Metropolitan Community College
Course Syllabus –2015-16 Spring Quarter
COURSE IDENTIFICATION
Title: Native American Studies
Prefix/Section: Sociology 1100 WW
Credit Hours: 4.5
Begins/Ends: May 10, 2016 – May 24, 2016
Census Date: March 21, 2016
Meeting Day/Time: ONLINE
Last Day to Withdraw: May 11, 2016
Delivery Type: ONLINE
Class Location: Online through Blackboard
Lab Location: N/A
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Name: Gary J. Toth
Office Location: South Omaha Campus, Mahoney Building , Room 110V
Office Telephone: 402-738-4678
Toll-Free Number: 1-800-228-9553
Facsimile: 402-738-4535
Office Hours: Monday/Wednesday 10:00-12:00; Tuesday/Thursday 12:00-1:00
GToth@mccneb.edu
EMAIL
ADDRESS:
Students enrolled in online and hybrid classes are required to check and use
MCC Email (https://outlook.com/mccneb.edu) for all official course
correspondence. See also STUDENT EMAIL REQUIREMENTS.
Academic Program Area: Social Sciences
COURSE INFORMATION
Course Description:
This is a survey course, designed to introduce students to a wide range of topics and perspectives
regarding Native Americans. It will provide a social, cultural, and historical foundation for the
study of the man diverse Native American peoples, as well as focus on contemporary issues.
Specific topics covered include: culture areas, history, sovereignty, spirituality and worldview,
religious freedom, repatriation, education, economic development, and cultural revitalization.
Course Prerequisites:
Reading assessment: college level skills strongly recommended and students must be able to do
the following:
●
Use a web browser and internet search engines.
●
Save and back up files to a local drive.
In order to be successful in this course, students should have the following computer skills:
MINIMUM TECHNICAL SKILLS:
·
use email with attachments
·
save files to and retrieve from a local drive
·
save files in commonly used word processing program formats
·
copy and paste
·
identify and use a compatible web browser
·
identify and install necessary updates
·
install and use course-specific software programs
Course Objectives:
Detailed objectives will be provided during the course, and a course outline listing detailed
objectives is available in college libraries on reserve. In general, completion of the course aids
the student in developing these abilities:
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:
1. Describe the nature of Native American Studies from an indigenous perspective.
2. Sketch the multidisciplinary scope of Native American Studies.
3. Appraise linguistic area and culture area concepts, geographic determinism, and ethnographic
present and their historical impacts on Native American Studies.
4. Discuss the importance and efficacy of Indian oral history as a valid historical instrument.
5. Assess the importance of the intrinsic value of land to Native Americans in relation to
sovereignty and the right to self-determination.
6. Develop and appreciation of the major contributions of Native Americans.
7. Display an understanding of the impact of racism, stereotypes, and discrimination directed at
Native Americans.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the major issues facing Native Americans today, including:
identity and the use of mascots; sovereignty; religious freedom; and repatriation.
9. Construct a foundation of basic knowledge that may be used for further academic work in
Native American and/or cultural studies.
TOPICAL UNIT OUTLINE
I. Introduction to Native American Studies
A. Definition
B. Scope of Native American studies
C. Diversity
D. Identity
E. Oral histories
F. Contributions
II. Racism, Stereotypes, Discrimination, Dispossession, and Genocide
A. Land Dispossession and Sovereignty
B. Religious persecution
C. Broken treaties
D. Forced cultural assimilation
E. “Noble savage”: variations on prejudice
F. Cultural genocide
III. Family, Education, and Spirituality
A. Genealogy and family heritage
B. Maintaining traditions
C. Education
D. Spiritualism
E. Repatriation
IV. Development, Environment, and Community
A. Land
B. The environment
C. Indian gaming
D. Tourism
E. Health
F. Drinking and Alcoholism
G. Adoption
H. Criminal justice and incarceration
V. Native American Rights
A. Self-determination and sovereignty
B. Cultural revitalization
C. Language survival
D. International recognition and protection
Required & Supplemental Materials:
Textbook and other print materials can be purchased through the South Omaha Campus
bookstore.
Phone: (402 ) 738-4508
Title: Native American Voices
Edition: 3rd
Author: Susan Lobo and Steve Talbot
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Course Structure:
Online Courses are equivalent to traditionally taught college courses and meet the same criteria
for academic rigor and qualified faculty. Students complete the course by reading the text,
completing online assignments and communicating with instructors via phone, mail, optional
campus visits or e-mail. Students also will interact with other students through the use of
Blackboard’s Discussion and Mail tools. Although you can send email from the class, mail is
received in the Metro email system. It is essential that you check your email regularly!
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS:
The computer you use for MCC online courses must be able to run one of the Blackboardcompatible web browsers listed on the Browser Support Page:
https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Help-Desk/Browser-Support.aspx
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard software and
encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed documents for file
attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your software does not allow either of
these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
RESPONSE TIME:
Faculty will respond within 48 hours, Monday through Friday, to student emails concerning
course content, learning activities, and private matters appropriate for discussion within the
teacher-student relationship. Posting of feedback and grades for major assignments is addressed
under Assessment of Student Work.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
●
ASSESSMENT In general, levels of student achievement can be grouped according to
these abilities:
A - Student solves problems, applies course concepts to new situations and analyzes structure
and components of concepts, makes judgments based on new learning
B - Student comprehends course concepts and can communicate them effectively.
C - Student recognizes course concepts, recalls information.
SELECTED TESTING/ASSESSMENT METHODS:
●
All exams are delivered online through our online course tools.
●
All quizzes are open-book and presented at the appropriate level of difficulty for openbook tests
●
Exams are all essay.
1. Types of Assessment/Assignments
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING FINAL COURSE GRADE:
Complete all Assignments the week they are due (one per module – 20 points each) - you
must follow the guidelines and use the template available in the Assignment link in each
Module.
Respond to all Discussion Topics the week they are due (one per module – 10 points each) follow the guidelines on the Discussion page link in each module
Complete all Concept and Reaction Papers the week they are due (30 points each) - you
must follow the guidelines and use the template available in the Concept and Reaction
link in each Module.
Complete all Homework Quizzes the week they are due (20 points each) - you must follow
the guidelines and use the template available in the Quiz link in each Module.
2. Grading Policy
In addition to the information above, all weekly homework (Attendance reports, Discussion
posts, Assignments, Concept and Reaction papers, and Quizzes) is due on the dates
indicated on the schedule below (the end of each module week). Late assignments will be
penalized 50% of the total points. Homework more than one week late will not be accepted.
The final grade will be based on a cumulative scale of points explained in a previous section.
Final point totals will be assigned a grade according to the following percentages.
A
90% - 100%
B
80% - 89%
C
70% - 79%
D
60% - 69%
F
Below 60%
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING FINAL COURSE GRADE:
Concept & Reaction Papers – each worth 30 points (270 points)
Discussion – each entry worth 10 points (90 points)
Assignments – each worth 20 points (180 points)
Quizzes – each worth 20 points (180 points)
Total - 720 points maximum
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and
learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be
asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are
required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes.
USE OF STUDENT WORK:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the
College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of
instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the
work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).
3. Maintenance of Student Records
a. This is an online course and as such the grade book is viewable. Usually
assignments are graded each week.
b. Grade books (grade spreadsheets) will be kept by the instructor for a minimum of
one (1) year.
c. Student tests, papers, projects, etc., that were graded by faculty for determining
the final grade and were not returned to the student, should be kept for one (1)
year.
METHODS OF LEARNING:
●
Read and study the textbook , use supplements as desired. Read and study the text
material for each section. Take notes for yourself as you go outlining important ideas and
examples.
●
Keep in touch with your instructor and your classmates you are encouraged to be
touch with the instructor by telephone and Internet as deemed necessary. Your instructor
is available for several hours on campus during the week. You may drop in or call in
during that time. See Section I of this syllabus.
●
Use the discussion tool to post questions and answer questions posed by other students.
Take advantage of this opportunity to interact with classmates.
●
Use the mail tool to interact with your fellow students one-on-one.
●
Tests should be taken online during the time periods listed in the schedule, and grade
deductions will be as listed in Section III under Grading Procedures.
●
Complete other assignments and embedded evaluations as specified by your
instructor.
***Key: the Concept and Reaction Papers should be completed according to the following
guidelines:
All concept papers should be three to four paragraphs in length and should be a brief explanation
of a concept outlined in the current chapter. Document the current research or understanding of
the topic. Be sure to use your own words. In addition to the textbook, you must include at least
one outside reference in each concept paper. You may use websites (reliable, usually means that
the author is listed), a newspaper article, a magazine or journal article, or an interview with an
expert on the topic. Be sure to cite your source on the paper. The last paragraph should reflect
your own thoughts/reactions to the topic.
Concept and Reaction Papers will be evaluated on the following criteria:
· Selection of relevant topic
· At least 3 paragraphs in length
· Clear explanation of content and clear thoughtful reaction to what you learned.
· Use of an outside source (in addition to the text and any assigned link or paper), with citation.
Notice: This syllabus is written as an expectation of class topics, learning activities, and
expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to make changes in this
schedule that may result in enhanced or more effective learning for students. These modifications
will not substantially change the intent or objectives of this course and will be done within the
policies and guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.
COURSE COMMUNICATION:
You have three communication tools available within your course: Discussion, Mail, and Chat.
You use the communication tools to ensure contact with:
Student (you)
Other students in the class
Other students in the class
Mail
Chat or Discussion
Instructor (me)
Internet e-mail, Mail or Discussion
Chat or Discussion
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as its standard software. We
recommend that you submit your assignments in Word .doc or .rtf format.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching and
learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example, you may be
asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or assignments you are
required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used for assessment purposes.
USE OF STUDENT WORK:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives the
College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the process of
instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have the right to use the
work in any other manner without the written consent of the student(s).
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
●
The student's approach to success should be built on active involvement in learning.
Students should read the assigned sections of their texts. Other study materials may be
provided online, allowing preparation in advance for learning activities.
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:
Each student will correspond with the instructor via course email at least once per week
through learning activity assignments. Point values for learning activity assignments and
required discussion entries are given in each module.
Attendance/Participation Reporting: To confirm each student’s eligibility to remain registered for
the class, the instructor will officially report attendance/participation on or before the Census
Date. Students in this section of Native American Studies must participate in a class activity by
March 21, 2016.
STUDENT EMAIL REQUIREMENTS: Email sent from a Blackboard course is delivered to both the
sender and recipient’s MCC Email account at https://outlook.com/mccneb.edu. No email is stored in
Blackboard. Students enrolled in online and hybrid classes are required to check and use MCC Email for
all official course correspondence. New email sent from Blackboard will include the course number,
section and title in the subject line. Students should include the same information in the subject line when
responding or composing new email from the MCC Email inbox. The instructor may provide additional
guidelines.
RESPONSE TIME: Faculty will respond within 48 hours to student emails concerning course content,
learning activities, and private matters appropriate for discussion within the teacher-student relationship.
Posting of feedback and grades for major assignments is addressed under Assessment of Student Work.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject to
copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library website
at hhttps://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Library.aspx or by your instructor.
In response to incidents of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), the College imposes
specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test, failure in the course,
suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College. Disciplinary procedures are
available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at https://www.mccneb.edu/About-MCCNebraska/About-MCC/Board-of-Governors/Procedures.aspx
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you are encouraged to contact your
instructor and consult an MCC advisor, counselor, or the Financial Aid Office to evaluate the
consequences of dropping the class. You can officially withdraw through My Services on the
MCC My Way portal at https://myway.mccneb.edu/ or by calling Central Registration at 402457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. The last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS
IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Learning and Tutoring Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly,
supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success. Staff
members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing, reading, math,
and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in reading, vocabulary,
typing, English as a Second Language, and online course orientation is also available. Detailed
information about the Learning and Tutoring, Math, and Writing Centers is in the My Way
portal, the College Catalog, and online at https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/StudentTools.aspx.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with
documented qualifying disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to request accommodations
from Disability Support Services (DSS) located in each Student Services Office. After students
have arranged for accommodations with DSS, the student and instructor should privately discuss
these accommodations. For further information, please contact DSS or visit
https://www.mccneb.edu/Current-Students/Student-Tools/Disability-Support-Services.aspx.
NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to
its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
●
If you have difficulty connecting to the Internet, call your Internet provider.
●
If you need help connecting to the course from the Blackboard login page, refer to
“Getting Started Online” at https://www.mccneb.edu/Online.
●
If you are unable to solve the problem, contact MCC Online Support:
Curtis Bryant (402) 457-2853 or cebryant@mccneb.edu
Chuck Davis (402) 457-2866 or cwdavis@mccneb.edu
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact the Help
Desk at 457-2900 or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems and
phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the Metropolitan
Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of Information Technology
and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be familiar with these procedures. The full
text of the Procedures Memorandum may be found at the following website:
https://www.mccneb.edu/About-MCC-Nebraska/About-MCC/Board-ofGovernors/Procedures.aspx
1. SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
All activity, test dates, and other important dates are also listed in the Blackboard calendar.
NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities, and
expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify this schedule to
enhance learning for students. Any modifications will not substantially change the intent or
objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and guidelines of Metropolitan
Community College.
Week #
Module and Date
Quizzes
Communication
Weeks 1 & 2
Mar 10-20
Module 1
Attendance and
Homework
Quizzes Due
Discussion, Assignments
and Concept and
Reaction paper due
Attendance and
Homework
Quizzes Due
Discussion, Assignments
and Concept and
Reaction paper due
Attendance and
Homework
Quizzes Due
Discussion, Assignments
and Concept and
Reaction paper due
Attendance and
Homework
Quizzes Due
Discussion, Assignments
and Concept and
Reaction paper due
Attendance and
Homework
Quizzes Due
Discussion, Assignments
and Concept and
Reaction paper due
Attendance and
Homework
Quizzes Due
Discussion, Assignments
and Concept and
Reaction paper due
Attendance and
Homework
Quizzes Due
Discussion, Assignments
and Concept and
Reaction paper due
Attendance and
Homework
Quizzes Due
Discussion, Assignments
and Concept and
Reaction paper due
Attendance and
Homework
Quizzes Due
Discussion, Assignments
and Concept and
Reaction paper due
Due March 20
Week 3
Module 2
Mar 21-27
Due March 27
Week 4
Module 3
Mar 28-Apr 3
Due April 3
Week 5
Module 4
Apr 4-10
Due April 10
Week 6
Module 5
Apr 11-17
Due April 17
Week 7
Module 6
Apr 18-24
Due April 24
Week 8
Module 7
Apr 25 - May 1 Due May 1
Week 9
Module 8
May 2-8
Due May 8
NOTE: LAST DAY to
DROP May 11th.
Weeks 10 & 11 Module 9
May 9-19
Due May 19
2016 (15/SP) Spring Quarter Important Dates
Classes begin Mar 10 Th
Census Date/Tenth Day* date Mar 23 W
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class without receiving a grade Varies by Class**
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class with a refund variesSee Refund Policy
Spring Break/College Closed
Mar 26-27 Sa-Su
Winter quarter “I” incomplete grades are due
May 11 W
Classes end May 25 W
Spring grades due and posted by 7:00 a.m. May 31 Tu
Current Student (greater than 50 hours) Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins…….Mar 18 F
Current Student (less than 50 hours) Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins Mar 22 T
General Registration Summer 2016 (16/SS) Registration begins
Mar 24 Th
*Tenth Day is the date on which your enrollment level is checked.
**To view the last day to withdraw “drop” a class to prevent receiving a grade, go to the class
schedule found online at https://catalog.mccneb.edu/Pages/Home.aspx then, find the course
section and click on the Important Dates link on the same line as the course title. Dates for each
course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates and the number of
sessions for a course. A student must withdraw by this date to avoid an “F” grade.
Note: Schedule changes may have implications for students on Financial Aid. Check with the
Financial Aid Office prior to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330. The Census Date is the
date on which Financial Aid Student’s enrollment is checked to determine the type and amount
of authorized funds for the quarter. Payment is based on enrollment as of that date.
REFUND POLICY for Credit Courses
A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend. Nonattendance or non-payment does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay.
An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load may
entitle the student to a refund. Go to “My Services” and click “Student Accounts”, then “Tuition
Refund Modeler” to see the refund percentage received through midnight of the same day you
“drop” withdraw from a classs.