HIS 104: United States History from 1870 Class #15546 Instructor: Jon Flashnick Glendale Community College E-Mail: [email protected] Fall 2009 Office Hours by appointment only TTh 8:30-9:45 High Tech Annex 6 Course Description: This course explores United States history and tracks the growth of the Republic from the Civil War to the present. Students will consider political, economic, cultural, and social aspects of life on the North American continent to evaluate changes in boundaries, culture, and government from 1870 to the present. This course will emphasize history as a complex network of social processes and personal interactions rather than as a series of people, events, and dates. Through course readings, writing assignments, discussions, and exams, students will practice and develop critical thinking skills, distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and analyze the many themes, continuities, and contrasts that characterize the history of the United States. Required Reading: Davidson, et al., eds. U.S.: A Narrative History, Vol. II, 2009. Grading: Attendance/Participation unannounced 150 pts. Quizzes (10 pts. each) Thursdays 100 pts. Midterm Exam October 8 150 pts. Midterm Essay November 5 150 pts. Final Essay December 10 200 pts. Final Exam December 15, 8:00-9:50am 250 pts. 1000 pts. Grading Scale: Final grades will be assessed on the following scale: A+ = 975-1000 pts. C+ = 775-799 pts. A = 925-974 pts. C = 725-774 pts A- = 900-924 pts. C- = 700-724 pts. B+ = 875-899 pts. D = 600-699 pts. B = 825-874 pts. E = below 600 pts. B- = 800-824 pts.Course Policies: Grading Policies: In this class, students will demonstrate analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills. Assignments will be graded for clear arguments and organization in addition to content. Students will be provided with a grading rubric for writing assignments (posted on Blackboard and attached to this syllabus) so that they can clearly understand what is expected in each assignment. A very limited number of extra credit points will be available during the semester. Attendance/Participation: Attendance and participation make up 15% of your grade. Students are required to attend class. Attendance will be documented with short in-class assignments on 3x5 index cards. Each student is required to supply these index cards for him/herself. You will need about 35 index cards for the semester. Absences will be excused only in documented instances of extenuating circumstances. Each student is allowed three (3) unexcused absences before his or her grade is affected. Each subsequent absence will result in a five (5) point penalty. Students should arrive to class on time, with all assignments completed, as class lectures will be structured to allow student participation. Participation will be measured not only by participation in class, but also with unannounced assignments in class, including but not limited to pop quizzes, short writing assignments, and participation in small group discussions. Late Work & Make-Ups: Late work and make-ups will not be accepted except in documented instances of extenuating circumstances. Behavior: Students are expected to arrive on time to class and stay for the entire period. Late arrivals and early departures are distracting to students. If you need to leave early, please notify me and sit near the door. Do not read newspapers, magazines, or homework for other classes. Make sure your cell phone is turned off. Failure to behave in an appropriate manner will result in a negative effect on a student’s attendance/participation grade. Plagiarism: Plagiarism and/or cheating WILL result in a failing grade for the assignment and may result in your immediate removal from the class for academic dishonesty. If you have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism, ask BEFORE handing in the assignment. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in this class. I encourage you to view the College’s policy on plagiarism at http://www.maricopa.edu/gvpolicy/adminregs/students/2_3.htm#academic. Communication: E-mail is the best way to contact me. Please allow 36 hours for a response. I have listed my office phone number on the syllabus, but it is unlikely that you will be able to reach me there except during my office hours. I will be available to meet on campus by appointmentBe sure to keep some space open in your GCC e-mail account and check it regularly (or have it reliably forwarded to an account you check regularly), as Blackboard only allows me to e-mail you at your GCC extension. If you have any questions about any assignments, ask me about it BEFORE the assignment is due. If you are a student with a disability the College has resources to assist you. For more information please see the Disability Resources and Services: http://www.gccaz.edu/FutureStudents/StudentSupport/Disabilities.htm.Description of Assignments: Blackboard: The course Blackboard site, available at http://www/maricopa.edu/blackboard, will be an important part of this course. All announcements, assignments, grading rubrics, and the course syllabus will be posted on Blackboard (you will also receive hard copies in class). Your grades will also be posted on Blackboard throughout the semester. Quizzes: Ten weekly quizzes make up 10% of your grade. Quizzes will be administered on most Thursdays throughout the semester. You will know ahead of time which Thursdays will and will not have quizzes. Quizzes may include multiple choice, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, and other types of questions (you will know which types of questions will be on each quiz before you begin) that cover the week’s assignments. You will be allowed take the quizzes with open notes and open books. You should have enough time to use books and notes to check a few facts, but you will not have enough time to search for each answer. Essays: Two essays make up 35% of your total grade. You will have at least two weeks to complete the midterm essay, and you will receive the question for the final essay by the end of the first week of class. Each of these essays will cover information included in class lectures, the textbook, and one of the other books you are assigned to read. More specific information will be available as the due date for each essay approaches. Exams: