Eastfield College American History 1301. 4404 SPRING 2012 Jan 17 – May 10, 2012 Course Section Number: 4401; 4404 Instructor: Michael Walker Email: [email protected] Phone: 972-860-7166 Office: LC 215 Office Hours: by appointment COURSE DESCRIPTION: We will survey the history of the United States from the early days of European settlement on the American continent through the establishment of colonies, the creation of a nation and conclude with the war that nearly destroyed the nation. We will focus on the major events, movements and issues of this time. TEXTBOOK: Brands, Breen, Williams, Gross, American Stories A History of the United States, Volume One ISBN: 0-205572693 COURSE DESIGN: The course is divided into five sections and for each section there are a number of activities you are required to complete. For each section, you will read from the textbook, participate in a discussion forum, and take an exam covering several chapters. In addition to the section work, you are required to compile a journal. This will consist of your analysis of current events; more specific instructions will be provided. GRADING: Activity Points Total 5 Section Exams 100 points each X 5 500 Discussion Posts 10 points per section X 5 50 Paper 30 points X 1 30 Total 580 Points 520 + Points = A 345 – 399 Points = D 460 - 519 Points = B less than 345 Points = F 400 – 459 Points = CCOURSE SCHEDULE: SECTION ONE: All work for Section One is to be completed by Feb 11 Discovery through the colonial period 1. Reading: Chapters 1 - 3 in the textbook 2. Discussion: Participate in the discussion forum at least twice 3. Exam: Complete the exam by 11:00 p.m. on Feb 11 SECTION TWO: All work for Section Two must be completed by March 3 Revolutionary War to Thomas Jefferson 1. Reading: Chapters 4-6 in the textbook 2. Discussion: Participate in the discussion forum at least twice 3. Exam: Complete the exam by 11:00 p.m. on March 3 SECTION THREE: All work for Section Three must be completed by March 31 Nationalism through Reform Movements 1. Reading: Chapters 7-9 in the textbook 2. Discussion: Participate in the discussion forum at least twice 3. Exam: Complete the exam by 11:00 p.m. on March 31 SECTION FOUR: All work for Section Four must be completed by April 21 Moving West and the Civil War 1. Reading: Chapters 10-12 in the textbook 2. Discussion: Participate in the discussion forum at least twice 3. Exam: Complete the exam by 11:00 p.m. on April 21 SECTION FIVE: All work for Section Five must be completed by May 10 Moving West and the Civil War 1. Reading: Chapters 13-15 in the textbook 2. Discussion: Participate in the discussion forum at least twice 3. Exam: Complete the exam by 11:00 p.m. on May 10 Paper: Paper is due on May 1 through Safe Assign. Last Day to Withdraw with a W is April 12. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: The objective of a social and behavioral science component of a core curriculum is to increase student’s knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity. Therefore, the exemplary educational objectives for this class are: - To employ the appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition. - To examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social structures, and cultures.- To use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories. - To develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues. - To analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on the areas under study. - To comprehend the origins and evolution of U.S. and Texas political systems, with a focus on the growth of political institutions, the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas, federalism, civil liberties, and civil and human rights. - To understand the evolution and current role of the U.S. in the world. - To differentiate and analyze historical evidence (documentary and statistical) and differing points of view. - To recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social research. - To analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to public policy problems. - To recognize and assume one’s responsibility as citizen in a democratic society by learning to think for oneself, be engaging in public discourse, and by obtaining information through the news media and other appropriate information sources about politics and public policy. - To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures. WITHDRAWAL POLICY If you are unable to complete this course, it is your responsibility to withdraw formally. The withdrawal request must be received in the Registrar’s Office. Failure to do so will result in your receiving a performance grade, usually an “F.” If you drop a class or withdraw from the college before the official drop/withdrawal deadline, you will receive a “W” (Withdraw) in each class dropped. For more information about drop deadlines, refer to the current printed Credit Class Schedule, contact the Admissions/Registrar’s Office at 972-860-7167 (Room C119), or contact the division office. Students who are receiving any form of financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from classes. Withdrawals may affect your eligibility to receive further aid and could cause you to be in a position of repayment for the current semester. Students who fail to attend or participate after the drop date are also subject to this policy. STOP BEFORE YOU DROP For students who enrolled in college level courses for the first time in the fall of 2007, Texas Education Code 51.907 limits the number of courses a student may drop. You may drop no more than 6 courses during your entire undergraduate career, unless the drop qualifies as an exception. Your campus counseling /advising center will give you more information on the allowable exceptions. Remember that once you have accumulated 6 non-exempt drops, you cannot drop any other courses with a "W". Therefore, please exercise