Fall 2020 Syllabus

 

Course Title:	US History I-US History to 1865
Course Prefix & Number:		1301	Section Number:	310	Semester/Year:	Fall 2020
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 or Recommended Course Materials: Brinkley, Alan. The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People. 9th edition. 2019. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-1264031924 The web-based material is unique to NCTC.  You must purchase it from the NCTC bookstore or directly through Canvas, to the McGraw-Hill publishing Connect website.

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	James Page
Campus/Office Location:
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:	jpage@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon	10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon	10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon	10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

 

 

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
4	Tests	100 points each 400 points total
12	Activities	25 points each 300 points total
1	Writing Assignment	100 points

 

GRADE DETERMINATION:  Your final grade will be determined by using the following scale.

There is a total of 800 points available for this class. 

720 +   points = A
640 – 719 points = B
560 – 639 points = C
480 – 559 points = D
Below 480 points = F

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates)

Fall 2020 Calendar

The Calendar below has the due date of every assignment for this class.  Only dates when an assignment is due are listed.  Every assignment is due on the due date at 11:59 p.m.  Assignments will not be accepted late.  I expect you to be familiar with this Calendar. 

There are several things you should realize about the assignments in this class.    Test 1 will cover chapters 1, 2, and 3.  I expect you to read those three chapters before you take the test.  I expect you to study those three chapters before you take the test.  While I do not post a recommended reading schedule on the Calendar, I expect you to read those 3 chapters before Test 1 opens.  When you read and study those chapters is up to you.  You should follow that pattern for Test 2 (chapters 4, 5, and 6), Test 3 (chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10) and Test 4 (chapters 11, 12, 13, and 14).  Due dates for each of those tests is on the Calendar so you should figure out how to pace your reading/studying.  Please note that the questions on the tests in this course are based on information in the textbook we use and anything else I might ask you to read or study. 

I tried to space the tests evenly throughout the semester so that you will have approximately the same amount of time to prepare for each test.

Second, since one of the skills this department focuses on is writing, you may lose some points on any assignment that requires writing because of grammar issues.  I expect everything you write in this class to be well written.   You have studied English grammar since you began school many years ago.  This is the time and place to demonstrate what you have learned in all of those years.  This is not an English class.  This is an opportunity to use what you learned in English class. 

Third, with the exception of tests, I do not accept assignments late.  The 12 activities and the one writing assignment must be turned in on time or you will not receive credit.  You know now when each of those assignments is due.  I expect you to submit each assignment by the due date. 

If you cannot take a test by the due date (check the Calendar for the due date of each test), you may take it the day after it is due.  If you take a test the day after it is due, the penalty will be 10% of the grade you earn.  You will receive a grade of 0 if you do not take a test within the three day window that it will be available to you (two regular days and one late day).   You really should get in the habit of doing your work in a timely manner.  Test 4 cannot be taken late. 

 

Week 1     August 24 - August 30

   Sunday, August 30:  Activity 1: Getting to Know You due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 2     August 31 - September 6

   Sunday, September 6:  Activity 2:  Collision of Cultures due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 3     September 7 - September 13

   Sunday, September 13:  Activity 3:  Jamestown (video) due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 4   September 14 - September 20

   Tuesday, September 15:  Test 1 will be available beginning at 12:01 a.m.

   Wednesday, September 16:  Test 1 due at 11:59 p.m.

   Thursday, September 17:  Test 1 may be taken late

Week 5   September 21 - September 27

   Sunday, September 27:Activity 4: Declaration of Independence due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 6   September 28 - October 4

   Sunday, October 4:  Activity 5:  The American Revolution due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 7   October 5 - October 11

   Tuesday, October 6:  Test 2 will be available beginning at 12:01 a.m.

   Wednesday, October 7:  Test 2 due at 11:59 p.m.

   Thursday, October 8:  Test 2 may be taken late

   Sunday, October 11:  Activity 6:  Louisiana Purchase due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 8   October 12 - October 18

   Friday, October 16:  Writing Assignment due at 11:59 p.m.

   Sunday, October 18:  Activity 7:  Separating Slave from Free due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 9   October 19 - October 25

   Sunday, October 25:  Activity 8:  Andrew Jackson due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 10   October 26 - November 1

   November 1:  Activity 9:  The Erie Canal due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 11   November 2 - November 8

   Monday, November 2:  Last day to withdraw with a "W"

   Tuesday, November 3:  Test 3 will be available beginning at 12:01 a.m.

   Wednesday, November 4:  Test 3 due at 11:59 p.m.

   Thursday, November 5:  Test 3 may be taken late

Week 12   November 9 - November 15

   Sunday, November 15:  Activity 10:  President Polk's Message due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 13   November 16 - November 22

   Sunday, November 22:  Activity 11:  Quiz  due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 14   November 23 - November 29

   Wednesday, Nov. 25 thru Sunday, Nov. 29:  NCTC closed for the holiday
   No assignments due this week

Week 15   November 30 - December 6

   Sunday, December 6:  Activity 12:  Battle Hymn of the Republic due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 16   December 7 - December 12

   Tuesday, December 8:  Test 4 will be available beginning at 12:01 a.m.

   Wednesday, December 9:  Test 4 due at 11:59 p.m.

   Test 4 may not be taken late

Semester ends

For online students, failure to log into the class at least two times each week will be considered unexcused absences.  The instructor reserves the right to drop students from class for failure to log in regularly.

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Monday, November 2.

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

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

o        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:  Cheating of any kind will result in a grade of 0 on the assignment without any make-up.  This includes plagiarism.

COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Fall 2020

Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Wear a mask, stay safe, and contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.

Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students must wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. Students without coverings, or those who do not comply with the rules relating to face coverings, will not be able to participate in on-campus classroom activities. To request an exception to this requirement, students should contact the NCTC HR Office of Enrollment Management (ccove@nctc.edu). Failure to comply with the face coverings requirement may result in the Instructor directing the student to leave the classroom. Any student asked to leave the classroom may be referred to the student conduct officer. These policies and procedures were updated on July 30, 2020 and are subject to change.

Temporary COVID-19 Attendance Policy for Face-to-Face Meetings: We are facing an unprecedented situation in which all of us must be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

Faculty will:

Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

Students should:
1. Provide notification to campus officials (via NCTC Daily Health Check protocol through Canvas) if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.

2. Notify instructors in advance of the absence.

3. Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.

4. Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.

5. Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.

6. Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.

7. Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During this period, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html

 

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:	Gainesville Campus
Telephone Number:	940-668-4267
E-mail Address:	bking@nctc.edu