Spring 2021 Syllabus

 

Course Title:	US History I-US History to 1865
Course Prefix & Number:		1301	Section Number:	311	Semester/Year:	Spring 2021
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:	I do not have an office on campus.
Telephone Number:
E-mail Address:	jpage@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

 

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)

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 reading the textbook 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     January 19 - January 24

   Sunday, January 24:  Activity 1: Getting to Know You due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 2     January 25 - January 31

   Sunday, January 31:  Activity 2:  Collision of Cultures due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 3     February 1 - February 7

  Sunday, February 7:  Activity 3:  The Great Awakening due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 4   February 8 - February 14

   Wednesday, February 10:  Test 1 will be available beginning at 12:01 a.m.

   Thursday, February 11:  Test 1 due at 11:59 p.m.

   Friday, February 12:  Test 1 may be taken late

Week 5   February 15 - February 21

   Sunday, February 21:  Activity 4: Biography due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 6   February 22 - February 28

   Sunday, February 28:  Activity 5: Writing Assignment Bibliography  due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 7   March 1 - March 7

   Sunday, March 7:  Activity 6:  Writing Assignment First Paragraph due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 8   March 8 - March 14

   Wednesday, March 10:  Test 2 will be available beginning at 12:01 a.m.

   Thursday, March 11:  Test 2 due at 11:59 p.m.

   Friday, March 12:  Test 2 may be taken late

   Sunday, March 14:  Writing Assignment due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 9   March 15 - March 21

    Spring Break -- No assignments due this week

Week 10   March 22 - March 28

   Sunday, March 28:  Activity 7:  Separating Slave from Free due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 11   March 29 - April 4

   Saturday, April 3:  Last day to withdraw with a "W"

   Sunday, April 4:  Activity 8:  Andrew Jackson due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 12   April 5 - April 11

   Sunday, April 11:  Activity 9:  The Erie Canal due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 13   April 12 - April 18

   Wednesday, April 14:  Test 3 will be available beginning at 12:01 a.m.

   Thursday, April 15:  Test 3 due at 11:59 p.m.

   Friday, April 16:  Test 3 may be taken late

Week 14   April 19 - April 25

   Sunday, April 25:  Activity 10:  President Polk's Message due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 15   April 26 - May 2

   Sunday, May 2:  Activity 11:  The Wilmot Proviso  due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 16   May 3 - May 9

   Sunday, May 9:  Activity 12:  Battle Hymn of the Republic due at 11:59 p.m.

Week 17   May 10 - May 15

   Wednesday, May 12:  Test 4 will be available beginning at 12:01 a.m.

   Thursday, May 13:  Test 4 due at 11:59 p.m.

   Test 4 may not be taken late

Semester ends

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

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 Saturday, April 3.

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.  Also, if you plagiarize your writing assignment, the best grade you will be able to earn in the class will be a C regardless of your grades on any other assignments.

COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Spring 2021

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

Syllabus Addendum – Spring 2021 – Student Services

Student Success Center
The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free online tutoring. The program helps students acclimate to college by providing free interactive online workshops. For more information, please visit your nearest Student Success Center.

Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, and a Math Lab to assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students. http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/student-success/tutoring/index.html   (Links to an external site.)First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized services. http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/trio-student-support-services.html (Links to an external site.)

Completion Center
The NCTC Completion Center is a comprehensive student engagement program that increases retention and completion rates of first-time, low income students. Services include:Success coaching to address students’ academic and non-academic challenges and issues; Success Seminars, and a centralized career readiness and job placement program. http://www.nctc.edu/student-services/completion-center/index.html (Links to an external site.)

Career Services Center
The NCTC Career Services Center is the place you can go for educational and career planning. Services include: Career/Degree Exploration, Job Search Tools and Resources, Resume and Professional Portfolio Development, Interview Skills and Preparation. Our Career Advisors partner with you in making your educational journey an efficient process towards a rewarding career. http://www.nctc.edu/career-services/index.html (Links to an external site.)

Counseling and Advising
Support Services, Counseling and Advising staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration) and much more. http://www.nctc.edu/counseling-advising/index.html  (Links to an external site.)

Testing Service Center
The mission of NCTC Testing Services is to provide high-quality testing services that adhere to the professional standards and guidelines to meet the needs of students, faculty, and community members. http://www.nctc.edu/testing-center/index.html  (Links to an external site.)

Early Alert and CARES
The NCTC Early Alert program assists students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Faculty and staff may refer students through the Early Alert process at any point in the semester in an effort to provide appropriate intervention and access to support services. Examples of behaviors that could prompt an Early Alert referral could be missing assignments, failing tests, excessive absences, or personal circumstances impacting academic performance. A student submitted as an Early Alert will be contacted by an academic advisor or success coach through text, phone, and/or via their NCTC e-mail address to discuss any current challenges as well as helpful resources and success strategies-we want our students to finish strong and know that education is a partnership!

The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team is concerned not only about our students' academic success, but also their emotional and physical well-being. The CARES Team promotes a safe learning environment for students, faculty, and staff and is committed to taking a proactive approach in helping our students succeed by addressing the mental, emotional or psychological health and safety of the NCTC community. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student, such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. Visit the NCTC CARES site to also locate campus and community resources, or email counseling@nctc.edu to get in touch with a member of the CARES Team directly. As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

Financial Aid
Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information. http://www.nctc.edu/financial-aid/index.html  (Links to an external site.)

Student Success
At NCTC, student success is progress towards collegiate goals, reached in an affordable and timely manner, under professional guidance, empowering students to serve skillfully in their chosen role within their community.

Equity
NCTC defines equity as encompassing the practice of acknowledging individual differences and systemic disparities when developing new programs and resources for our campus community, which may sometimes challenge our own beliefs and assumptions, in order to ensure balanced educational opportunities toward completion.

Affinity Groups
Staff and faculty representing the Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s), along with academic advisors, counselors and success coaches, serve as mentors for NCTC’s student-centered Affinity Groups.

An Affinity Group is a population of students who have specific needs, barriers or systems they are needing to navigate not only within college, but within life. Providing mentorship, support and resources for identified Affinity Groups such as Black/African American students, veterans and active military, single parents, students with disabilities, adult learners, Latinx, LGBTQ+ and students who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness, enables us to make more impactful, meaningful connections with students who are in dire need of equity and understanding.

 

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. Larry Gilbert
Office Location:	Corinth Campus Room 160A
Telephone Number:	940-498-6216
E-mail Address:	lgilbert@nctc.edu