NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

Course Title: 

United States History I

Course Prefix & Number:  

1301

Section Number:  

402

Semester/Year: 

Fall ‘19

Semester Credit Hours: 

3

Lecture Hours: 

3

Lab Hours: 

0

Course Description (NCTC Catalog): 

A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States from the pre-Columbian era to the Civil War/Reconstruction period. United States History I includes the study of pre-Columbian, colonial, revolutionary, early national, slavery and sectionalism, and the Civil War/Reconstruction eras. Themes that may be addressed in United States History I include: American settlement and diversity, American culture, religion, civil and human rights, technological change, economic change, immigration and migration, and creation of the federal government.

Course Prerequisite(s): none

Required Course Materials:

Brinkley, Alan. The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People 9th edition.  2019. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-1264031924 (referred to as eBook henceforth)

The web-based material is unique to NCTC.  You must purchase it from the NCTC bookstore or directly through your Canvas course.

             

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Anna Marie Anderson

Campus/Office Location:

Corinth Room 313

Telephone Number:

940-498-6282

E-mail Address:

amanderson@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Corinth

LISD (LHS)

Corinth

LISD (LHS)

 

12:30-4:30pm

11:25-12:25pm

12:30-4:30pm

11:25-12:25pm

 

 

 

 

Flower Mound

 

 

 

 

7:30-8:00pm

Until Oct 17 

 

Office hours also by appointment.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog)

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

 

Create an argument through the use of historical evidence. 

 

Analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources.

 

Analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on this period of United States history.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Point Values

6

Group Work Primary Source Activities (20 points each)

120 points

2

Exams: Midterm and Final (100 points each)

200 points

2

Essay (100 points) Peer Review (20 points)

120 points

14

Chapter Quizzes (4 points each)

50 points

28

Attendance (2 points each)

50 points

1

Primary Source Document Analysis

10 points

 

Total Possible Points

550 points

A: 495-550 points  B: 440-494 points  C: 385-439 points  D: 330-384 points  F: 0-329 points

 

REQUIRED WORK

Attendance: Attendance will be taken daily for 28 attendance days at 2 points each day for a possible 56 points.  Thus, students can earn up to 6 bonus points for perfect attendance.  There is no differentiation between excused and unexcused absences.  Students who arrive late, leave early, or are otherwise disruptive during class will lose their attendance points for the day, per instance.  Students are expected to remain seated in the room for the duration of the class unless otherwise instructed or an illness/emergency requires otherwise. 

 

Chapter Quizzes: You will have 14 chapter quizzes over the eBook, each worth 4 points for a possible 56 points.  Thus, students can earn up to 6 extra credit points for completing all of the chapter quizzes.  There are no make-ups for missed quizzes and quizzes must be completed on time to receive any credit.  These quizzes are all available on Canvas in the weekly folders.  Quizzes are due by 11:59pm on the date specified.  Students should read the corresponding eBook chapter BEFORE attempting the quiz.   

 

Primary Source Document Analysis:  Students will complete an analysis of a primary source(s) before the first group work assignment.  This assignment will help students learn how to read and provide critical thinking analysis for future assignments in the course including group work, exams, and the essay.  This assignment is worth 10 points.  

 

Group Work: During group work students will be divided into smaller groups and complete a variety of assignments.  These assignments are based on primary and secondary sources readings, videos, and/or audio clips.  Students are expected to read, listen, or watch the required materials BEFORE coming to class.  Students will receive the group work assignments a week in advance, available in the weekly folders on Canvas.  Assignments may include, but are not limited to, analytical questions, outlines, or debates over the materials.  

Group work will be completed using a variation of the jigsaw reading method.  Students will belong to two groups: an “expert” group and a “main” group. Students must read ALL materials for the day, but each student will be assigned one or more documents to focus on. Possible in-class questions will be given in the assignment on Canvas, but the main group will be assigned their specific question to answer in class.  The entire class will first discuss the documents for the day and the instructor will clarify any confusing language or information.  Then, the expert groups will meet and share their information on the documents they focused on.  After obtaining additional details from others, these experts will return to their main group and discuss all the documents and the group question. While students are required to participate in the discussion and share information, ultimately each student is responsible for their own answer to the group question.  In other words, each member of the main group will provide their own answer and be graded based on their individual participation.  Thus, weak performance by one group member will not necessarily harm the grades of other members.  

There are 6 group work assignments for the semester, each worth 20 points, for a total of 120 points.  There are no make-ups on the group work, although exceptions may be approved for documented emergencies.  

 

Essay: Students will complete one critical analysis essay assignment. Students will be expected to include materials from group work, lecture, documentaries shown in class, and the eBook to answer the essay question.  NO outside materials may be used.  Students MUST provide citations for ALLmaterials, whether paraphrased or quoted. An explanation of methods and the preferred citation format will be made available on Canvas and discussed in class before the essay is due.  

The essay must be a full 2 pages long (double spaced), but no longer than 4 full pages.  All essays must be 12 pt. standard font (Calibri, Times New Roman, or similar) and double spaced.  Essays are due by 11:59pmto the link provided on Canvas ONLY, no paper submissions will be accepted.  Work will be checked for plagiarism using Vericite and any student who submits plagiarized work will face serious consequences.  No late essays will be accepted, so plan accordingly! The essay is worth 100 points.  

   

Peer review:  The week prior to submitting the essay, students will submit a draft on Canvas composed of their introduction (including a thesis statement), 1-2 main paragraphs, and an outline (including sources to be used) for the remainder of the essay.  In class, students will provide peer review comments for another student using a provided guideline.  This assignment will be anonymous on the student end.  Students should provide thoughtful comments on items such as the thesis statement, sources, and argument.  The rough draft itself is worth 10 points and the completed peer review worth an additional 10 points, for a total of 20 points.  The instructor will provide additional comments on the rough drafts as needed.  Students will be notified if they need to bring a printed copy of their paper to class.        

 

Exams:  There will be a midterm and final, that may consist of multiple choice, identification terms, and essays. Review sheets will be posted on Canvas and discussed in class; see the course calendar below.  Students are expected to come to the review with answers to discuss.  For exams students will need at least one Blue Book (and possibly a scantron) and a pen, no pencils except for scantrons. The midterm and final are each worth 100 points, for 200 points total.

 

Extra Credit:  There will be no extra credit other than what is outline above, so do not ask.

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE 

The course calendar is subject to change according to the needs of the class and any such changes will be announced in class, by email, or Canvas announcement.  Students are responsible for these and any other course related announcements whether or not they are in attendance.  

 

Week 1

August 26: Introduction and Syllabus

August 28: First Encounters: The Columbian Exchange and Spanish Colonies

      Chapter Quiz 1

Week 2

September 2: NO Class – Labor Day

September 4: Chesapeake and New England Colonies 

      Primary Source Document Analysis: Due to Canvas link by September 5, 11:59pm

 

Week 3

September 9: New England and Middle Colonies

      Chapter Quiz 2

September 11: Group Work 1: Native Americans in Colonial America 

      PDF reading links available on Canvas 

 

Week 4

September 16: Southern Colonies and the Spread of Slavery

      Chapter Quiz 3

September 18: Group Work 2: Slavery in the Colonies 

 

Week 5

September 23: The Coming Revolution

      Chapter Quiz 4

September 25: The American Revolution 

      Chapter Quiz 5 

 

Week 6

September 30: Towards a Constitution 

      Chapter Quiz 6

October 2: Jeffersonian America

      Chapter Quiz 7

 

Week 7

October 7: Midterm Review

      Come with answers to review sheet posted on Canvas!

October 9: MIDTERM

      Bring a blue book, scantron, pen, and pencil!  These will not be provided!

 

Week 8

October 14: Slavery and the Missouri Compromise

      Chapter Quiz 8

October 16:Group Work 3: The Slave Experience

 

Week 9

October 21: Jacksonian America and the Indian Removal Act

      Chapter Quiz 9

October 23:Group Work 4: Native American Life in the Jacksonian Era

 

Week 10

October 28: Reform Movements and the Abolitionists

      Chapter Quiz 10

October 30:Group Work 5: Documentary in Class with Questions

November 1: Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W”

Week 11

November 4: Documentary in Class and Essay Discussion

      Chapter Quiz 11

November 6:Essay Peer Review

      Upload draft to Canvas by 11:59pm on November 5! 

 

Week 12

November 11: Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion

      Chapter Quiz 12

November 13: Group Work 6: Documentary in Class with Questions

      Remember the Alamo, The Tejanos Experience 

      ESSAY DUE to Canvas link by 11:59pm!  No late papers accepted! 

 

Week 13

November 18: The Coming Civil War

      Chapter Quiz 13

November 20: Documentary in Class

 

Week 14

November 25: The Civil War

      Chapter Quiz 14

November 27: NO Class – Thanksgiving Break  

 

Week 15

December 2: Documentary in Class

      The African Americans: Into the Fire, 1861-1896

December 4:Final Review 

      Come with answers to review sheet on Canvas!

 

Week 16

FINAL EXAM: Date TBD see final exam schedule

      Bring a blue book, scantron, pen, and pencil!  These will not be provided!

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Objectionable Materials Warning:

Some of the reading materials, lecture topics, and films contain scenes of explicit violence, ethnic and gender stereotypes, profanity, otherwise offensive language, or adult themes.  In the instructor’s opinion, all of these materials are essential for understanding American history.  Remember you are taking a college level course and will be expected to discuss these topics in a collegiate (i.e. respectful) manner.     

 

Classroom Behavior:

Be respectful of your fellow classmates and opinions that differ from your own.  While we will be discussing a variety of topics, especially with group work, students are expected to do so in a respectful manner.  No demeaning, derogatory, racist, or sexist remarks will be tolerated. 

 

Electronics in Class:

Students are required to turn their cell phones, etc. off and keep them in their bag during class.  Use of such devices during class will not be permitted unless otherwise stated.  Students who use their laptops or tablets for any reason other than taking notes or viewing sources during group work will be banned from using electronic devices in class for the remainder of the semester.  Students are expected to give their full attention to lecture and discussion, thus they are not allowed to wear headphones in class. 

 

Emails:

Students are encouraged to email the instructor with any questions; however, there are a few requirements.  First, use a subject line that identifies the message (i.e. HIST 1301 MW 11am); I teach multiple sections of history so please specify which time slot you are enrolled in.  Second, include your full name.  Third, it might take 24 to 36 hours to receive a response during the week. Expect a longer response time for emails over the weekend.  If you do not receive a reply to emails after this time, then feel free to resend the email. Finally, please refrain from using text message language in your emails and use complete sentences. Specific grades cannot be discussed via email due to FERPA regulations; please make an appointment to see me if you have any specific questions concerning your grades. 

 

Late Work:

No late work will be accepted.  Please note that Canvas can run slow or be unresponsive when too many students attempt to submit their work at once.  It is up to you to prepare in advance and meet the submission deadline.  Late work will not be accepted because a student did not upload it on time.  The instructor will only consider accepting late work for documented emergencies(i.e. hospitalization, a court date, or a death in the family).  There will be no extensions for chapter quizzes.  No make-up exams are generally allowed.  For a documented emergency the instructor may consider a make-up exam for the midterm.  Typically, due to schedule constraints no make-up is available for the final exam; please plan accordingly. 

 

General Requirements for Students:

Students are expected to read the assignments listed on the syllabus before coming to class.  Students are expected to take detailed lecture and group work notes. You will need these notes for the exams and the essay.  The instructor will not provide copies of lecture notes or PowerPoint slides, nor will either be available on Canvas.  Lecture outlines on Canvas should be printed (or downloaded) and brought to class; copies will not be provided in class.  Terms for exams will generally come from these outlines.  Note that outlines are just that – outlines – they do not serve as a replacement for lecture notes.  If you are unable to attend lecture you will need to obtain notes from another student.  Students may not record lectures unless they have a medical reason and appropriate documentation from the Office for Students with Disabilities. 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor. It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam. Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W”is Friday, November 1, 2019.

 

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents). 

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc. Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify. 

For support, please contact the counselors at (940) 498-6207 or (940) 668-4321.  Alternatively, students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 110 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)__________  

 

o        Communication

o        Mathematics               

o        Life and Physical Science

o        Language, Philosophy & Culture

o        Creative Arts

 

o        Government/Political Science

o        Social and Behavioral Sciences

o        Component Area Option

X         History

 

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

X         Critical Thinking

X              Communication 

o             Empirical and Quantitative

 

o             Teamwork 

X              Personal Responsibility 

X              Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

                  Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

X         Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

o        WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion. Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.  

 

Instructor-specific Academic Dishonesty Policy: Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in this course.  This includes, but is not limited to, using unapproved sources for assignments, co-writing assignments without approval, buying papers online, using papers from other students or previous students, copying and pasting from online materials, or copying from another student’s work.  In other words, submitting someone else’s work as your own. If you are unsure if you are plagiarizing, ask!  If you are behind in the course and struggling with the assignments, ask the instructor for help!  Vericite is used to check for plagiarism on assignments.  Students who plagiarize or cheat will receive a penalty up to but not excluding a zero on the assignment.  A second case of plagiarism/cheating in the course may result in an F for the course.  Depending on the extent of plagiarism or cheating, additional penalties may apply. Please see the Student Handbook for further details.   

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator: 

Crystal Wright

Office Location:

Gainesville Campus, Room 824

Telephone Number:

940-668-7731, ext. 4320

E-mail Address:

cwright@nctc.edu

Name of Instructional Dean: 

Dr. Bruce King

Office Location:

1500 North Corinth St, Corinth, TX 76208-5408

Telephone Number:

940-498-6464

E-mail Address:

bking@nctc.edu

 

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