Fall 2015
Angelina College
Liberal Arts Division
History 1301: U.S. History Prehistory to 1877
Instructional Syllabus
San Augustine
I.
BASIC COURSE INFORMATION:
A. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Three hours credit. A survey of the social, political,
economic, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States from the preColumbian 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. Required
of all students seeking an Associate in Arts or Science degree or who plan to transfer
to a four-year school.
B. INTENDED AUDIENCE: This course is designed for a diverse student body and is
required of all students seeking an Associate of Arts or Science degree or who plan to
transfer to a four-year school.
C. INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Tom McKinney, Ph.D., MLS
Office Location: SC206A
Office Hours: By appointment
Phone: (936) 633-4522
Email: tmckinney@angelina.edu
II.
INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Core Objectives Required for this Course
1. Reading: The ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials.
2. Writing: The ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted
to purpose, occasion, and audience.
3. Speaking: The ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and
persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.
4. Listening: The ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken
communication.
5. Critical Thinking: Angelina College defines critical thinking as the
dynamic process of questioning preconceptions and biases through the
gathering and evaluation of data to reach new conclusions that consider
realistic implications and consequences.
6. Computer Literacy: The ability to use computer-based technology in
communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information.
B.
Course Learning Outcomes
1. To examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical
periods, social structures, and cultures.
2. To analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural,
and global forces on the area under study.
3. To understand the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world.
4. To differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and
statistical) and differing points of view.
5. To recognize and apply reasonable criteria or the acceptability of historical
evidence and social research.
6. To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse
cultures.
III.
ASSESSMENT MEASURES OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
A. Assessments for the Core Objectives
1. Reading: Competency in reading is assessed through the use of weekly
quizzes which cover specified chapters from the textbook, exams covering the
textbook material and class lectures, as well as from posted handouts.
2. Writing: Competency in writing is assessed through essays over the topics
covered in class and a semester-long core project. Students are expected to
adhere to the standards of formal academic English.
3. Speaking: Competency in speaking will play little part in this class.
4. Listening: This objective will be assessed by the students’ ability to follow
instructions for their examinations.
5. Critical Thinking: Critical thinking will be assessed by the students’
performance on their test essays, the core project, their ability to follow class
policies, and in their examinations.
B. Assessments for the Exemplary Objectives Specific to the Course
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to examine social institutions and
processes across a range of historical periods, social structures, and culture
through exams and other class assignments.
2. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze the effects of historical,
social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces through exams and
other class assignments.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to understand the evolution and current
role of the U.S. in the world through exams and other class assignments.
4. Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and apply reasonable
criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social research
through exams and other class assignments.
5. Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and understand differences
and commonalities within diverse culture through exams and other class
assignments.
C. Assessments for the Objectives Specific to the Course – N/A
D. Assessments for the Objectives of the Course as determined by the Instructor
– N/A
IV.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbooks, Materials, and Equipment – Tindall, G. B., & Shi, D. E.
(2012). America: A Narrative History (9th Brief ed., Vol. 1). New York, New York:
W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN: 978-0-393-91266-1.
B. Assignments – See Course Calendar
C. Course policies – (This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as
stated in the Angelina College Handbook)
Academic Assistance – If you have a disability (as citied in Section 504 of the
rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990)
that may affect your participation in this class, you should see Karen Bowser, Room
208 of the student center. At a post-secondary, you must self identify as a person with
a disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with the necessary information to do so.
Additional Policies Established by the Individual Instructor
Be prepared - This means that you have finished your assigned reading(s) and are
able to discuss that material. This is important for two reasons; 1) you will have a
better understanding of the material covered in this class, and 2) you can participate in
discussion posts and other assignments and do well.
Do the work! Please do not procrastinate doing your work. This is an internet class
which means that the responsibility for doing the work and turning in your
assignments on time is your responsibility. In my experience, falling behind in this or
any internet class usually means that catching back up is very difficult.
Email etiquette – When sending an email, please include your full name, course
number and the days and time of your class in every email correspondence.
CLASS CONDUCT – THIS IS A COLLEGE CLASS. AS AN ADULT
ASSUMING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, YOU SHOULD
ACT APPROPRIATELY. THIS MEANS TREATING FELLOW STUDENTS AND
THE INSTRUCTOR WITH RESPECT. VIOLATION OF THESE POLICIES MAY
RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE CLASS.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY - Academic integrity is a responsibility of all university
faculty and students. Faculty members promote academic integrity in multiple ways
including instruction on the components of academic honesty, as well as abiding by
university policy on penalties for cheating and plagiarism.
Definition of Academic Dishonesty - Academic dishonesty includes both cheating and
plagiarism. Cheating includes but is not limited to (1) using or attempting to use
unauthorized materials to aid in achieving a better grade on a component of a class; (2)
the falsification or invention of any information, including citations, on an assigned
exercise; and/or (3) helping or attempting to help another in an act of cheating or
plagiarism. Plagiarism is presenting the words or ideas of another person as if they
were your own. Examples of plagiarism are (1) submitting an assignment as if it were
one's own work when, in fact, it is at least partly the work of another; (2) submitting a
work that has been purchased or otherwise obtained from an Internet source or another
source; and (3) incorporating the words or ideas of an author into one's paper without
giving the author due credit.
DO NOT CHEAT. I HAVE A ZERO TOLERENCE POLICY AND WILL FAIL
YOU IN THE CLASS IF YOU ARE CAUGHT CHEATING. PLAGERISM IN
ANY FORM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED EITHER.
Exams – See Class Calendar for dates. All makeup exams must be taken BEFORE
THE NEXT EXAM! There are no exceptions to this rule, and you must have a valid
excuse for missing the exam to take a makeup exam.
V.
COURSE CONTENT:
A. Content/Topics – 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 with special emphasis on political, economic, and social
change which led to the founding of the United States, the rise of sectionalism, and the
Civil War/Reconstruction Eras.
VI.
EVALUATION AND GRADING:
A. Grades will be determined by scores on exams, the core project, and quizzes. The
instructor reserves the right to offer extra credit opportunities, but do not ask for extra credit.
More than likely extra credit will not be offered.
A word of advice: I suggest you do you work in a timely and in an organized fashion. Once
you get behind it will be difficult to catch back up to the class. Please do not hesitate to ask
for help if you need it. I am more than happy to help you with any questions or issues you
may have in this class.
Please do not expect sympathy from me if you wait until the final weeks of the semester to get
help. Generally speaking, it will be too late by then. Please, please, get help when you need
it!
Your final grade will be determined using the following formula:
Your final grade will be determined using the following formula:
Quiz Average + Test Average/2 = Final Grade
B. Determination of the final grade – Your final grade will be calculated in the following
way:
89.1 – 100 = A
79.1 – 89 = B
69.1 – 79 = C
59.1 – 69 = D
00.0 – 59 = F
VII.
SYLLABUS MODIFICATION:
The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by
informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.
August 27
September 1
September 3
September 8
September 10
September 15
September 17
September 22
September 24
September 29
HIST 1301 Course Calendar
Fall 2015
San Augustine HS Dual Credit
First class day
Introduction to HIST 1301
Chap. 1 : The Collision of Cultures
Chap. 1 : The Collision of Cultures
Chap. 2: Britain and Its Colonies
Topic for Core Project Due
Personal Responsibility Contract Due
Chap. 2: Britain and Its Colonies
Chap. 3: Colonial Ways of Life
Chap. 4: From Colonies to States
Chap. 5: The American Revolution
Chap. 5: The American Revolution
TEST ONE
Chap. 6: Shaping A Federal Union
Chap. 6: Shaping A Federal Union
Chap. 7: The Federalist Era
Chap. 7: The Federalist Era
Chap. 8: The Early Republic
October 1
October 6
October 8
October 13
October 15
October 20
October 22
October 27
October 29
Chap. 8: The Early Republic
Chap. 9: The Dynamics of Growth
Chap. 9: The Dynamics of Growth
Chap. 10: Nationalism and Sectionalism
Chap. 10: Nationalism and Sectionalism
Chap. 11: The Jacksonian Era
Chap. 11: The Jacksonian Era
TEST TWO
Chap. 12: The Old South
November 3
November 19
Chap. 12: The Old South
Chap. 13: Religion, Romanticism, and Reform
Chap. 13: Religion, Romanticism, and Reform
Chap. 14: An Empire in the West
Chap. 14: An Empire in the West
Chap. 15: The Gathering Storm
Chap. 15: The Gathering Storm
Chap. 16: The War of the Union
CORE PROJECT DUE
Chap. 16: The War of the Union
December 1
Chap. 16: The War of the Union
November 5
November 10
November 12
November 17
December 3
December 8
December 16
Chap. 17: Reconstruction: North and South
Chap. 17: Reconstruction: North and South
FINAL EXAM
Grades due by 10:00 AM; Christmas Break starts at 3:00 PM