History 201AAsp2012

History 201AB - CRN 35937 - MWF 9:10-10 am - room 7-7110
History 201AC - CRN 39770 - MWF 10:10-11am - room 7-7100

Partially satisfies American History and Institutions requirement. Recommended: Eligibility for ENGL 100 or 105 or equivalent. Transfer credit: UC; CSU (D1), CAN HIST 8. HIST 201+202=CAN HIST SEQ B.

Course Description:
Our story begins about 30,000 years ago when hunters crossed from Eurasia into the Americas. Throughout the semester we discuss the indigenous peoples of the Americas, the impact of the European arrival, colonial life, the American War for Independence, nation-building, and the "bone in the throat" - slavery and the Civil War.

Required Book:
Retrieving the American Past, Custom Text for History 201, Professor Rosemary Bell. You can only purchase this in the bookstore. This semester I've created my own textbook, based on Out of Many, by John Mack Faragher, et al. I've omitted a few chapters and rearranged the sequence of chapters to fit my specific needs.

Course Objectives:
I am aware that students sometimes feel overwhelmed by the vastness of the subject. We will make no attempt at a comprehensive examination of all the information; however, we will focus on the important aspects of the social life, political behavior and cross-cultural relationships of the people we meet. This course is not meant to be rote memorization, and students who actively engage the course material and assignments will not only be gaining knowledge, but will also be developing important skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course I hope you will be able to do the following:
1. Communicate effectively your ideas both orally and in writing.
2. Develop critical reading and interpretative skills.
3. Understand and apply definitions of words and strengthen your vocabulary.
4. Listen responsively and attempt to maintain a level of open mindedness.
5. Apply ideas and concepts from America's past to present day events.

Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities include reading the required assignments before coming to class and being prepared for exams or written assignments. This means having a scantron/bluebook and pencil. It also means being on time.

It is your responsibility to keep track of your progress. Keep all paperwork that I hand back.

It is your responsibility to advise me if you're running into difficulties with the course or with personal issues. I can help.

Attendance:
I would like to think that you would find the class interesting enough to warrant attendance. It is important that you come to class. You will be allowed four absences, any over this number and I will deduct three points for each additional absence from your final grade. Chronic lateness will also be penalized by a deduction of ten points at the end of the semester. I have the option of dropping you from the class for missing six or more classes, chronic lateness or poor academic performance. I will advise you via email if I intend to drop you from the course.

Please do not think that by just showing up for exams that you will pass the class. Your grade is based on classwork, attendance, participation and the grades you earn on the exams. If you have questions please see me.

Exams:

There are numerous ways to assess your success in the class. First, is by class participation. Second, is by written assessments. Keep up with the readings, come to class, ask for help and you shouldn't have any difficulty. Exams must be taken on the days assigned.

1. There will be no make-ups unless a doctor's note on official stationary is provided. Make-ups will be on a designated date and time towards the end of the semester. Format of the make-up exams will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Assignments:
You can earn a total of 400 pts. for this class.
Quizzes (50 pts. each) x 6 = 300 pts - Format will be announced
Cumulative Final exam - 100 pts.
BANK POINTS - Map Quiz - 25 pts. - There are no make-ups on this quiz.

Exam dates as well as the format of the exam will be announced in advance.

NOTE: Once the semester officially ends I will grade you on all of the materials that are in my possession.

What constitutes a grade?
A - Mastery of the material, including an in-depth understanding of course topics, high level of analytical skills and rational thinking. Offers insight into the course, participates on a regular basis. Has read material before coming to class. Prepared for exams. Students are on time and attend regularly

B - Solid understanding of course material; a good level of analytical skills. Participates on a regular basis, has read material before coming to class. Prepared for exams. Students are on time and attend regularly.

C- Satisfactory understanding of course material, a cursory understanding of course, attendance is spotty, material turned in late or incomplete. Last minute preparation for exams. Numerous missed classes, chronic lateness.

D - Limited understanding of course material, poor analytical skills with little, if any participation. Poor attendance. Little, if any preparation for exams.

Please:
1. Be ready, willing and able to go!
2. If you are going to be absent for more than one consecutive class, please email me. This is for your protection as well as mine.
3. If you need to leave early please let me know before class begins.
4. Do not give me elaborate excuses as to why you weren't in class or why you did not do the assignments. I'll respect you more if you tell me the truth.
5.Be courteous and respectful of others.

Students With Disabilities:
In coordination with the DSPS office, reasonable accommodation will be provided for eligible students with disabilities. If you do not yet have an accommodation letter, please contact the DSPS office and meet with an advisor. (650) 738-4280.

Basic Information:
1. Assignments are due at the BEGINNING of class. For each weekday an assignment is late I will deduct 10 pts.
2. There is no extra credit available; you already have enough to do.
3. If you are late to any exam you may take a make-up (see above), however, I ask that you not enter the classroom and disturb others.
4. If you simply stop attending class and do not withdraw through Admissions and Records you will receive an F grade.
5. Attendance will be taken daily.
6. Please turn off all electronic equipment before class begins. In case of emergency - and only in these cases - the cell phone may be placed in silent mode. At no times are cell phones to be answered or used in class for any purposes.
7. Computers are prohibited unless you have an authorization from the DSPS office.
8. All submitted work must be typed (double-spaced) and stapled with your G# on it. I will not accept papers with social security numbers on them.
9. Each student has the obligation to know and uphold the College Rules and Regulations. Students who engage in disruptive behavior, that is conduct that interferes with the instructional, administrative, or service functions of the course-can be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from the course and/or college. Specifically, cell phone interruptions, the use of iPods, habitual profanity or vulgarity and continued willful disobedience will result in disciplinary action.

Integrity:
I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of maintaining and respecting academic integrity. What we're talking about is cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is the act of obtaining academic work through the use of dishonest, deceptive, or fraudulent acts. Plagiarism is taking someone else's work and passing it off as your own. I have "zero tolerance" for cheating and plagiarism. If I catch you plagiarizing (and believe me I will!), you will receive an F for the assignment. A copy of the assignment in question will be forwarded to the Dean of Disciplinary Services.

If you want to discuss this further please see me or check out page 24 in the Skyline College catalog.

My door is always open should you have questions, concerns or problems.

WEEK	TOPIC	CHAPTER
One	The First Americans/When Worlds Collide	Class notes, chapter 1
Two	Putting Down Roots	2
Three/Four	Slavery and Empire /Colonies before Independence	3/4
Five	Independence!	5
Six/Seven	A New Nation/What is 'Liberty?'	6/7
Eight	Slavery	8
Nine/Ten	Growth of Democracy and New Age Challenges	9/10
Eleven/Twelve	Expansion	11
Thirteen- end	The Coming Crisis	12/13