map Test AND will have an overall exam average of 60% - 69%.
Ø For the grade of "F" you will have “failed”
the Map Test OR have an overall exam average below 60%.
You will also receive
the grade of “F” if you violate the Academic Integrity policy for this course, as
discussed in the “Academic Integrity” section above.
Ø For the grade of "I" (Incomplete), you must have a
medical excuse certified by a physician, submitted 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 1, 2020, 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".
CALCULATING YOUR EXAM AVERAGE
Your final exam
average is calculated as follows:
Exam 2 grade
+ Exam 3 grade
+ Exam 4 grade
+ Exam 5 grade
TOTAL is then divided by 4.
This is your Final Exam
Average.
During the semester, you
can calculate your average as follows:
§ Add your exam grades,
then divide that total by the number of
exams you’ve taken.
§ For example, if
you’ve taken 3 exams, you’d add up the grades on those three exams, then divide that total by 3.
HINTS, TIPS & ADVICE
Ø PREPARE FOR CLASS: Read the relevant textbook chapter BEFORE
class (see the schedule below) so that you are ready to learn and 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: ALWAYS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. Proofread 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.
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.
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. 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
accommodations. 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.
Ø HISTORY TUTORS: ACC Campuses have Learning Labs, where you
can go to get help for your courses. The
Learning Labs offer help with many subjects, including HISTORY. If you need any help with this course, I’m happy
to help you - but I also recommend that you consult with a History tutor. The Learning Lab at South Austin Campus is
located on the first floor in Room 1138 – but you can visit ANY ACC campus Learning lab for help. View the Learning Lab locations and hours and
the tutoring schedule at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/learning-lab
SEMESTER SCHEDULE – SPRING 2020
Subject
to change at Dr.Thomas’ discretion – any changes will
be announced in class and on Blackboard.
Jan
22 Introduction/Syllabus
Jan
27 The “Contested” West Chapter
17
Jan 29 UNIT 1 MAP TEST See
STUDY GUIDE page 2
Feb
3 Business & Politics in the
Gilded Age Chapter
18
Feb
5 - 10 The City & Its
Workers Chapter 19
Feb
12 - 17 Dissent, Depression, & War Chapter
20
Feb 19 UNIT 2 EXAM CHAPTERS 17 - 20
Feb
24 - 26 Progressivism Chapter
21
Mar
2 - 4 - 9 World War I Chapter 22
Mar
11 From
the New Era to Great Depression Chapter 23
Mar 16
- 22 SPRING BREAK College
Closed
Mar 23 UNIT 3 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 4 EXAM CHAPTERS 24 - 27
Apr
22 - 27 Reform, Rebellion & Reaction Chapter
28
Apr 27 BOOK
ANALYSIS Assignment Due at start of class
Deadline
to WITHDRAW from Class
Apr 29 – May 4 Vietnam & the Limits of Power Chapter
29
May
6 America
Moves to the Right Chapter 30
May
8 (Friday) Retest Deadline (Exams 1 - 4) SAC Testing Center
May 11 Promises &
Challenges of Globalization Chapter 31
May 13 UNIT 5 EXAM CHAPTERS
28 – 31
(NOTE: no retest for Exam 5)
|
HIST 1302 |
STUDENT
INFORMATION FORM |
SPRING
2020 |
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.
PRINTED Name:
|
|
Name you prefer to be called (for
example, a nickname):
|
|
School/College you most recently
attended:
|
|
In this space, please write any
special information about you that you would like me to know, that may affect
your performance in this course (Kept strictly confidential):
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My signature below indicates that:
Ø I have reviewed a
copy of this syllabus, understand its contents, and agree to comply with the
requirements.
Ø I understand that if
I engage in academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, I will receive the grade
of “F” for this course;
Ø I understand that I
am responsible for meeting all deadlines and test dates;
Ø I understand that a
“D” or an “F” grade likely will 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 27th 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.
My Signature:
____________________________________________
Date: _________________________