HIS 201 – American History: Discovery to 1877
                  Humanities Department

Semester: Summer II 2010

Catalog Course Description: This course is a survey of U.S. history from discovery to 1877. This course includes political, social, economic and intellectual developments during this period.

Prerequisite(s):		RDG 100 or ESL 100 and ENG 100 or ESL 110
Credit Hours:		3

Departmental Website:  	http://www.midlandstech.edu/humanities/

Instructor:			Gwendolyn C. Shealy	
Telephone:			803-822-3357
E-mail:		 	shealyg@midlandstech.edu

Departmental Assistant:	Ms. Lisa Cheeks (cheeksl@midlandstech.edu)
Department Chair: 		Ms. Elena Martínez-Vidal (vidale@midlandstech.edu)

Class Schedule[s]:		HIS-102-A90:  Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur: 10:05a  – 12:05p; Granby Hall 103  

Textbook(s):	Davidson, James, et. al., Nation of Nations To 1877, Vol. 1 McGraw-Hill, 6th  edition, 2008.
Additional Textbooks/Readings:    handouts as provided on the instructor’s webpage

General Education Core Competency Statement:  HIS 201 addresses the humanities component of the general education core, which states: “Graduates should understand the diversity of our cultural heritage and the effects of artistic or philosophical influences.”

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Reconstruct meaningful accounts of the major political, social, and cultural changes in a given society or period of time.

2.  Compare and contrast the impact of past events on present-day institutions, ideas, and issues.

3.  Analyze how cultural differences create both diversity and unity within the heritage of a given society or period of time.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should also be able to:

1.  Trace the European exploration and colonization of North America.

2.  Describe the British empire in North America and the erosion of British control of the colonies.

3.  Account for and explain the causes, course, and consequences of the American Revolution.

4.  Explain the formation of the United States government and the origins and chief provisions of its basic documents.

5.  Trace the increase in political democracy and social equality from the colonial period through Reconstruction.

Revised 020110
6.  Describe the institution of slavery and its impact on the economic and social structure of the nation.

7.  Describe westward expansion and relate it to the issue of slavery in the territories.

8.  Trace the growth of the American economy from the mercantile system through agrarianism to early industrialization.

9.  Describe the development of the American political party system and evaluate the evolutionary nature of this system.

10.  Trace and evaluate the causes of sectionalism as they culminated in the Civil War.

11.  Explain Reconstruction’s attempts to solve the problems which caused the Civil War.
	
12.  Describe the growth of pluralism in the United States to 1877 and draw conclusions about the impact of that diversity on the nation.

13.  Identify the significant treaties, important national legislation, and significant Supreme Court decisions during the period to 1877.

Program and course assessment activities are deployed and results collected in accordance with the College’s assessment schedule. Please refer to the information in the syllabus regarding the applicability of the assessment activity for the current semester

Course Outcomes and Competencies:
 
Intended Course Outcome #1: Students will critically analyze the diversity of cultural heritage and the effects of artistic or philosophical influences upon culture through their study of the American History to 1877.

Course Competency (Performance Measure):  Students completing the learning objectives of American History will demonstrate their critical analysis of the diversity of cultural heritage and the effects of artistic or philosophical influences upon culture through a set of locally developed tests focusing on the study of the American History to 1877. 

Measurement Instrument:  At least 75 percent of all students completing HIS-201 will be able to pass identification and evaluation type exam questions created by the faculty.

Course Attendance:	Each student is expected to attend ALL classes and is responsible for classwork, homework, lecture notes, and reading assignments, whether present or absent.  In the event of circumstances beyond one's control, such as illness, the student is allowed to miss no more than twice the number of weekly class meetings or __2__.  Exceeding the maximum allowed absences in this course means that the student can receive NO CREDIT for the course, and the instructor will assign the student a grade of W or WF.

A student entering class from 1-10 minutes late is considered TARDY.  Three tardies equal one absence.  Any student entering more than 10 minutes late is considered ABSENT.  Students are expected to remain in class for the entire period.  

Courteous, attentive behavior is expected at all times.   Tardiness to class, speaking out of turn (or when instructor is speaking), sleeping in class, receiving calls on cell phones/pagers, etc. are behaviors that are disrespectful and disruptive to everyone in the class and will not be tolerated.

Withdrawal:  Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded prior to midterm, a "W" will be submitted to the registrar to be recorded on the student's transcript.  Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded after midterm, a "W" will be submitted to the registrar if the student was passing the course at the time of withdrawal OR a "WF" will be submitted if the student was failing the course at the time of withdrawal.

Course Requirements:  Students are expected to (1) attend classes, (2) completed and comprehend assigned reading, (3) successfully complete research and writing assignments using MLA style guidelines, (4) perform well on all quizzes exams, (5) write factually sound and grammatically correct responses to essay questions, and (6) participate in class discussion 

Course Grading:	The course grade will be based on your performance on the following:
			four exams (includes final exam)			20% each
			research project					20%
			pop quizzes/class behavior/discussion contribution factored in accordingly
	(For some summer courses and other abbreviated courses, exams are weighted at 25% each, because the research
                 project is deleted.) 

FINAL EXAM:  The final exam will consist of two parts, the first part taken from the last chapters of the textbook, and the second part, which will be comprehensive.  The final exam will not be returned to the student.
PAPER SUBMITTAL:  All papers must be submitted in print form.  Electronic submittals are will not be accepted.  Late papers are not accepted.  All papers must be submitted on the due date at the beginning of class.  Any papers submitted after that are considered to be late.  Late papers are considered to be a nonsubmittal, thus given a zero.  Make-up work for any research project or writing assignment is not allowed.
MAKE-UP EXAMS:  Make-up exams are only given when a student is unable to be in class on exam days.  Make-up exams are not of the same format at classroom exams, and are more difficult.  There are no make-ups for pop quizzes.

Course Final: This course requires students to take a cumulative final exam designed to evaluate student achievement
                         of the course learning outcomes.

Grading Scale:  	 	90-100		A		Superior Work
			  	  80-89		B		Good Work
			  	  70-79		C		Average Work
			  	  60-69		D		Below Average Work
				    0-59		F		Unsatisfactory Work

POINTS TO CONSIDER:
1.	Cell phones or any other electronic devices must be turned off in this class.  You will be marked absent for that class if I detect that any electronic devices or cells phones are on.  
2.	Various scholarships, student loans, and health insurance policies require that you carry a full load of 12 hours in order to qualify for those funds and benefits.  For many of you who fall in this category, it means that you do not have the luxury of withdrawing from the class, because your course load will fall below the minimum requirement of 12 hours.  Unfortunately, in the past, I have failed students who should have withdrawn from the class, but had not allowed for an additional buffer of another three-hour class.  Please, understand that I must comply with campus regulations, and I will not reward you with a higher grade than you have earned just so that you do not lose scholarships, loans, and your parent’s/spouse’s insurance coverage if you withdraw, or if I fail you.
3.	I do not have regular office hours.  If you need to confer with me, you can do so in a number of ways.  I will usually be in class several minutes prior to the beginning of class.  I will also remain after class in the event you need to visit with me at that time.  If you require a more lengthy conference, then it is best if you arrange a time with me outside of class, but at the Midlands Tech Airport Campus.  Use my points of contact, e-mail, or phone when class is not in session.  
4.	This is not a difficult course, but it absolutely requires diligence, self-motivation, and regular attendance, or you will not have a successful semester.
5.	You must find some way to ensure that the information you gain from the lectures or the text stays with you.  We all have various studying styles, whatever they are.  Find one that works for you.  You will not survive this class if you do not understand from the beginning that you must keep up with the reading and the lectures.  Taking notes, studying those notes, and reading the text are the most effective means of retaining the information.  The bulk of your exams is derived from lectures (which includes text – not the other way around).  A suggestion:  Make flashcards using index cards;  great study aid and easily transportable.
6.	The issue of cheating is addressed later in this syllabus, but I cannot emphasize enough my lack of tolerance for cheating, plagiarism, or collusion of any sort.  The least punishment is zero on the exam or project, which can easily cause you to fail the course.  Understand that I read many papers, and I have a reasonable grasp of your writing style by the time research papers are due.  I can make some reasonable assumptions about the authorship of your papers.
7.	Tape recorders are allowed, but ask first.
8.	DO NOT leave class during an exam.  Take your breaks prior to coming into class on exam day.  If you leave during an exam, you may not be allowed to complete your work.  You and I will discuss the matter afterward, at which time, I must contact the department chair.  There is the potential you will be given a zero for the exam.
9.	Writing guidelines for your research papers are contained in supplemental handouts.  While points are removed for various mistakes, I tend to be less tolerant of those mistakes that were addressed in the writing guidelines.
10.	In reference to research projects, I do not accept late papers.  You have been informed throughout the semester of the deadlines for turning in final projects; therefore, papers must be turned in on the required due date.  Pace yourself throughout the semester to avoid any unfortunate surprises as your deadline nears.  (Any excuses about corrupted disks, broken printers, etc. are not acceptable).  I also only accept paper copies of research papers.  Never, present me with a diskette or CD with your paper on it.
11.	As the semester draws to a close, a few of you may be disappointed in your academic performance up to that point.  I must make it clear at the beginning of the semester that I do not allow students to turn in reports or other projects for extra credit in an attempt to boost grades.  This practice is not fair to the class as a whole and undermines the efforts of others who have consistently applied themselves throughout the semester.

Writing Assignments:  They will be typed according to MLA standards.  Various research and writing guidelines are posted on my webpage.  Please, follow those requirements closely.  Additionally, typed papers must be submitted in Times New Roman with a size 12 font and double-spacing.

			College Policies

Students are expected to read the student handbook and abide by its policies. Copies of the 
handbook may be obtained at various locations on campus and is located on the web: http://www.midlandstech.edu/planner/

Academic Dishonesty: The Student Code addresses what constitutes academic dishonesty. All forms of dishonesty including, but not limited to, cheating on tests, plagiarism, collusion and falsification, will call for discipline.
	CHEATING ON TESTS includes:
•	Copying from another student’s paper.
•	Using materials during a test not authorized by the person giving the test.
•	Collaborating with any other person during a test without permission.
•	Knowingly obtaining, using, buying, selling, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of any un-administered test.
•	Bribing any other person to obtain information about tests.
•	Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself.
	PLAGIARISM is the appropriation of any other person’s work and unacknowledged 
	incorporation of that work in one’s own work offered for credit.

Campus Emergency Protocol: Students and employees are asked to report safety concerns or suspicious activities to Campus Security at 7199 (on campus) or 738-7199 (cell phone or off campus). In the event of an emergency, employees and/or students should immediately call Campus Security or local 911.  If an emergency occurs, the college will use a variety of methods to communicate additional information and instructions including the MTC Information Centers, campus loud speakers, MTC Alerts! (http://www.midlandstech.edu/Phone_Alert.
htm),voice mail, email, college Intranet, and the MTC website homepage.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event weather conditions or other emergencies cause the closing or a delayed start of Midlands Technical College, announcements will be made over local radio and TV stations, on the MTC Web site, and on the college’s information line (803-738-8324).  Notices will be sent to students via Campus Cruiser Mail when applicable.  Separate announcements may be made for day and evening classes as weather conditions change during the day.
 
If the college closing or reopening means that there is at least 30 minutes of a class remaining, plan to attend that class. For example, if the college opens at 10:00 a.m. in TTH, classes that normally meet at 8:00 a.m. will not meet, but classes beginning at 9:30 a.m.will meet. If the college closes at 8:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. classes will meet for their regular time, but 7:35 p.m. classes will not meet since there are fewer than 30 minutes remaining in class.

Student E-Mail Accounts: All MTC students are assigned a college e-mail account upon admission to the college.  This account is called “Campus Cruiser Mail.”  Campus Cruiser Mail is the primary mode by which the college communicates with students.  Students are responsible for checking their college e-mail on a regular basis for important information and announcements about registration, financial aid, cancelled classes, emergency announcements and other notices.  Students can use their college e-mail accounts to communicate with faculty, staff, fellow students, and others, in support of their educational pursuits.  In addition to e-mail, students will also have access to maintaining personal calendars and “tasks lists” through their Campus Cruiser e-mail account.

Student Evaluation of Instruction: Students have the opportunity to evaluate this course. The confidential evaluation process is conducted through MTC Online using the individual student’s username and password. Announcements will be made during the term concerning how and when to complete the online evaluation. Students are encouraged to participate in this process.

Students Requiring Special Accommodations: If special accommodations are needed for a student with a disability, the student should go to Counseling Services on Beltline or Airport Campus for assistance. Documentation regarding a specific disability is required in order for special arrangements to be made. Confidentiality of information received will be maintained.
How to Determine Absences	
Unless otherwise stated in the syllabus
 
            In a 14-week term, students are allowed
                   4 absences for a class that meets 2 times per week. 
 
 In a 12-week term, students are allowed
                   3 absences for a class that meets 2 times per week.
 
            In a 10-week term, students are allowed
                    2 absences for a class that meets 2 times per week.
 
            In a 7-or 5-week term, students are allowed 2 absences in any class.
 
In an online class, students are expected to participate in a regular basis through discussion boards, chat, projects, or other forms of interaction required by the instructor. Please do craft an online attendance policy.  
Examples:  Reid Holland uses discussions as the basis of his online attendance policy: "If you miss two week’s worth of discussions, you are automatically dropped from the course. You will receive a W (Withdrawn) if you miss two discussions before mid term. After mid term you will receive either a W, or a WF (Withdrawn Failing), depending on your class average at the time."
Elena Martínez-Vidal's policy uses the tracking in WebCT plus assignments:  "If at any time you have 8 missing assignments in a row, I will withdraw you from the course.  If at any time, you do not log in to the course for over 7 days, I will withdraw you from the course."
 
Students should read the course syllabus carefully for the instructor's explanation of required participation. This participation counts as attendance, and students who do not participate for a total of more than 2 weeks will be withdrawn from the course.
NOTE:  Some courses such as speech and foreign language courses may have different attendance policies to accommodate the nature of the course.  Students should refer to the course syllabus for specific information regarding attendance.
 
In general, for a 14 week term: SPC 205 = 3 absences
                                                    Foreign Language course = 2 absences	

PLEASE NOTE: Should change become necessary, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the requirements, pace, or scheduling of this course.  Any change will be announced in class before it becomes effective. 

Humanities Department Student Behavior Policies

Students are expected to behave professionally and to treat classmates and instructors with courtesy and respect. Instructors have the right to ask disruptive students to leave class upon the first offense of such behaviors.  Subsequent offenses will require the student to meet with either Mr. Hart Hayden (822-3441), Campus Life, or Mary Holloway (822-3529), Assistant Vice President of SDS, and may lead to disciplinary actions including dismissal from the course. Instructors will not tolerate disruptive behavior, which includes but is not limited to:

•	Making disrespectful, threatening, or derogatory comments to peers or instructors
•	Speaking out of turn or interrupting the instructor
•	Being tardy or leaving class repeatedly
•	Refusing to participate in assigned class activities
•	Working on any material not related to the class
•	Failing to bring necessary materials to class
•	Sleeping in class
•	Bringing children to class
•	Failing to turn off a cell phone or any other handheld electronic device before entering the classroom (Merely changing the ring to vibrate is not adequate).  Students can leave the number(s) for Campus Security with someone who can call them in the case of emergency.  The numbers for Campus Security are 738-7850 and 73-7440 (Emergency). 

        When a cell phone rings, the student may voluntarily leave the classroom or the instructor will ask the student to leave.  In either case, the student will receive an absence for the day.

In the case of an online or hybrid class, disruptive behavior is considered to be any bad online behavior.  Respectful behavior towards both instructor and peers is expected. 

Tips for Online Etiquette (http://arc.academyart.edu/online/etiquette.asp)

•	Even though you are not face-to-face with classmates and instructors in online classes, the communication that takes place is still among real people. Just as courteous behavior is necessary in person, it is necessary online. Here are a few guidelines to help you communicate effectively and respectfully in your online class:
•	Write in a calm voice and avoid using all capital letters. 
THIS IS YELLING IN ONLINE COMMUNICATION.
•	Use inoffensive language. 
Cursing, racial slurs, and other types of language that would not be appropriate in an onsite class are also inappropriate online.
•	Avoid using humor and sarcasm. 
Humor and sarcasm often rely on facial expressions, tone of voice, and cultural understanding to be effective. In written form, humor and sarcasm could be interpreted as offensive.
•	Contribute without dominating the discussion. 
While it’s important to write thoughtful responses on the discussion board, writing too much is like talking too much in onsite classes. If you’re unsure about how much to write, ask your instructor.
•	Keep writing style formal. 
Not all online instructors will penalize your grade because of a few grammatical errors. However, abbreviations and informal language should be avoided. “CU L8R” or “I’ll send it 2 U”. 

CALENDAR AND ASSIGNMENTS – SUMMER II 2010
AMERICAN HISTORY 201—10:05AM-12:05PM

PLEASE NOTE:  Should change become necessary, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the requirements, pace, or scheduling of this course.  Any change will be announced in class before it becomes effective.  LATE PAPERS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.  PAPERS MUST BE SUBMITTED ACCORDING TO THE DUE DATES AS SHOWN ON THIS CALENDAR AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS.

Thursday – June 24 					intro. – ch. 1

Monday – June 28					ch. 2

Tuesday – June 29					NO CLASS

Wednesday – June 30					ch. 3

Thursday – July 1					ch. 4, review

Monday – July 5					NO CLASS

Tuesday – July 6					EXAM, intro. – ch. 4, plus lectures

Wednesday – July 7					ch.5-6

Thursday – July 8					ch. 7

Monday – July 12					ch. 8, review

Tuesday – July 13					EXAM, ch. 5-8, plus lectures

Wednesday – July 14					ch. 9

Thursday – July 15					ch. 10

Monday – July 19					ch. 11-12

Tuesday – July 20					ch. 13, review

Wednesday – July 21					EXAM, 9-13, plus lectures

Thursday – July 22					ch. 14

Monday – July 26					ch. 15

Tuesday – July 27					ch. 16

Wednesday – July 28					ch. 17, last day of lecture

Wednesday – August 4	FINAL EXAM, 8:00AM – 10:00AM, ch. 14-17,                                                                                    lectures, cumulative