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Welcome to HIST 1302 DLC (Distance Learning) – History 2

Sections/Synonyms:

95869-067

95873-071

95875-073

95889-089

Orientation & Course Syllabus – SPRING 2020

16-week session

Begins January 21st

Dr. T. Thomas, Professor, History

Austin Community College

South Austin Campus

All Materials Copyright, Dr. T. Thomas, 2020

ORIENTATION & IMPORTANT EARLY-SEMESTER DEADLINES

Instructions: This is the orientation for my HIST 1302 distance education course. Read through this entire orientation. It takes about 20 minutes. At the end is a Student Information Form that you are REQUIRED to fill out and email to me on or by January 22nd.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are two EARLY deadlines for this class. The first deadline is January 22nd. You must email me your Student Information Form (found at the end of this syllabus document) on or by January 22nd.

The second early deadline is for taking a Map Test and that deadline is January 23rd. See page 2 of the Study Guide for Map Test information.

IF YOU FAIL TO MEET THESE DEADLINES, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE CLASS. This is because ACC policy requires that students who do not “attend” a class by a certain date are dropped from the class. So if you fail to send your Student Info Form or you fail to take the Map Test by the deadlines, I designate you as someone who “never attended” the class and you are automatically withdrawn. This may also negatively affect your Financial Aid. Contact me if any questions.

To successfully complete orientation:

read this orientation/syllabus. You are responsible for knowing the course requirements – so read them carefully.
fill out and return the Student Information Form (located on the last page of the syllabus) on or by the January 22nd deadline.
Return the Student Information Form by email to me at tmthomas@austincc.edu
download the study questions. You will need them to pass this course.
contact me with any questions you might have.
The FASTEST way to contact me is via email: tmthomas@austincc.edu

BLACKBOARD

§ Grades and important announcements will be posted on Blackboard and sent to your ACC email. Check Blackboard and ACC email regularly.

§ You WILL need an ACC electronic ID (ACCeID) to Log into Blackboard.

§ If you haven’t already, you can activate your ACCeID at: http://www.austincc.edu/help/acceid

§ Course materials (syllabus, Study Guide, etc.) are also available on my website, www.austincc.edu/tmthomas

§ Exams for the course are available in Blackboard. You’ll be able to see the Exam folders, but you won’t be able to “open” the exam. You have to go to an ACC Testing Center, where the staff member will enter a password that is needed to access the exam. For more details, see “Exams” section below.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

§ This course will acquaint you with the basic processes of United States History from 1877 to the present

§ This course is designed for students who can work independently, accessing course materials from my instructional website or from Blackboard.

§ Exams are taken on a computer in any ACC testing Center (no paper exams).

§ Distance testing outside of ACC is NOT permitted. ALL exams must be taken at ACC Testing Centers.

§ There are required deadlines for each exam.

§ On a regular basis during the semester, you’ll receive communications from me that are intended to help you achieve success in this course.

§ If you need assistance, you must be able to meet with me at South Austin Campus (SAC) during regular weekday business hours.

§ History tutors ARE available in the Learning Labs at most ACC campuses. Check with Learning Labs or see Blackboard for the tutoring schedule.

§ There are no classes to attend – you work on your own and seek assistance when needed.

§ There are 5 exams. Each exam is 30 questions, multiple choice (no essay exams)

§ There are study questions for each exam (available on Blackboard and on my website)

§ There is one required textbook (James Roark et al, The American Promise, Volume 2, Seventh edition– see “Textbook” section below for ISBN numbers.

§ There is a research paper required for an "A" – due at 12 NOON on Tuesday, May 12th. (TOPIC approval deadline is May 5^th.)

§ There is a book analysis required for a "B" (some students can earn an exemption from this requirement for a B; see “Grades” section below for details) – due at 12 NOON on Tuesday, May 12th.

§ communicate with me via email, by phone, or in person

YOUR PROFESSOR

Mailing Address:

Dr. T. Thomas

ACC – History

South Austin Campus

1820 West Stassney Ln

Austin, TX 78745

Office Hours:

Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30 – 11:30 am and 1:30 – 3 pm. Other days, by appointment.

All at South Austin Campus.

No nighttime or weekend appointments.

Email: (the fastest way to communicate with me)

tmthomas@austincc.edu

Phone & voicemail: 512-223-9255

Urgent message: call ACC History Department at 512-223-3385 and ask them to relay a message to me.

Website: www.austincc.edu/tmthomas

Office: My office is at South Austin Campus (SAC) room 1321.2

(on the 3^rd floor - enter through room 1321.)

A NOTE ABOUT EMAIL

§ Use your ACC Email address when you communicate with me.

§ Important announcements from me will be sent to your ACC email Address - so, DO check your ACC email on a regular basis.

§ I reply to ALL emails, usually within a few hours.

§ 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)

§ If you DON’T get a reply, please assume I never got your email and - either email me again - or CALL me. You can leave a voice message at (512) – 223-9255.

§ For URGENT messages, call the ACC History Department at (512) 223-3385. They will relay your message to me.

THIS COURSE

§ This is a distance-learning, independent-study version of the U.S. History course offered in the classroom.

§ You will be required to do the same amount of work and the same quality of work as students in the classroom version of this course.

§ This course is designed for mature and capable students with self-discipline, the ability to work independently, and self-motivation.

§ This is a very challenging and time-consuming course.

§ Your success in this course does require TIME, maturity, ability, self-discipline, time management skills – and college-level reading comprehension and vocabulary.

§ It MAY also require that you are able to travel to the South Austin campus during weekday business hours to meet with Dr. Thomas IF YOU NEED assistance in this course.

§ If you have ANY problems with the course and would like help with additional study tips and methods, please contact Dr. Thomas as soon as possible.

§ ACC also offers tutoring in the Learning Labs on ACC campuses. Contact the Learning Labs for a tutoring schedule.

§ Get help early - don't wait until the semester is almost over.

PREREQUISITES

You must be able to read, comprehend, and write in English at the college level. This is a very reading-intensive course. If you can’t read well, you won’t do well in this course.

In order to enroll in this course, you MUST be in compliance with the reading and writing portion of your TSI (Texas State Initiatives)-approved standardized test – unless you are exempt from the TSI testing.

§ You can take this class if you are TSI-compliant in reading and writing OR if you are TSI-exempt,.

§ Check with an ACC Counselor if you are unsure of your TSI status.

OTHER PREREQUISITES: In order to achieve success in this course, you must:

Have sufficient time to devote to the class;
Be a self-starter with self-discipline and good time management skills;
have a desire to learn and a desire to achieve to the best of your ability
be willing to accept personal responsibility for your success in this course
make a commitment to fulfilling the requirements of the course
be able to read and understand English at the college-level
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 if your reading skills are not at the college level, I recommend you first take developmental reading courses to improve your reading skills, THEN come back and take this course.
have an understanding of world geography and basic geography concepts (e.g., have a general knowledge of what these mean: hemisphere, longitude, latitude, & difference between continents, countries, & cities)
have a knowledge of basic political science concepts (e.g., have a general knowledge of what these mean: legislative, executive, judicial, monarchy, imperialism, colony, impeachment, nationalism, suffrage, veto)

Please note that you can take History 1 and History 2 in ANY order. Also, you can take both history courses at the same time, BUT it is a LOT of work – so don’t attempt to do this unless you have several hours per day to devote to reading and studying.

TEXTBOOK

ONE REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: James Roark et al, The American Promise, Volume 2, Seventh edition.

It is your responsibility to acquire a copy of the textbook.

§ You can purchase or rent the textbook from ANY source that you choose.

§ If you cannot afford to purchase the textbook right away, there is an older version on reserve in some ACC Libraries - for use in the Library. You can use it until you’re able to purchase the current edition of the textbook.

§ I recommend you acquire the textbook BEFORE the course begins so that you will have it on the first day of the semester.

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

There are TWO VERSIONS of the textbook. You may choose either of these:

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.

REQUIRED CONTACT

§ You are required to complete this online orientation and to email me your Student Information Form (at the end) on or by January 22^nd.

§ You are required to contact me after your 3^rd exam and again, after your 5^th exam. Send me an email listing the exam grades you’ve made so far.

WITHDRAWAL FROM THE 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.

§ BEFORE you consider withdrawing, see a counselor or 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

§ Withdrawal is accomplished by completing a withdrawal form online at the “Online Services” web page: http://www.austincc.edu/onlineservices

§ It is your responsibility to complete the withdrawal process.

§ You can withdraw BEFORE April 27th. You can withdraw ON April 27th.

§ If you fail to meet the first two course deadlines (submission of the Student Information Form by Jan 22nd and the Map Test deadline of Jan 23rd) -you will be automatically withdrawn from the course, per the College’s attendance certification policy.

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, located on each ACC campus.

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 Exams are NOT timed – you can have as much time as you’d like, as long as you arrive at the Testing Center in plenty of time before they close.

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, or attendance to anyone (including your parents). In addition, I will not give grade information over the phone. Unless there is an emergency, I will not communicate with your parents or guardians. 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 it NOT be publicly available.

§ For more information, and for instructions to restrict public access to your 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 professor. Be thoughtful and respectful in your public posts on Blackboard. I welcome your questions and comments in this course.

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.

§ Full ACC Policy: http://www.austincc.edu/campus-carry/policy

§ Campus Carry Webpage: http://www.austincc.edu/campus-carry

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKING THIS COURSE

§ This is a college course and all students enrolled in this course are considered college students.

§ 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,

§ 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.

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

§ 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.

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 it NOT be made public. For more information, and for instructions to restrict public access to your information see: http://www.austincc.edu/ferpa

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 is problematic 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 or other type of academic dishonesty will result in you receiving the grade of "F" for the course. This includes violations of Testing Center policies.

If you violate Testing Center policies, you WILL FAIL this COURSE. This includes bringing a cellphone, smart watch, or other “smart” device into the Testing area.

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 the person. 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 most of your work, whether you give credit or not;

v copying from a website without giving credit

v To help avoid plagiarism: read over your source, then close the book (or close the browser if it’s online). THEN write notes about what you’ve read. This will help to ensure that you’re not copying or completely paraphrasing your source. Paraphrasing is ok to do but on a VERY limited basis. You cannot paraphrase entire paragraphs or sections of your paper – because then it wouldn’t be YOUR work. Write the information in your own words.

****** IF YOU ARE UNSURE whether or not your actions constitute plagiarism, ASK me before you submit your work.

“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 me for assistance with footnotes. Also, see the “Research Assistance” section of my website homepage for examples of footnotes, bibliography, outline, etc.

For more information on policies concerning student rights and responsibilities, see the ACC Catalog & Student Handbook, http://www.austincc.edu/catalog

YOUR GRADE AND HOW YOU EARN IT

The quality and quantity of the work done by YOU determines YOUR final grade.

§ You decide which grade you want to earn and then devote the time and effort necessary to attain that grade.

§ There is NO “extra credit” in this class – but you do have two opportunities to pass each exam.

§ There are Five exams. You must take ALL five exams.

Exam 1 is a Map Test. It is 30 questions, multiple choice.

§ You MUST pass the Map Test in order to pass this course.

§ Credit for the Exam 1 Map Test is given as “Pass” or “Fail”.

§ A “passing” grade is 21 correct out of 30 questions.

§ If you fail it the first time, you can take a “retest”.

§ See page 2 of the Study Guide (link is on my website)

§ The Map Test score is NOT added in with your other exam grades. It is simply “pass or fail”.

Exams 2, 3, 4, and 5 are each 30 questions, multiple choice.

§ The exam questions are taken from the Study Guide (link is on Blackboard and my website). Answers to the Study Guide questions are found in the textbook.

§ The exams are on computers in every ACC Testing Center. When you finish the exam, the computer will score it.

§ Your score will be the number CORRECT out of 30 questions.

EXAMPLE: if you got 25 correct answers on an exam, your score will be 25.

SEE “THE EXAMS” SECTION BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS.

§ THERE ARE NO “EXTRA CREDIT” OPPORTUNITIES IN THIS CLASS.

§ Your course grade is calculated as follows. (You can view your grades in Blackboard in the “Grade Center”.)

For the grade of "A", there are THREE REQUIREMENTS:

1. You must PASS the Exam 1 Map Test with a score of 21 or more

AND

2. On exams 2 through 5, you must accumulate at least 105 TOTAL exam points

AND

3. you must submit an acceptable RESEARCH PAPER (see instructions below) – on or by Tuesday, May 12th at 12 NOON.

You submit ONLY a Research Paper for an A. You do NOT have to submit a Book Analysis.

For the grade of "B" there are THREE REQUIREMENTS:

1. You must PASS the Exam 1 Map Test with a score of 21 or more

AND

2. On exams 2 through 5, you must accumulate at least 95 TOTAL exam points.

AND

3. you must submit an accepted BOOK ANALYSIS (see instructions below) on or by Tuesday, May 12th at 12 NOON..

EXCEPTION: If you pass the Map Test and score 24 points (or above) on EXAMS 2 AND 3 AND 4 AND 5 - then you do NOT have to do the Book Analysis for a B.

Passing the Map test and scoring 24 points or above on EACH of the exams 2 through 5 will give you an “automatic” B and you won’t have to do the Book Analysis.

For the grade of "C", there are TWO REQUIREMENTS:

1. You must PASS the Exam 1 Map Test with a score of 21 or more.

AND

2. On exams 2 through 5, you will accumulate TOTAL exam points of 84 or more.

There are NO writing assignments for a C.

For the grade of "D", there are TWO REQUIREMENTS:

1. You must PASS the Exam 1 Map Test with a score of 21 or more.

AND

2. On exams 2 through 5, you will accumulate TOTAL exam points between 72 and 83, inclusive.

NOTE: A grade of D does NOT fulfill the state requirement for U.S. History for most college or university degrees, so if you earn a D you will likely have to take the course again in order to graduate (from a public college or university in Texas).

For the grade of "F", you will have

1. failed to earn a PASSING grade of at least 21 points on the Exam 1 Map Test

2. earned total points of less than 72 on Exams 2 through 5.

3. engaged in Academic Dishonesty/cheating/plagiarism

NOTE: A grade of F does NOT fulfill the state requirement for U.S. History, so if you earn an F you will have to take the course again in order to graduate (from a public college or university in Texas).

For the grade of "I" ("Incomplete"), you

1. must have a medical excuse signed by a physician, sent to Dr. Thomas no later than Monday, May 5^th;

AND

2. must have completed and passed at least 3 exams before being eligible for an "Incomplete". A passing grade is 21 “Total Points Earned” on an Exam.

AND

3. Must sign and date an “Incomplete” Form, provided by Dr. Thomas

IMPORTANT: If an "incomplete" is not completed by June 15, 2020, the "I" will automatically become an "F" on your transcript. It is YOUR responsibility to complete the course in time to avoid the "F".

THE EXAMS

§ There are five exams.

§ You must take ALL five exams.

§ HOW to take the exams is covered in a separate section – below.

§ WHEN to take each exams (exam deadlines) is covered in a separate section – below.

EXAM Number	GRADE (exam scores are shown in Blackboard as the number you answered correctly)
1 (Map Test) (see Study Guide page 2)	Graded “pass” or “fail”. Passing is a score of 21 or more. This test is not included in your cumulative “Total Exam Points”. It is recorded as “pass” or “fail”.
2 (Chapters 17 – 20)	Graded from 0 to 30. A passing grade is 21 or more.
3 (Chapters 21 – 24	Graded from 0 to 30. A passing grade is 21 or more.
4 (Chapters 25 – 27)	Graded from 0 to 30. A passing grade is 21 or more.
5 (Chapters 28 – 31)	Graded from 0 to 30. A passing grade is 21 or more.

§ You MUST pass the Map Test in order to pass this course. If you fail it the first time, you can takea “retest”. See page 2 of the Study Guide (link is in Backboard and on my website)

§ The Map Test grade is NOT included in your Total Exam Points for the semester. It is simply “pass or fail”.

§ The exam questions are taken from the Study Guide (link is on my website & in Blackboard). Answers to the Study Guide questions are found in the textbook.

§ The exams are on computers in every ACC Testing Center. When you finish the exam, the computer will score it. Your score will be the number CORRECT you got out of 30 questions.

EXAMPLE: if you got 25 correct answers on an exam, your score will be 25.

§ Each exam is 30 questions, multiple choice.

§ The exam questions are taken from the HIST 1302 study questions available to download from Blackboard or from this website. The Study Guide is for your use, to help you prepare for the exams - and is not submitted to Dr. Thomas.

§ You have two opportunities to pass each exam. The first time you take an exam is called the “INITIAL EXAM”. The second attempt is called a “RETEST”.

§ If you score below 21 on the INITIAL EXAM, then you can take a RETEST. The maximum score you can make on a RETEST is 21 (See the “RETEST” section below for RETEST information.)

§ ALL exams are available in ALL ACC Testing Centers beginning January 21st.

§ You may take ANY exam at ANY ACC Testing Center.

§ Exams must be taken at one of the ACC Testing Centers and may not be taken at any other college or university.

§ Exams are taken on a computer in the ACC testing Center (there are no paper exams).

§ The Testing Center will provide scratch paper if you request it.

§ You may take an exam BEFORE the deadline date.

§ You may take an exam ON the deadline date.

§ NOTE: If needed, for either exam 2 OR exam 3 OR exam 4, you can have a deadline extension, for any reason - no need to get permission. Just take it on or by May 7th. This means that you can postpone EITHER exam 2 OR exam 3 OR exam 4 until May 7th. You only get ONE postponement for the semester.

§ You cannot postpone Exam 1 (Map Test). You cannot postpone Exam 5.

§ Any additional exam deadline extensions are given only in extraordinary or exceptional circumstances, as determined by Dr. Thomas.

§ You may take several exams on one day.

§ Every student must complete all 5 exams.

HOW TO TAKE YOUR EXAMS – 3 Steps

1. Before you go to the Testing Center:

§ Make sure you have an ACC ID or government-issued ID to use the Testing Center.

§ Obtain your free ACC Student ID card in person at any campus Admissions & Records Office at least one business day after registering for classes. Bring an official photo ID for identification. You can use your ID card to access on-campus services, Capital Metro bus services, and local discounts.

§ Know your ACC Student ID Number

§ Know your Course prefix and number (HIST 1302 plus the 3-digit synonym for this class)

§ Know which test number you’re taking

(Test 1 is the Map Test, Test 2 covers chapters 17 through 20, and so on)

§ Know your instructor’s name (Dr. T. Thomas)

§ Read the Testing Center Guidelines. They are located at https://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing/testing-center-guidelines

§ It is your responsibility to comply with the Testing Center policies and guidelines. If you violate testing center policies, especially those regarding personal belongings and electronic devices, you will fail the course.

2. Go to any ACC Testing Center and take the exam.

§ Go to any ACC Testing Center. See locations and hours of operation at www.austincc.edu/testctr

§ When you get to the Testing Center, sign in.

§ Store any personal belongings in the lockers provided.

§ Store phones, watches and any other electronic devices in the locker. Do NOT bring these into the testing area.

§ You will be assigned a computer.

§ The Testing Center will provide scratch paper if you request it.

§ While sitting at the computer, Log in to Blackboard. Select this course (History 1302). Then select “Exams”.

§ You’ll see two folders: “INITIAL EXAMS” and “RETEST EXAMS”

§ If you’re taking the exam for the first time, select the folder “INITIAL EXAMS”.

§ If you’re taking a RETEST, select the folder that says “RETEST EXAMS”

§ Then select the exam that you want to take (Exam 1 Map Test, or Exam 2, or Exam 3, etc.) – MAKE SURE you are selecting the right exam.

§ The Testing Center staff will “open” the exam document for you, using the proper password.

§ If you need any assistance, ask the Testing Center staff.

3. When you’ve finished taking the exam.

§ When you’re at the computer and done with the exam, select SUBMIT and the exam will be automatically scored for you.

§ Your grade will be calculated immediately for you to see – and it also will be recorded automatically in Blackboard. You can view your exam scores in Blackboard by clicking on “Grades”.

§ Your grade will be displayed as the number you got CORRECT out of 30 questions.

§ A PASSING Grade is 21 or more points. If you score BELOW 21 points on an exam, you may take it again - the second time is called a "retest". (See the “Retest” section below)

§ Before you take the RETEST, I suggest you leave the Testing Center, take time to study some more – and then return another day to retest. I recommend you take a retest within several days of the Initial exam – while the material is somewhat fresh in your mind. However, you do have until May 7^th to take any retests.

§ After you have taken an exam, you are ALWAYS welcome to come in to my office and look over your exam to see what you got wrong and to see the correct answers. In fact, if you fail an exam, I ENCOURAGE you to see me and review your exam. Contact me to set up an appointment.

See the section below "When to Take Your Exams" for more information about test deadlines.

See the section below "Where to Take Your Exams" for more information about the Testing Centers.

Link to Testing Centers (locations, hours of operation)

RE-TESTS - Deadline for retests is May 7th.

If you score below 21 the first time you take your exam, you may retest. There is a restriction on the retest, however.

§ The highest grade allowed on the retest is a 21.

§ The higher of your grades (either the initial test or the retest) will be used as your final score for that exam (with 1 being the highest grade allowed). See examples – below.

To retest, go to any ACC Testing Center anytime ON or BEFORE May 7th, sign in, log into Blackboard, and select the exam that you want to take from the “RETEST” folder.

§ The re-test is 30 questions, multiple choice and is taken from the Study Guide questions. Most of the questions on the “retest” will be different from the questions on the original exam; some may be the same.

§ You can retest for EACH of the 5 exams – BUT retest ONLY if you scored below 21 on the Initial exam.

§ You can retest anytime during the semester, but all Retests must be completed on or by May 7th.

§ You CAN test AND retest for the same exam ON THE SAME DAY. But I don’t recommend it. If you failed the Initial Exam, I encourage you to take time to study (and get some help if needed)

§ You can retest ONLY ONCE for each exam.

§ You are not REQUIRED to retest – but I encourage you to retest if you scored below 21 on the Initial exam. It may improve your overall grade.

Here are four Examples of how retesting works:

1. You score a 16 on Unit 2 Exam. You take a retest and score 24. The “Final Exam 2” grade that will be recorded for you for Unit 2 will be 21 (since the highest grade possible on a retest is a 21).

2. You score 24 on the Unit 3 exam. You should NOT take a retest! Why? Because the highest grade possible on a retest is a 21 - and you already scored higher than that (a 24) on your exam. Do NOT retest if you scored 21 or above on the Initial Exam.

3. You score 17 on your Unit 4 exam. You score 16 on your Unit 4 retest. The grade that will be recorded for you for Unit 4 is 17 (the higher of the two grades).

4. You scored 11 on your Unit 2 exam. You scored 26 on the retest. The grade that will be recorded for you as your “Final Exam 2” grade is 21 (since 21 is the highest possible grade on a retest).

WHERE TO TAKE YOUR EXAMS - Testing Center Locations & Hours

§ You can take ANY exam at ANY ACC Testing Center.

§ You may begin taking exams on January 21st.

§ Exams are on computer so you don’t need to bring anything with you except your ACC or government ID.

§ The Testing Center will provide scratch paper if you request it.

§ Exam deadlines are listed below and at the end of this syllabus.

§ Please read the Testing Centers Guidelines for Testing Center policies and guidelines

§ There are two types of ID that are needed for this course:

1. ACC Student ID or some type of government ID card with your picture - used to gain entry to the Testing Center.

2. An ACC “electronic” ID (ACCeID) – used to log into Blackboard to take your computerized exams.

§ To get your ACC electronic ID (ACCeID) visit: http://www.austincc.edu/apply-and-register/admission-steps/activate-acc-accounts

§ Have these IDs ready before the semester begins

§ There is no time limit in taking the exams BUT you must get there in plenty of time before the testing center closes. So plan accordingly. (The average time to complete an exam is about 30 minutes.)

§ Testing Center staff WILL terminate testing precisely at Testing Center closing time.

REVIEWING WHAT YOU MISSED ON AN EXAM

§ If you want to review the questions that you got wrong, please contact Dr.Thomas.

§ You are always welcome to review your exams and the correct answers. This usually requires you come to South Austin Campus.

WHEN TO TAKE YOUR EXAMS- EXAM DEADLINES

This course is very challenging and time-consuming. In order to be successful, you MUST plan and manage your time wisely. There will be an exam deadline about every 3 weeks.

Ø You can begin taking exams January 21st.

Ø You can take exams BEFORE the deadline date.

Ø You can take exams ON the deadline date.

Ø If you’re working or going to be out of town on the deadline date, you must take the exam before the deadline.

Ø Complete each exam by the deadline date given below.

Ø NOTE: If needed, each student gets a one-time-per-semester exam deadline extension, for either exam 2 or exam 3, or exam 4 - for any reason - no need to get permission. Just take it on or before May 7th. This means that you can postpone EITHER exam 2 OR exam 3 OR exam 4 until May 7th.

Ø Additional exam deadline extensions are given only in extraordinary or exceptional circumstances, as determined by Dr. Thomas.

Ø There are NO EXAM DEADLINE EXTENSIONS FOR EXAM #1 (the Map Test) or EXAM #5. Exams 1 and 5 MUST be taken on or before the deadline date.

It is YOUR responsibility to check when the Testing Center is open and to plan accordingly.

Ø Some are open weekends, some are not. Some are open nights, some are not. Testing Centers close at 3 pm on Fridays.

Ø Please check ahead of time and plan accordingly. Link to Testing Center Locations and Hours.

Ø Note that some testing centers are VERY crowded at the end of the semester (especially on weekends) and you may NOT be able to get in on the day you show up. So, I recommend you either show up to take the exam a day or two EARLY or try to take the exam at one of the smaller, less-crowded testing centers.

Ø Remember, you CAN take exams BEFORE the deadline date.

Ø If you have to be out of town on an exam deadline date, take the exam before you go.

MARK THESE EXAM DEADLINES ON YOUR CALENDAR:

Exam Number	Text Chapters	Deadline
Exam 1	none (Map test)	Jan 23rd (Thursday)
Exam 2	Chs. 17 – 20 **	Feb 13th (Thursday)
Exam 3	Chs. 21 - 24	Mar 12^th (Thursday)
Exam 4	Chs. 25 - 27	Apr 9th (Thursday)
Exam 5	Chs. 28 - 31	May 6th (Wednesday)
RETEST deadline for ALL exams AND Deadline to take a “postponed” exam.		May 7th (Thursday)

** NOTE: Chapter 16 is in the textbook BUT it is not covered in this course; it’s covered in HIST 1301.

STRATEGY FOR TAKING EXAMS

§ The exam questions are taken from the Study Guide, available to download from Dr. Thomas’ website. So you will need to download and use the Study Guide.

§ The first exam is a Map Test – what you need to know for the Map Test is on page 2 of the Study Guide.

§ The remaining 4 exams are from material in the textbook. For each chapter, there are study questions. These are found in the Study Guide.

§ You will take the Map Test (Exam #1) within the first days of the semester, then spend the rest of the time studying for the other 4 exams.

§ The Map Test is somewhat easy; but the other four exams are much harder.

§ Remember, you do NOT have to “wait” until the deadline to take an exam – you CAN take exams BEFORE the deadline.

§ For example, if you’re going to be out of town during an exam deadline, take the exam before you leave.

RESEARCH PAPER – REQUIRED FOR an “A” – due MAY 12th

Click here to view Research Paper Requirements.

You can also go to Blackboard and Select “Research Paper Assignment” for this class.

BOOK ANALYSIS PAPER – REQUIRED FOR a “B” – due MAY 12th

Click here to view Book Analysis Paper Requirements.

You can also go to Blackboard and Select “Book Analysis Information” for this class.

HINTS, TIPS AND ADVICE FOR SUCCESS IN THIS COURSE:

(You are almost done with orientation!)

These have worked for other students and may help YOU to achieve success in this course.

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.

§ Take your time – don’t rush.

Ø The Testing Center staff will give you scratch paper if you request it.

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:

§ For those students who complete the Writing Assignments, have someone proofread your typed assignment for typos, misspellings, incorrect grammar, etc.

§ These types of errors seriously detract from the quality of your writing assignment.

Ø Read over the Book Review Analysis questions before you read your chosen book. It will help you to focus your reading efforts.

Ø ACC has Learning Labs on each campus, with writing specialists who can help you.

STUDY QUESTIONS:

§ Read over the Chapter once, WITHOUT doing any study questions – to get a good overview of what’s going on in that chapter; the major events, people, etc. THEN re-read the chapter a second time while completing the Study Questions. This will help you to have a good general knowledge of the period.

§ Work on the study questions gradually; that is, work on several each day.

§ Don't wait until just before the exam to complete all the questions. "Cramming" is not an effective study method.

Ø Work with other students in a Study Group if you can. Help each other in answering the study questions. Quiz each other. Communicate with the other students in class using the Class Discussion Forum in Blackboard or the “Send Email” function under “Course Tools” in Blackboard. If you exchange study questions online, do it using a method that is “private” – such as email.

Ø Remember that you are NOT permitted to post study questions on any public site such as Quizlet or Study Blue.

YOUR PROFESSOR:

§ Do not hesitate to consult with Dr. Thomas if you have any problems, questions, doubts or uncertainties.

§ Seek help early in the semester.

§ Emailing is a perfectly acceptable way to communicate, so don’t hesitate to email.

To complete your orientation, please email the Student Information Form found on the next page to Dr. Thomas (tmthomas@austincc.edu).

HIST 1302 DLC STUDENT INFORMATION FORM SPRING 2020

§ EMAIL THIS COMPLETED INFORMATION TO ME. You can COPY it and PASTE it into an email - or COPY it and PASTE it into a document - or print it, scan it and email it to me. Any method is fine, as long as I receive it on or before January 22nd.

§ Send it to me at tmthomas@austincc.edu

§ Please TYPE or PRINT the following information. This information is for the instructor's use only, is kept confidential and is not given out to anyone without your written permission.

Your First and Last Name (as it appears on ACC records):

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):

My signature below indicates that:

1. I have confirmed that I AM registered for this course;

2. I have completed orientation for this course by reading through the material on this webpage;

3. I have read this syllabus/orientation and fully understand its contents;

4. I have read and I understand the Grading Requirements for this course;

5. I have read the section in this syllabus entitled “ACADEMIC INTEGRITY”, and fully understand its contents;

6. I understand that if I engage in ANY form of academic dishonesty, I WILL receive the grade of "F" for the course;

7. I understand that a "D" or "F" grade will likely NOT fulfill the Texas Legislative requirement for a semester of U.S. History credit.

8. 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.

9. I understand that the deadline for the last exam is May 6^th and that I will NOT be given permission to take the exam after this date. (The retest and “postponed test” deadline is May 7th.)

10. I understand that the deadline for research paper and book analysis assignments is NOON on May 12th and that papers submitted after the deadline will not be accepted..

11. I understand that I get a one-time exam deadline extension for either exam 2 or exam 3 or exam 4 and that any other deadline exceptions are made for exceptional circumstances, at Dr. Thomas’ discretion.

12. I understand that the materials for this course are copyrighted and may NOT be posted online in Quizlet, Study Blue or ANY OTHER online site.

My Signature (type your name) __________________________________

Date: ________________________

LINK to STUDY GUIDE

Open the Study Guide and copy it to your computer. Exam questions are taken from this study guide. Study Guide questions or answers may NOT be posted to online sites such as Facebook, Quizlet, Study Blue, etc. - as this is a violation of the copyright.

WRITE DOWN THESE IMPORTANT DATES:

Remember that you can take exams BEFORE the deadline or ON the deadline date.

Wednesday	Jan 22nd	Complete the course orientation and email your Student Information Form to Dr. Thomas.
Thursday	Jan 23rd	Exam 1 (Map Test) deadline
Thursday	Feb 13th	Exam 2 deadline
Thursday	Mar 12th	Exam 3 deadline
Mon - Sun	Mar 16 - 22	ACC Closed for Spring Break
Thursday	Apr 9th	Exam 4 deadline
Monday	April 27th	Course withdrawal deadline
Tuesday	May 5th	Research Paper Topic approval deadline
Wednesday	May 6th	Exam 5 deadline
Thursday	May 7th	Retest and postponed test deadline
Tuesday at 12 NOON	May 12th	A-level and B-level paper deadline 12 noon

Congratulations!

You have now completed Orientation. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Thomas by email at: tmthomas@austincc.edu or by phone at 512-223-9255.

Thank you and have a great semester!