Angelina College

Liberal Arts

Hist 1302 United States History

Instructional Syllabus

  1. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION:Hist. 1302.I03

A.Course Description: A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural, and intellectual history of the United

States from the Civil War/Reconstruction era to the present. United States History II examines

industrialization, immigration, world wars, the Great Depression, Cold War and post-Cold War eras.

Themes that may be addressed in United States History II include: American culture, religion, civil and

human rights, technology change, economic change, immigration and migration, urbanization and

suburbanization, the expansion of the federal government, and the study of U.S. foreign policy.

B.Intended Audience:This course is designed for a diverse student body and is required of all students

seeking an Associate of Arts or Sciences degree or plan to transfer to a four-year school.

C.Instructor:Megan Johnson

Office Location:SBS 202E

Office Hours: Monday: 2:40 p.m – 3:40 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursday:9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Friday:8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Virtual office hours via email)

Phone:(936)633-5440

E-mail Address: (You must contact me through email. Do not send me a message through Blackboard!)

II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:

A.Core Objectives Required for this Course

1. Critical Thinking: to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information

2. Communication: to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and visual communication

3. Social Responsibility: to include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making

4. Personal Responsibility: to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities

B.Course Learning Outcomes for all Sections

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  1. Create an argument through the use of historical research
  2. Analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources
  3. Analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on this period of United States history.

(as determined by the instructor)

III.ASSESSMENT MEASURES

A.Assessments for the Core Objectives:

1.Critical Thinking: Students will research an assigned topic emphasizing critical thinking skills. Students will write an essay on the assigned topic. The essay will be assessed using a rubric which incorporates the Angelina College Institutional Rubric for Critical Thinking Skills. (Assignment attached-Addendum 2)

2.Communication: Students will research an assigned topic. Students will write an essay on the assigned topic. Students will present their findings in small group settings (Discussion Board replies are utilized in internet courses). Communication skills will be assessed using a rubric which incorporates the Angelina College Institutional Rubric for Communication Skills. (Assignment attached-Addendum 2)

3.Social Responsibility: Students will research an assigned topic exploring social responsibility. Students will write an essay on the assigned topic. The essay will be assessed using a rubric which incorporates the Angelina College Institutional Rubric for Social Responsibility. (Assignment attached-Addendum 2)

4.Personal Responsibility: After reading the course syllabus, instructions, and course rules, students will design a Personal Responsibility Contract between the student and instructor. The contract will be assessed using a rubric which incorporates the Angelina College Institutional Rubric for Personal Responsibility. (Assignment attached-Addendum1)

B.Assessments forCourse LearningOutcomes

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to examine social institutions and processes across a range of periods, social structures, and cultures through quiz and major exam

2. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on the area under study through quiz and major exam

3. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the evolution and current role of the United States in the world by through quiz and major exam

4. Students will demonstrate their ability to differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and differing viewpoints through quiz and major exam.

5. Students will demonstrate their ability to recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social research through quiz and major exam.

6. Students will demonstrate their ability to understand the differences and commonalties within diverse cultures through quiz and major exam.

  1. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

This is a lecture course. Whether we are meeting physically in class or you are reporting to a center, you are expected to attend and participate during lecture. You are also strongly encouraged to take notes during the lecture. Additionally, all of your work (quizzes and papers) will be turned into Blackboard. Blackboard is also where you will be able to see you grades and ongoing progress in this course.

V.COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:

A.Required Textbooks and Recommended Readings,Materials and Equipment

Tindall, George Brown. America A Narrative History. W. W. Norton and Company. New York 2013

B.

Course Policies – This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the Angelina College Handbook.

  1. Academic Assistance– If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your participation in this class, you should see Karen Bowser, Room 208 of the Student Center. At a post-secondary institution, you must self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with the necessary information to do so. To report any complaints of discrimination related to disability, you should contact Dr. Patricia McKenzie, Administration Building, Room 105 or 936-633-5201.
  1. Attendance – Attendance is required as per Angelina College Policy and will be recorded every day. Any student with three (3) consecutive absences of four (4) cumulative absences may be dropped from the class. Records will be turned in to the academic dean at the end of the semester. Do not assume that non-attendance in class will always result in an instructor drop. You must officially drop a class or risk receiving an F. This is official Angelina College Policy.
  1. Additional Policies Established by the Instructor

Email:

  • When you email me, you must use my Angelina College email account.
  • I have 48 hours to respond to your emails during the workweek. If you do not hear from me within 48 hours, please email me again.
  • I will not respond to emails over the weekend. You will have to wait until I return to the office on Monday.
  • I will not respond to emails that are sent during any break.
  • I will not respond to emails about the project within 48 hours of the deadline.
  • When you email me, you must include the time and days you attend the class in the subject line. (For example, Mon/Wed 7:30 am - 8:50 am.) If this is not included, I will not respond to the email.

Late Work

  • I will not answer questions about course work after the due date.
  • I will not accept quizzes late, and I will not reopen a quiz under any circumstance. Please see my email policy. If you have an issue and email me to reset a quiz before the deadline, you need to make sure you email me before my office hours have finished for the day. In other words, do not wait until the last minute to complete the quizzes! If you try to complete the quizzes after my office hours have finished the day before the deadline, you do so at your own peril.
  • I will accept your Personal Responsibility Contracts and Projects late up to 48 hours after the assignment at 20% off per day it is late. I will not accept late work after 48 hours.
  • Assignments turned in on time are eligible to receive 100% of the available points.
  • Late assignments turned in within 24 hours of the deadline are eligible to receive up to 80% of the available points.
  • Late assignments turned in within 25 to 48 hours of the deadline are eligible to receive up to 60% of the available points
  • Late assignments turned after 48 hours of the deadline will receive no credit.

Phone Calls

  • Email is the best way to get in contact with me. If you need to speak to me on the phone, it is best to set up an appointment through email first! I have included my office number and my office hours.

Class Behavior

  • In this class we will inevitably discuss current events that include controversial issues. I want all of my students to participate in these discussions! We will not always agree with each other, but we must always treat each other with dignity and respect! We must “disagree agreeably”. Remember to practice good “Netiquette”!
  • Disrespectful behavior toward the instructor or classmates will not be tolerated.
  • Academic Dishonest: Plagiarism, Collusion and Cheating are unacceptable. Students found having done any of these will receive an automatic zero (“O”) for the assignment, paper or test and may be subject to further academic disciplinary action according to the student handbook from which the following passage about Academic Dishonesty has been taken:

“Academic Dishonesty:

The College and its official representatives may initiate disciplinary proceedings against a student accused of any form of academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, cheating, plagiarism and collusion.

  • Cheating includes:
  • a. Copying from another student’s test paper, laboratory report, other report, or computer files, data listings, and/or programs.
  • b. Using materials during a test that are not authorized by the test administrator.
  • c. Collaborating with another person or persons during an examination or in preparing academic work, without authorization.
  • d. Knowingly, and without authorization, using, buying, selling, stealing, soliciting, copying, or possessing, in whole or part, the contents of an unadministered test.
  • e. Substituting for another student, permitting any other person, or otherwise assisting any other person to substitute for oneself or for another student in the taking of an examination or the preparation of academic work to be submitted for academic credit.
  • f. Purchasing or otherwise acquiring and submitting as one’s work any research paper or writing assignment prepared by an individual or firm.
  • Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work or idea and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work or idea in one’s own written work offered for credit.
  • Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit.”

– Angelina College Student Handbook, p.14

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COURSE OUTLINE: Description of the Course Activities including due dates, schedules, and deadlines.

DEADLINES: Each week begins on Monday at midnight and ends the following Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

Week 1: January 19-24(Unit 1 Begins)

  • Read Syllabus

Week 2: January 25-31

  • Chapters 18 & 19 blackboard quizzes due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board: Introduce yourself – due Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59 p.m.
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

Week 3: February 1-7

  • Chapters 20 & 21 blackboard quizzes due by Sunday 11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59p.m.
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
  • Personal Responsibility Contract due by Sunday 11:59 p.m. in Blackboard

Week 4: February 8-14

  • TEST 1 - Chapters 18-21
  • Project Topic Submission due by 11:59 p.m.

Week 5: February 15-21 (Unit 2 Begins)

  • Chapter 22 blackboard quiz due by Sunday11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59 p.m.
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

Week 6: February 22 - 28

  • Chapters 23 & 24 blackboard quizzes due by 11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

Week 7: February 29 – March 6

  • Chapter 25 blackboard quiz due by Sunday11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59 p.m.
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday 11:59 p.m.

Week 8: March 7 – 13 SPRING BREAK

Week 9: March 14 - 20

  • 26 - Blackboard quiz due by Sunday 11:59 p.m.
  • Course Project due Sunday at 11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59 p.m.
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday 11:59 p.m.

Week 10: March 21 - 27

  • Chapters 27 & 28 - Blackboard quiz due by Sunday11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59 p.m.
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday 11:59 p.m.

Week 11: March 28 – April 3

  • TEST 2 - Chapters 22-28

Week 12: April 4 – 10 (Unit 3 Begins

  • Chapter 29 - Blackboard quiz due by Sunday11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59 p.m.
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday 11:59

Week 13: April 11 - 17

  • Chapter 30 & 31 - Blackboard quiz due by Sunday11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59 p.m.
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday 11:59 p.m.

Week 14: April 18 - 24

  • Chapters 32 & 33 - Blackboard quiz due bySunday 11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59 p.m.
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday 11:59 p.m.

Week 15: April 25 – May 1

  • Chapter 34 blackboard quiz due by Sunday 11:59 p.m.
  • Discussion Board
  • Your initial post due Thursday night by 11:59 p.m.
  • Response to 2 other classmates (minimum) due by Sunday 11:59 p.m.

Week 16: May 2 - 8

  • Test 3 (Chapters 29-34)

VI.EVALUATION AND GRADING:

  • I do not give out grades. The grade you receive will be the grade you earned.
  • You will be given an opportunity to earn extra credit on tests, but I will not give out extra credit assignments.
  • You will be assessed as follows:
  • Quizzes: Quizzes will be taken online in Blackboard and are based on chapter readings. They will be due Sunday night at 11:59 during the week they are assigned. Deadlines for quizzes can be found in the course outline and calendar. There are 17 chapter quizzes. I will not re-open quizzes once the deadline has passed, however, I will drop 3 of your lowest test grades.
  • Tests: There will be 3 tests. I will not drop any test grade nor will your final replace your lowest test grade. You will have any time during the week to complete your test. Once you start the test, you must complete it. You will have 1 hour to complete it.
  • Project Topic Submission: You will submit your research topic for approval into a discussion board post in Blackboard. In the subject line, you will write your topic. (For example, Seventeenth Amendment.) Each topic can be covered by no more than 3 people. Topics are assigned on a “first come” basis so do not wait too late!
  • Personal Responsibility Contract: This assignment will be due on Blackboard. The requirements for this assignment are found in Addendum 1.
  • Course Project: Every student taking Hist. 1302 at Angelina College is required to complete a research project. The minimal requirements set forth by Angelina College can be found in Addendum 2. In order to make sure that everyone in this class is being held to the same standard for grading purposes, I have put in place some clarification guidelines which are required for my course. My guidelines are found in Addendum 3. Remember, your class grade for this project are based on what is listed in Addendum 3.

Discussion Board Posts15%

Quizzes (Chapters 18-34)15%

Tests:

Test 115%

Test 215%

Test 315%

Project Topic Submission5%

Personal Responsibility Contract10%

Course Project10%

Total100%

A = 100%-89.5%

B = 89.49%-79.5%

C = 79.49%-69.5%

D = 69.49%-59.5%

F = 59.49%-0%

The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.

Addendum 1

Essay/Discussion I ties to Personal Responsibility. You will design a Personal Responsibility Contract for use in this class (it could also apply to other courses). Thoroughly read the syllabus, mini syllabus with dates, and first week information. Note that the state of Texas requires six core objectives; communication, personal responsibility, social responsibility, critical thinking, teamwork, and quantitative and evaluative measures. Government and history are required to incorporate and assess the first four of those listed in bold.

Your personal contract must be organized in the following manner and clearly organized.

I. Introductory Biographical Paragraph: Describe yourself, your college experience, and future goals.

II. The Contract (which must include ALL of the following)

  1. Rules on collusion, copying, plagiarism, cut and paste, quotations without quotation marks, and cheating in any manner.
  2. Rules for quiz/test submissions including due dates, time frames, and secure internet connections.
  3. Respect for peers and instructor, including the use of electronic devices (when and where use is appropriate), working on assignments for other classes, and coming to class on time.
  4. Appropriate documentation when documentation is called for (both parenthetical and a clearly labeled Sources Cited section is required for research papers)

III. Closing Paragraphs on Classroom Conduct in Today’s Society: Close your paper with an analysis section on why rules such as these are necessary. Address why cheating/collusion/plagiarism, copy and paste, and non-use of quotation marks has become so rampant in today’s classes. Your closing must include your analysis of the classroom situation today and what can and should be done to alleviate cheating and respect issues. You will conclude with an explanation of how Personal Responsibility will be expected in your future vocation as a citizen.

Proofread for Errors: Any use of text messaging lingo in this paper (considered a formal research paper) will be grounds for a zero (0). Do not use, “little I’s” or “u” or “b” or any such informal/text language including ellipses (unless quoting). Use of second person or contractions will be considered a grammatical error on all essays this semester.

IV. Your Grade Will Be Based on the Following:

  1. Ethical Issue Recognition: The ability to synthesize the complex relationships within the issue
  2. Commitment: Understanding of completing tasks on time
  3. Accountability: Accepting responsibility for actions and understanding consequences following directions
  4. Grammar/Structure/Documentation: Organization, spelling, grammar, and documentation
  5. Group Communication: Replies (internet) or group discussions (face to face classes)

Addendum 2

ANGELINA COLLEGE HISTORY PROJECT Fall 2015