1302 Lecture Class Syllabus

The Spring 2022 F2F Syllabus is UNDER CONSTRUCTION

SYLLABUS: U.S. History 1302 F2F

INSTRUCTOR:
Cameron Addis

Office:  HLC 1430.05
Office Hours: M 10:30 AM & W 11:30-1:30 PM or By Zoom
512-223-7764
Classroom: HLC X
[email protected] 

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Study of the history of the United States from 1877 to the present.

  • Credit Hours: 3
  • Contact Hours: 3

COURSE RATIONALE

We provide each student with six semester hours of U.S. History instruction to meet the requirements of the Texas Education Code (51.303).  The Texas Legislature requires students to take 6 hours of American history to graduate from an institution of higher learning in Texas. This course helps fulfill that requirement with 3 credit hours. Always check with your advisor concerning which classes transfer to which colleges.  Students taking either History 1301 or 1302 can expect to improve their reading and writing competencies, critical thinking skills, research skills, etc., all of which help students succeed in life outside academia.

PREREQUISITES, STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES, GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES, & SCANS
No SCANS Competencies Required.  Students will need good reading, writing and study skills to succeed in this course. Students will be expected to read about 500-700 pages of textbook, and, depending on the individual instructor, may be obliged to read an outside book and/or do a research paper. Students will have to write essays, book reports, and/or research papers and will be expected to observe decent English grammar and spelling rules. Although students will be told when tests will take place and be given detailed learning objectives to facilitate study, students will be expected to study information in detail to prepare for the tests.

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS:
Textbook: History Hub (Free, Digital OER)

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

  • Lecture

GRADING SYSTEM
Grading is based on four chapter exams worth 190 points (~48 Each), 80 points for a term paper described below and on Blackboard, 20 points for in-class exercises concerning historical fallacies (from Rear Defogger) and filtering media along with occasional pop quizzes, and ten points for attendance at the History Department’s annual Emeritus Lecture for a total of 300 points.  The exams are objective (MC) that cover the textbook and lectures. Anything in the textbook that we don’t cover in lecture, or vice-versa, is fair game, as long as it’s tied to the Learning Objectives. Learning Objectives can be found at the Chapter-LO link on the History Hub banner. You are not required to recite specific numbers, dates, statistics, etc., even if those numbers appear in the lecture, reading or question prompt.  You will have to know some individuals’ names, though.  And there will be map questions and chronologies on the exams where you have to put things in sequential order.  The box at the bottom of the Learning Objectives page contains the objectives you’ll want to study to prepare for the Geography & Chronology portion of each exam, listed at the bottom of the LO’s.  There is no extra credit available at the end of the semester; college grading is qualitative, not quantitative.  Students with extra time and energy to devote to the course are encouraged to put extra effort into the regular course material to get more regular points.  Missing an exam with no written excuse incurs a fifteen-point penalty.  I give no early finals.  Bring the green (rectangular-shaped #882) scantron sheets to your exams and a #2 pencil.  You can check your grades and scores on Blackboard.

Grading & Grading Scale Breakdown:
A   90%   269-300 (305)
B    80%   239-268
C   70%   209-238
D   60%   180-208
F    59%   179 >
There is no grading curve.

300 Points =
4 Exams: 190
Argumentative Essay: 80
Media Filtering & Rear Defogger: 20-30
Emeritus Lecture: 0-10

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance/Class Participation
Attendance is your responsibility.  However, excessive absences (if I rarely see you) will result in withdrawal from the course and I will spot-check by taking attendance from time to time.  Also, 30 points in this class are drawn from in-class activities (pop quizzes, historical fallacies, and media filtering) and you need to be there to get credit; you can’t make up the work outside of class.  Keep in mind that reviews for the exams are spread out over all the lecture days leading up to the exams.  Students who want to use their laptops should only have course-related material on their screens and might want to sit on the edges of the room to plug in (pros & cons).  Viewing online material unrelated to the course will result in dismissal from the course; studies show it drags down the performance of other students.  Do not visit with your neighbors when I’m talking, use headphones or in any way impede the flow of knowledge to students around you.  Do not use smartphones at all; any use of phones (even for our own course-related content) will result in dismissal from the class on the first offense and course on the second.  It is a History Department policy to prohibit the use of electronic devices in class.  You cannot come and go in and out of the room as you please.  Recording lectures is forbidden.  No smoking of vapor products.  These offenses and any inappropriate behavior can result in withdrawal from the course.

Withdrawal Policy
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is [insert date here].  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an adviser when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies
Missing an exam will require a written excuse; otherwise there is a fifteen-point penalty.  Late essays are docked five points per day, up to a maximum of 15 points off.

Incompletes
You must complete 66% of the course, the argumentative essay and 3 of the 4 exams to be eligible for an “I.”  You then need to complete the course prior to the withdrawal date of the next semester.   Be warned that I’s turn to F’s when not completed and that over 90% of I’s end up as F’s.  This option isn’t for procrastinators trying to kick the can down the road because “they are busy” or distracted by life’s road bumps.  In those cases, just punch out the work.  I award incompletes to people mostly done with the course who encounter severe illness or incapacitating injury.

Term Paper
In addition to the four exams, in order to pass, all students must hand in an argumentative essay on one of the topics listed in the ‘Term Paper Guide’ by November 4th.  Have your topic by September 23rd and be able to discuss how one primary source relates to your topic by October 23rd.  If you do not hand in a term paper by the last day of class, you will not pass the course rather than receiving an incomplete.  You’ll submit your papers in Blackboard (see Essay Submission in left-hand toolbar) by 11:59pm CST.  They’ll be run through SafeAssign to test for plagiarism.  Plagiarism will result in an F.  Papers handed in late lose five points for each successive weekday after the deadline, up to 15 points off.  The papers are worth 60 points: 40 for content, 20 for writing/grammar.  Consult Memory Hole for topics and the Term Paper Guide @ https://sites.austincc.edu/caddis/argumentative-essay-2/

Course Calendar Can Be Found In Course Handout

College Policies

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students’ academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online: https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .  While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964; [email protected].

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.  Your grades are posted on Blackboard, but no other student can see them.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through Blackboard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student guidelines.

Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test.

It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

  • Student ID number
  • Course prefix and number
  • Course synonym
  • Course section number
  • Test number
  • Instructor’s name

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action.

For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at http://www.austincc.edu/students.

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows  students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling.

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

After Hours:

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

  • Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
  • The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
  • Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
  • Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Some faculty may consider adding a student sign-off page at the end of the syllabus to be removed and handed back to the instructor providing evidence that the student received a copy of the syllabus and had an opportunity to ask questions, but such a page is optional.  

Here are some factors that have no bearing on your grade:
1. You really need a good grade (college admissions, parents, etc.)
2. You’ll lose your student loan if you don’t get a good grade
3. You’re one point below the cut-off line for a higher grade
4. You really love history!
5. You just don’t like history
6. You study really hard (or, “I’ve done all the reading”)*
7. You come to class every day*
8. You have a lot going on in your personal life
9. You are super busy at work
10. Extra credit

Grades are based on how many points you accumulate, and I stick to the grading scale.  If you feel uncomfortable with the grading criteria, take a different course.

*These two will actually help enormously, but I won’t raise your point total any higher than it already is just because you’ve done them.