HIS 103: The History of the United States to 1877
Glendale Community College, Spring 2017
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00-11:50 AM GCC CL-11
Section: 14587
Instructor: Aubrei Smith
Office Hours: 8:30-9:35 AM and 12:30-1:30 PM Mon, Weds, Fri. Tu and Th by appointment only.
Office located in 07-121
Phone: 623-845-4822- This is my office number.
Office: GCC Main 07-121
Email: [email protected]
Format: Face-to-Face
Minimum Hours Outside of Class for Coursework- 6 (Based on federal definition of 1 credit: 1 inclass hour and 2 hours outside of class)
Course Description: The political, social and economic development of the United States to
Reconstruction.
Textbook: U.S. A Narrative History, Volume 1: Of a 2 Volume Set by James West Davidson, et al.
(United States: McGraw Hill), Second Edition
**Note- I do not assign reading from the text. It is a good resource but not really required for the
course.
Supplemental readings may be handed out throughout the semester.
MCCCD Course Competencies
1. Review the factors that brought colonists to the American continent.
2. Describe early and permanent settlements in the colonies and their role in the British Empire.
3. Compare/Contrast the regional differences between colonies.
4. Describe the relationship between Britain and the colonies.
5. Describe the American Revolution.
6. Compare Jefferson/Hamilton in relation to the Constitution.
7. Describe the growth and development of the United States in terms of expansion.
8. Describe Jacksonian Democracy.
9. Describe the plight of the Native Americans, the War of 1812, and the Battle of New Orleans.
10. Describe the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, the Oregon acquisition, the Texas annexation and
the Mexican/American war.
11. Describe expansion of identity.
12. Review the compromises of slavery.
13. Describe the events leading to the Civil War and the course of the war.
14. Compare North/South
15. Describe the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War
Student Responsibility:
Every student is expected to attend class and be prepared with the assignments already ready.
Students are responsible for turning in assignments, tests, class participation, and class
attendance. This course is primarily lecture and discussion based and so competency on the
assigned topics is crucial. Failure to attend, participate, and read all the assignments will prevent
you from getting the most out of the course and will make it almost impossible to receive a
passing grade. I will be posting grades on the Canvas website after each test, paper and quiz. I will
also have another copy of the syllabus posted, as well as periodic announcements. Be sure that
you have a Canvas account and that you check Canvas for updates and grades.
Employees of MCCD MUST disclose their affiliation at the start of class or risk being removed.
Grading
Grades are based off of the following assignments:
3 Exams
Final Exam
2 Papers
Constitution Assignment
Library Day Assignment
Prelim Bib/Thesis
Content Quizzes
Discussion Board Responses
Primary Document Review
Taking Sides Response
Class Participation
300 points (100 points each)
Replaces Lowest Test Score
200 points (100 points each)
50 points
20 points
40 points (20 points each)
50 points (10 points each)
80 points (10 points each)
60 points
40 points
30 points
Total
840
Grades will be distributed based on the percentage of the total possible points
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
F
Below 60%
Exams
Exams can only be made up the week following when the exam is scheduled and test 3 and the
final exam cannot be made up. It is your responsibility to contact me BEFORE NOON ON THE DAY
OF THE TEST YOU MISS if you need to schedule a make-up exam. If you do not contact me that
day BEFORE NOON, you will not be eligible for a retake. Take Home tests are due the day listed in
the syllabus calendar by the time class starts- NO LATE TAKE HOME TESTS ACCEPTED.
**FINAL EXAM NOTE: If you have an “A” grade at the time of the final you DO NOT have to take
the final exam  The final exam score replaces your lowest test grade- if you have an A, you don’t
need this.
**Study guides for the tests are posted to Canvas.
Content Quizzes
Quizzes are meant to be a quick check for understanding on key concepts we discussed in class.
They will reflect potential test questions and will be taken directly from the notes. The quiz dates
and topics are listed on the syllabus. Quizzes will be on Canvas and open from 12:00am-11:59pm
on the day listed in the syllabus. Quizzes CAN NOT be made up.
Primary Documents
An important research tool in history is the Primary Document. This is a document written at the
time the event occurred/person lived. It provides an example of what was important and valued
at that moment. You will be given a set of TWO primary documents to review. They are due on
the date listed in the course outline section of the syllabus. NO LATE PRIMARY DOCUMENTS WILL
BE ACCEPTED.
For each document (individual document, not the whole set), please do the following assignment:
Read the document carefully. In your written response, state the Title of the
Document, The Author (if given), and the date or time frame (if given).
What type of document is it? (Essay, letter, news article, legal document, etc.)
Answer the questions at the beginning or end of the document (in complete
sentences).
In your opinion, why do you think I had you read this document? How does it apply
to the course or things we’re learning? (At least 3 sentences).
Taking Sides Essay Response
Historical perception and perspective often color how a person views a historical topic. While
there is “truth,” it’s often open to interpretation. This semester you’ll be given a pair of essays
from the book: Taking Sides: Clashing In United States History. Each essay looks at the same
question, and one argues for and the other against. You’ll be given a handout describing the
assignment regarding these essay pair in detail. These must be uploaded to Canvas by the due
date listed in the syllabus.
Notes
In order to help you in this class, I post outlines of all of the notes on Canvas. The notes are
labeled in the chronological order in which we will discuss them. It’s up to you to print them out
and bring them to class. These are not a substitute for missing class because they do not contain
all of the information. They are simply an outline of the day’s material.
Papers
The papers are designed to help facilitate understanding of real people and processes in history.
The paper topics are as follows:
1. Colonization to Country
2. A Country Divided
3. 2 page paper on the Constitution- handout will be given in class.
There will be handouts on each paper describing the criteria- I will have copies in class but it is also
posted to the website in case you lose yours. Papers are due on the dates in the course outline of
this syllabus. Late papers will be accepted within reason at a penalty of 10 points lost each day it’s
late.
**Faculty at GCC have been given access to TurnItIn plagiarism detection software. In order for
me to utilize this software, ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR PAPER
TO CANVAS. If you want comments and to know why you received a certain grade, I need a
paper copy as well (I will not print DIGITAL submissions). The UPLOADED copy is REQUIRED and
you will not receive a grade on the paper until I have it.
Preliminary Bibliography and Thesis
For each paper, you will be required to submit a preliminary bibliography with 2 of your sources
listed as well as your thesis for the paper- due dates listed in the syllabus. You aren’t stuck with
these sources or this thesis, this just lets me know you’re on the right track. You can change the
topic and submit a new thesis/sources at any point before the paper is due.
Discussion Board Responses
Throughout the semester, discussion prompts will be posted to Canvas for you to respond to. In
order to receive credit for these responses, you must post your own thoughts regarding the
prompt (at least 4 sentences). You must also respond to one of your classmates in a respectful,
thoughtful manner (at least 2 sentences).
Participation
We will have discussions/Q and A on certain days and in order to earn the participation points, you
must be in class and participate in the discussion
Attendance
Class attendance is required. Exams and projects will concentrate on lectures and class
discussions. Consequently, it is imperative that you attend every class. Excessive absences will
lower your grade as class participation is counted.
If, for whatever reason, you need to drop this course it is up to you to initiate the proper
withdrawal procedures. Never simply walk away from a class. I reserve the right to drop any
student for excessive absences if you miss more than three classes.
Recording a Lecture: Due to the nature of this class, recording is difficult and will not be allowed.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently
severe, persistent, or pervasive that it alters working conditions and creates a hostile environment or
reasonably interferes with, limits, or deprives a student of the ability to participate in or benefit from any
educational program or activity.
Sexual harassment and discrimination in any college education program or activity, is prohibited. Students
should report any discrimination and/or harassment they experience and/or observe to the GCC Office of
Student Life in the Student Union. Phone 623.845.3525 or email [email protected].
To view the full Sexual Harassment Policy, refer to the Student Handbook – page 254.
Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct will not be tolerated. I will enforce what I deem are the appropriate
sanctions from those listed below for any student who engages in academic misconduct.
1. Academic Misconduct - includes misconduct associated with the classroom, laboratory
or clinical learning process. Some examples of academic misconduct are cheating,
plagiarism, and excessive absences.
2. Cheating - includes, but is not limited to, (a) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking
quizzes, tests, assessment tests or examinations; (b) dependence upon the aid of sources
beyond those authorized by the faculty member in writing papers, preparing reports,
solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or (c) the acquisition, without
permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the college
faculty or staff.
3. Plagiarism - includes, but is not limited to, the use of paraphrase or direct quotation of
the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear
acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by
another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic
materials. Information gathered from the Internet and not properly identified is also
considered plagiarism.
B. Sanctions
Any student found by a faculty member to have committed academic misconduct may be subject
to the following sanctions: (Note: sanctions 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be imposed by a faculty member.
The faculty member may recommend to the department chairperson and the vice president of
academic affairs or designee that sanctions 5, 6, or 7 be imposed. College suspension or expulsion
will be imposed only by the vice president of academic affairs or designee.)
1. Warning - A notice in writing to the student that the student has violated the academic
code.
2. Grade Adjustment - Lowering of a score on test or assignment.
3. Discretionary Sanctions - Additional academic assignments determined by the faculty
member.
4. Course Failure - Failure of a student in the course where academic misconduct occurs.
5. Disciplinary Probation - Disciplinary probation is for a designated period of time and
includes the probability of more severe sanctions if the student commits additional acts of
academic misconduct.
6. College Suspension - Separation of the student from the college for a definite period of
time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be
specified. (A suspension from one Maricopa Community College will apply to all other
colleges/centers in the District.)
7. College Expulsion - Permanent separation of the student from the college. (Expulsion
from one Maricopa Community College will apply to all colleges/centers in the District.
Extra Credit
You will be given the opportunity to complete an extra credit assignment. Options include:
1. Movie Analysis (10 points each. Limit 2)
2. Article Analysis (10 points each. Limit 2)
3. Book Analysis (20 points each. Limit 3)
4. Museum Visit (25 points each. Limit 2) *Note: The Science Museum DOES NOT count
unless they have a history related showcase. The Children’s Museum DOES NOT count.
5. Attendance at a Civitas film festival film- turn in a 1 page written response detailing the film
and your reaction. You must sign in at the film for this to count. (20 points each. Limit 2)
** Only a total of FIVE extra credit assignments may be completed. The handout with the
specific assignments is posted on Canvas. All extra credit is DUE BY DATE LISTED IN SYLLABUS
Disability Services
If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you
may require accommodations you need to notify the Disability Services and Resources office.
Their phone number is 623-845-3080.
Disclaimer
Course content may vary from the outline to meet the needs of a particular group or class size.
Course Outline
This is a tentative class schedule. It represents the intended order of presentation. It is subject to
change without warning. ALL EXAM/PAPER AND QUIZ DATES ARE FINAL. Exams and quizzes are
based upon what is covered in class, not what is on this schedule.
Course Outline
Unit 1: From Colonies to Country
Week 1
Weds, Jan 18
Introductions
America on the Eve of Discovery
Fri, Jan 20
The First Colonies: Spain and Britain
**Discussion Board Response 1 due by midnight
Week 2
Mon. Jan 23
Development of the South
Weds. Jan 25
Development of the South
Development of the North
Fri. Jan 27
Development of the North
Week 3
Mon. Jan 30
Colonial Cultures
Weds. Feb 1
Library Help Day- This is a mandatory day with an assignment to
accompany it. Please meet in L-138 in the library at our normal
class time.
Fri. Feb 3
Colonial Cultures
British and Colonial Hostilities
**Quiz 1: The colonies- due in Canvas by midnight
**Discussion Board Response 2 due by midnight
Week 4
Mon. Feb 6
American Revolution
Weds. Feb 8
American Revolution
Fri. Feb 10
American Revolution
Hand Out Constitution Assignment
**Discussion Board Response 3 due by midnight
Week 5
Mon. Feb 13
Attempting Self Government
Weds. Feb 15
Attempting Self Government
Constitution Assignment Due
Fri. Feb 17
Constitution
**Quiz 2: Colonial Grievances and Articles of Confederation- due in
Canvas by midnight
Week 6
Mon. Feb 20
No School- Presidents' Day
Weds. Feb 22
Constitution
**Preliminary Bibliography and Thesis due for Paper 1
Fri. Feb 24
Test 1
Take Home Test Assigned
Unit 2: Expanding America
Week 7
Mon. Feb 27
The New Government
Take Home Test Due- Hard copy in class or submitted to Canvas
before 11:00 AM
Weds. March 1
The New Government
**Primary Document Review Due- hard copy in class or posted to
Canvas by midnight
Fri. March 3
The New Government
**Discussion Board Response 4 due by midnight
Week 8
Mon. March 6
Post War/Pre Jackson
Weds. March 8
Jacksonian Era
Fri. March 10
Jacksonian Era
**Quiz 3: President Jackson- Nullification and Native Americansdue in Canvas by midnight
**Discussion Board Response 5 Due by midnight
Week 9
Spring Break
Week 10
Mon. March 20
Jacksonian Era
Weds. March 22
Reforming the Nation
Expanding the West
**Paper 1 Due
Fri. March 24
Reforming the Nation
**Discussion Board Response 6 Due by midnight
Week 11
Mon. March 27
Reforming the Nation
Weds. March 29
Expanding West
Fri. March 31
Expanding West
**Quiz 4: Utopian Societies and Abolitionists- due in Canvas by
midnight
Week 12
Mon. April 3
Weds. April 5
Expanding West
**Preliminary Bibliography/Thesis due for Paper 2 due by midnight
Antebellum South
Fri. April 7
Antebellum South
**Discussion Board Response 7 Due by midnight
Week 13
Mon. April 10
Antebellum South
Weds. April 12
Antebellum South
Fri. April 14
Test 2
**Pass out take-home test
Unit 3: Regional Conflicts
Week 14
Mon. April 17
Sectionalism
**Take-Home Test Due- hard copy in class or posted to Canvas
before 11:00 AM
Weds. April 19
Sectionalism
Fri. Nov 21
Sectionalism
**Taking Sides Essay Response Due by midnight
Week 15
Mon. April 24
Changing Political Climates
Weds. April 26
Changing Political Climates
Fri. April 28
Road To War
**Get Topics for Final
** Quiz 5- Sectionalism- due in Canvas by midnight
**Discussion Board Response 8 Due by midnight
**All Extra Credit due by Midnight
Week 16
Mon. May 1
Road to War
**Paper 2 due by midnight
Weds. May 3
Civil War
**Pass Out Take-Home Test
Fri, May 5
Test 3
**Take-Home Test Due- hard copy in class or posted to Canvas by
11:00 AM
Week 17
Final Exam: Wednesday, May 10th 11:00-11:50
**Remember- if you have an A in the class at this time, you do not have to take the final.