History
Central College
History1302
Fall 2014
EDU Bldg
2 hour lecture course
Instructor Contact Information:
Phone: 713-718-6063
E-mail: deliah.brown@hccs.edu
Class Times: M/W 2:30-4pm & T/TH 2:30-4pm
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.
1. Required Texts: Making America: A History of the United States, 6th ed Vol
2: Since 1865
Course Description: A survey of U.S. History from the end of Reconstruction to the
present. Special emphasis will be placed on the emergence of the United States as a world
power and the subsequent assumption of international responsibilities. Other topics will
include westward expansion, industrialization, immigration, World War I, World War II
and the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam and the collapse of the Soviet
Empire.
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.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR/INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS: This is a college
course and students are expected to act accordingly. The following apply: (1) During
exams, students may not leave class; (2) Turn off all cell phones and (3) Nothing except
test materials are to be on students’ desks during exams.
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.
All Cellphones/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.
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.
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.
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.
1) Unit Exams: There will be three (3) unit exams. The exams may be a
combination of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. They will
include information from class notes and required reading from your
textbook. These exams will be averaged. If you miss an exam, make-up exams
will be given only for documented excused absences, which are illness, death in
the immediate family, or religious holidays. The last (fourth) exam is
MANDATORY and will be given on the final exam date December 10 at 2pm in
the class.
Writing Assignment: The writing assignment due date is listed on the course calendar
and no late papers will be accepted. Instructor’s expectations for Papers:
1) Formatting: papers will be graded with respect to clarity of expression, logical
organization of ideas, elaboration & detail, critical thinking, effective use of
language, which supports main idea, concepts and argument and correct citations.
Papers will be argumentative or informative, MLA format, 12’ Font, Times New
Roman, double-spaced, black ink, five-pages including works cited page and
typed. Assignments will be accepted in class only and will not be accepted via
email. No exceptions for any reason. Students will be allowed to present the
writing assignment to the class for extra-credit up to 10 points, depending on
overall presentation and knowledge of topic. I encourage students to go to the
writing lab for assistance.
Make-up Exams: Due to the fact your paper will replace your lowest test grade, there
will be no make-up exams. No Exceptions!!!!
Academic Integrity: I reserve the right to challenge any student I suspect of academic
dishonesty (cheating on an exam or plagiarism). If a student is caught plagiarizing or
cheating, they will receive an “F” for that assignment.
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:
Your instructor will conduct exams, written assignments, presentations and assessments
that you can use to determine how successful you are at achieving the course learning
outcomes (mastery of course content and skills) outlined in the syllabus. If you find you
are not mastering the material and skills, you are encouraged to reflect on how you study
and prepare for each class. Your instructor welcomes a dialogue on what you discover
and may be able to assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your
performance.
Houston Community College’s standard grading system, which will be used in this class,
is: 100-90=A, 89-80=B, 79-70=C, 69-60=D, 59-0=F
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
50-59 = F
Tentative Schedule:
Aug 25-28 Introduction/ Ch 15
Sept 1-4
Chapter 15
Sept 8-11
Chapter 16
Sept 15-18 Chapter 17
Exam 1
(ch 15,16 &17)
Sept 22-25 Chapter 18
Sept 29- Oct Chapter 19
Oct 6-9
Chapter 20
Oct 13-16
Exam 2
Chapter 21
(Ch. 18, 19 &20)
Oct 20-23
Chapter 22
Oct 27-30
Chapter 23
Nov 3-6
Exam 3
Chapter 25
(ch 21, 22 &23)
Nov 10-13
Chapter 26
Nov 17-20
Chapter 27
Nov 24-27
Chapter 28
Dec 1-4
Review for final Exam
Paper Due November 24/start of presentations-end Nov 27 no exceptions!!!!
Presentations of papers are optional
Papers will replace your lowest test grade and presentations will be your extra-credit, up
to 10 points on overall grade.
Dec 1-4 Review for final
Final Exam on December 10 @ 2pm in class.
Please note the instructor reserves the right to make any necessary corrections due
to unforeseen circumstances.
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.
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.