The Making of the Texas National Character

History 3317

The Making of the Texas National Character

Professor Donald S. Frazier, Ph.D.

Office: 410 Appleton, Buffalo Gap, Texas

Phone: 793-3861 office/ 668-6222 cell

Class Meetings: TBD

CLASSROOM: The Ann and Lee Rode Gallery at the Buffalo Gap Historic Village in Buffalo Gap, Texas, 79508.

Enter at the South Gate before 6 p.m. Only water in closed containers is allowed. We will have two breaks during the course of class. Snacks and soft drinks may be consumed on the grounds during the course of these breaks. There is no smoking on the grounds of the Buffalo Gap Historic Village.

DIRECTIONS FROM McMURRY UNIVERSITY:

From campus, turn left onto Sayles Boulevard and head south in the direction of the Mall of Abilene. This road becomes Buffalo Gap Road (FM 89) just a few blocks south of campus. Continue on for about a dozen miles. When you arrive in town, turn right on North Street (you will see several signs directing you to the Buffalo Gap Historic Village) and proceed one and one half blocks. Parking is on the margins of the road.

The South Gate will be our access point.

MAP

Statement of Purpose:

Students should anticipate learning and demonstrating their enhanced

• Knowledge of core factual data including major Mexican history trends, figures, concepts, and events;
• Ability to conduct research and collect data on major Mexican history trends, figures, concepts, and events, then analyze, draw conclusions, and make interpretations from this research;
• Reading/writing/editing/composition skills;
• Effective public presentation skills;
• Personal discipline and study habit skills.

Grading sources:

• Content Mastery (Biographies)30%
• Research and Interpretation Mastery (Presentations, Discussions)30%
• Demonstration of written communication skills (Biographies)30%
• Intellectual discipline and study skills (attending class, preparing assignments)10%

Grading Weights:

• Seminar Presentations40%
• In Class Discussions20%
• Biographies of Texans40%

A NOTE ON ATTENDENCE and COMMITTMENT

Each class period is entire week in the long semester. I understand missing one class period; two under unusual circumstances. If you miss three, I must drop you from the class. The nature of this class is about the interaction of the students with the professor and fellow students.

There are many, many online class options (University of Phoenix comes to mind). You are paying for access to an expert in this field and to a learning community all engaged in a specific study with articulated outcomes. There is no online equivalent to that.

Therefore, if you cannot commit to the meeting requirements of this class, don’t take it. This is critical for planning purposes and for the educational atmosphere and ambience of the class. If you have decided that this opportunity is really beyond your level of maturity or commitment, no hard feelings, just don’t burden this class, its professor, or its attendees with your vacillation. Social activities and work are not excused reasons for non-attendance.

Do the right thing. Don’t take the class if you aren’t serious about mastering the subject and participating fully.

In return for your commitment, the professor of this course will affirm to present engaging, thoughtful, and provocative classroom activities designed to help you achieve mastery of the subject.

Classroom supplies:

Bring a laptop computer (or equivalent smart phone, tablet, etc.) to class. You will need these to prepare presentations, look up information on the provided WiFi network, access online exams, or collaborate with fellow students.

BOOKS:

This is a seminar style class. The following is a link that will prove useful in preparing for class:

ASSIGNMENTS:

Classroom Presentations

In today’s world, the ability to make a cogent and engaging presentation to peers, potential customers, or designated constituencies is a fact of life. Students will be assigned a particular topic every week, and expected to come to class the following week prepared to discuss their findings supported by pertinent data.

Texas Movies

Nearly every week, seminarians will get a chance to watch a feature-length film about Texas or Texans. Afterwards, students will be expected to discuss their reactions to the movie with the instructor and other students.

Biographies of REAL Texans

This is a major term paper. Students will identify a Texan working in their intended field of work and, through interviews and research, write a publishable-length (10 pages or so) biography of this person, complete with a half-dozen appropriate photographs or illustrations.

HIS 3317

State Board of Educator Certification Standards for Teacher Education Candidates

If you plan to minor in Curriculum and Instruction, with a teaching concentration in History 8-12 or Social Studies 8-12, this course provides partial fulfillment of the following standard of the TEKS competencies:

Standard IV. History: The social studies teacher applies knowledge of significant historical events and developments, as well as of multiple historical interpretations and ideas, in order to facilitate student understanding of relationships between the past, the present, and the future.

CALENDAR (RED indicates Student Assignment; BLUE indicates media presentation)