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History
Central College
History1301
Spring 2015
Instructor: Ms. Deliah Brown
History 1301/Spring 2015
Class Time: M/W 10-11:30am
deliah.brown@hccs.edu
Lecture: 6 hours lab 0
Office location and hours: I do not have an office on campus, however, I
will be available before or after class or, “by appointment.” I will make every effort to
meet with, speak with, and otherwise assist students.
Course Description: A survey of U.S. History from the discovery of America to the
close of Reconstruction. The United States Social, economic, cultural, political and
diplomatic development will be emphasized and augmented with the roles of AfricanAmericans, Latin Americans and Native Americans when appropriate.
Course Objective: The objective of this course is to introduce students to major themes
in U.S. History since 1877 and to increase student’s analytical skills and their ability to
identify general historical themes.
Required Texts: Making America: A History of the United States Vol 1: to 1877 6th
(ed). Berkin, C; Miller, C; Cherny, R; and Gromly, J.
Class Organization: Classes will be organized around informal lectures and group
discussions. Students will be responsible for all materials, readings and announcements
made in class and completing assignments in a timely manner.
All Cell Phones/MP3 Players Are To Be Turned Off In Class.
It is rude to text, email, etc. during class! Cell phones should be in students’ purses,
backpacks, etc. The first time a student uses a device during class, they will be given a
warning. The second time, five (5) points will be deducted from their final course
grade. Any time beyond that, ten (10) points will be deducted.
Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is expected. However, if you should miss a class
it is the student’s responsibility to obtain lecture notes and assignments from a classmate.
Keep in mind an excessive number of absences will prohibit the successful completion of
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this course. Please be respectful of the time class starts, excessive tardiness will not
be tolerated.
Respect of ones experiences and ideas
Please be respectful to the comments of others. Since the focus of this course is to
provide you with a comprehensive understanding of History since 1877. You are
expected to understand that each person is entitled to his or her opinions about what is
most desirable or appealing in History. If there are differing opinions concerning certain
subjects, those opinions are welcomed. However, no single person has all the answers. If
such moments arise each student (no matter how at variance their opinion is with your
personal perspective) will be allowed to express their point of view without being
verbally attacked. Each class participant is encouraged to recognize that some events in
History are open to interpretation and some are not. Therefore, an atmosphere of
pluralism must be maintained in class and an openness to learn from one another.
Whether or not you agree or disagree with classmates on a particular subject matter
addressed in the class, you may find that he or she can provide insight to a historical
event that you have not considered. Therefore, conflict and controversy in the class
should be viewed as an opportunity to learn and a sign of a healthy learning environment
if we use it properly. Be mindful! There is never an excuse for being disrespectful to
anyone in the classroom and NO MATTER what, disrespectful rebuttals/personal attacks
will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly.
Use of camera and/or recording devices
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in
classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring,
or testing occurs. Students with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a
reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for
information regarding reasonable accommodations.
Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is expected. However, if you should miss a class
it is the student’s responsibility to obtain lecture notes and assignments from a classmate.
Keep in mind an excessive number of absences will prohibit the successful completion of
this course. Please be respectful of the time class starts, excessive tardiness will not
be tolerated.
Withdrawal Policy: Withdrawal from the course after the official day of record (see
current catalog) will result in a final grade of “W” on the student’s transcript and no final
grade will be awarded. Prior to the official day of record it is the student’s responsibility
to initiate and complete a request for withdrawal.
Make-up Exams: Due to the time constraints of this course, there will be no make-up
exams. However, In the event you do miss an exam it will be at the instructor’s discretion
to let you make it up. If you miss the scheduled final exam you will receive a grade of
“0” for that exam grade.
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Academic Integrity: I reserve the right to challenge any student I suspect of academic
dishonesty (cheating on an exam or plagiarism). This challenge may involve resubmitting
an assignment, or the retaking of an exam.
Disability Policy: Any student who has a disability that may affect his/her academic
performance is encouraged to contact Disability Support Services in the Learning Hub,
room 212, phone 713-718-6164.
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is
necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked
to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The
anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and division
chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the
Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.
Grading Scale:
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
50-59 = F
Tentative Schedule:
Jan 19-21 Introduction/Chapter 1
Jan 26-28 Chapter 1 & 2
Feb 2-4
Chapter 3
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Review/1 Exam
Feb 9-11
Chapter 4
Feb 16-18 Chapter 5
Feb 23-25 Chapter 6
Review/2nd Exam
Mar 2-4
Chapter 7
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Mar 9-11 Chapter 8
Mar 16-18 Spring Break
Mar 23-25 Chapter 9
Mar 30-Apr 1 Chapter 10
Review/3rd Exam
Apr 6-8
Chapter 11
Apr 13-15 Chapter 12
Review/4th Exam
Apr 20-22 Chapter 13
Library day (will discuss during class)
Apr 27-29 Chapter 13 cont’d
Review/4th Exam
May 4-6 Paper due/Presentations
Review for Final Exam
Date/Place and Time of Final Exam will be discussed during class.
Note: Your lecture notes and chapter readings will be your study guide.
Please note the instructor reserves the right to make any necessary corrections due
to unforeseen circumstances.
Instructor’s expectations for paper will be discussed throughout the semester.
Paper due on any era in history or person of your choice: MLA, black ink, 12’ font,
double-spaced, five pages. Expectations for written assignment will be discussed in
class. PLEASE GO TO THE WRITING LAB FOR ASSISTANCE. The paper and
presentation will be your extra-credit. The presentation is optional, not the paper.
No Late Papers will be accepted.
Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO):
1. Students will evaluate historical developments in an essay.
2. Students will analyze historical evidence by writing an analytical essay.
3. Students will read primary source documents, using them to demonstrate how the past
affects the present.
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SCANS Skills:
Texas Colleges must demonstrate that the Basic Intellectual Core Competencies are
incorporated into all Core courses. This course addresses the competencies in the
following ways:
Reading: The Textbook and alternative web sites.
Writing: Students will turn-in a five page typewritten paper.
Speaking: Students working in collaboration with other students on chapter readings will
have the opportunity to develop their speaking proficiency.
Listening: Students will have the opportunity to develop and practice their “critical
listening” skills from audio and video materials.
Critical Thinking: In class discussions and questions will require higher-level, "critical"
thinking skills to answer successfully. Also the weekly exams and the final exam will
contain questions that require critical and analytical thinking.