U.S. History 1301
Instructor: Mr. Green
Introduction
This survey course is designed to cover numerous diverse topics related to the
early history of the United States. The course studies how immigrants from Europe and
elsewhere influenced life in North America from the explorations of Columbus to the
Civil War. This course will paint a broad picture of the major events, patterns and characters
of American history together with their impact on the country. The course will trace out the
economic, social, and political implications of the major themes from this time period.
Course Description
This course is a survey course of United States History. As a survey we will touch
on numerous topics, but with limited depth. This course is based on lectures, projects,
textbook and occasionally web readings. The class counts as three credits and will
transfer to most Texas colleges and universities.
Student Learning Outcomes
The goal of history is not simply to memorize facts, but to be able to interpret
facts through analysis. This analytical ability, once learned, will help you to think
critically in any facet of life. The application of history will also help you to understand
where you and those around you have come from and where you are headed.
Additionally, by the end of the course you should be able to express your views on many
historical subjects both orally and in writing. Moreover, mastering the above-mentioned
goals will ensure that you also obtain both high school and college credit. All teaching
material will line up with the district-outlined objectives, with additional depth and
material only found at the college level.
Grading Policy
The following are the percentages awarded per grading area. Many of these
grading areas involve writing as writing comprises over 50 percent of all grades.
Daily Grades (Homework, assignments)
30%
Examinations (Tests, Quizzes)
35%
Performance Grades (Projects, Presentations, Book Reviews, Term Paper)
35%
Classroom Discussions
Being able to discuss a topic that you have prepared is part of your contribution to
the class. As you learn the information both inside and outside the classroom, being able
to assimilate the knowledge and articulate your opinions is vital to reinforcing your
knowledge of the curriculum.
Examinations
Knowledge of the material will be measured through multiple examinations and
quizzes. Each test will consist of multiple choice and essay questions. I will provide a review
for each exam prior to the test. Material that will be on the test will come from your
textbooks, in-class lectures, writing assignments, daily work, web readings and projects. The
most important information for the quizzes and tests will be most easily accessible through
your notes. Remember, however, that the notes alone will not be enough as any information
you are responsible for may appear on the test.
Make-Up Examinations
You have 3 class days after you return to class to make-up an examination that you
missed. You are responsible to check with a classmate to catch up on any and all missing
work. After you have consulted a classmate, you may contact me if you have any further
questions, concerns or needs.
Written Assignments
All written assignments should be turned in at the beginning of the class on the day
that they are due. Assignments should be double-spaced in Arial 12 point font. Make sure
that your name and class period are in the upper right hand corner of the paper. There is a
letter grade deduction for any assignment submitted in a different format. As stated earlier,
writing makes up at least fifty percent of the grade for this class.
Term Paper
All written assignments are designed to prepare you for the term paper. The term
paper is due on Monday of the second to last week of the semester, no exceptions. The paper
will be accepted in the week prior to this time, but no later than Monday of the second to last
week of the semester. Any paper that is submitted after Monday, will receive a one-letter
grade deduction for every day that it is late.
Projects and Presentations
You will be assigned a variety of presentations and/or projects throughout the
semester. Learning how to present before the class is important because it will help you to
hone your public speaking skills. Projects are necessary because they will provide you the
opportunity to get real-world experience by working together with your colleagues.
Daily Work
All daily homework is due on the following day at the beginning of class, with no
exceptions. All daily assignments should be conducted in a timely manner and submitted at
the end of the class period. You should include your name and class period in the upper righthand corner of the paper. There is a letter grade deduction for any assignment submitted in a
different format.
Recommended Supplies
12 Count Map Pencils
2” Clear View Binder
512 MB Jump Drive
Textbook
We will be using Give Me Liberty! An American History by Eric Foner. We
will also use web readings from your e-reader and selected readings from primary
documents for analytical purposes to better understand the historical context and
characters. Students will also select an additional monograph this semester from a list that
will be provided to write on.
Scope and Sequence
Schedule for Textbook Readings, Course Content and Class Discussions
1st 6 Weeks
A New World
Beginnings of English America
Creating Anglo-America
Slavery, Freedom and the Struggle for Empire
The American Revolution
2nd 6 Weeks
The Revolution Within
Founding a Nation
Securing the Republic
The Market Revolution
Democracy in America
3rd 6 Weeks
The Peculiar Institution
An Age of Reform
A House Divided
The Civil War
Academic Dishonesty
Except during designated group work, you are expected to complete homework,
class work, and tests on your own. If you use someone else’s work, in an essay or
assignment or you provide your work to someone else, you will receive a “Zero” for that
assignment and you may received an “F” for the course and possible suspension from
Houston Community College. Academic dishonesty and plagiarism is morally
unacceptable as well as counterproductive to your learning and will not be tolerated.
Additional Information
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. This year, HCC with
the help of the Faculty Senate is implementing the online EGLS3 -- Evaluation for
Greater Learning Student Survey System to replace the paper SEOI, Student Evaluation
of Instruction.