HIST& 147, Section B (5 credits)U.S. History II-CDEdmonds Community CollegeWinter 2015

BASIC COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor: Erik Ray, History Department chairClass meetings: ONLINEOffice phone: 425.640.1751 (DO NOT USE—see below)Office e-mail: eray@edcc.eduOffice location: Alderwood Hall 258Office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30-12:20

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30-12:50Other days and times by appointment only

***If you need to get a hold of me, there are two main methods:

The first is to come by office hours (days and times listed above). They are drop-in hours (no appointment)—these are not for casual conversations, but rather for clarification and assistance. I might have to cancel office hours because of an emergency, meeting, or other conflict. If I do so, I will add hours on another day of the week. This change will be announced on Canvas.

The second option is by sending an e-mail to:

eray@edcc.edu

All e-mails should include the following: a basic greeting (Hi Erik, for example), your first and last name, the name of this class (US II or 147 is fine), a message (in proper written English with punctuation and proper capitalization) that clearly states what the problem/question/issue is, and a closing of some kind.

NOTE: The worst ways to try and contact me this quarter is by calling my office phone number. Use all other forms of communication before using that one.

NOTE 2: I am not available 24/7 or at your beck and call. I check e-mail regularly from Monday at noon through Friday at noon. I do not check my e-mail more than once during weekends and on holidays. I sincerely try to answer your e-mail questions as quickly as I can. But, do not expect an immediate response.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Through multiple methodologies, we will survey the development of the United States from the election of Andrew Jackson to the start of World War I, emphasizing those individuals, groups, diverse peoples, events, issues, and ideas that shaped 19th century American history and civilization.

Prerequisite: Eligibility for English 100 required

***That’s the official line, but I really want you to do in this class is to “think” about history. It’s more than just a collection of names and dates—it is the cornerstone and the fabric of who we are now, and yet society as a whole is unbelievably dense about the history of this country. I want you to read carefully, think critically, discuss with each other in genuine and sincere dialogue, and write thoughtfully.

COURSE OUTCOMES AND COLLEGE-WIDE ABILITIES

The college has identified four college-wide abilities that are the core of our overall curriculum and mission. Emphasizing these core, college-wide abilities provides a consistent educational focus that encourages students and members of the college community to develop knowledge, habits and skills for lifelong learning.

Those abilities are:

1. COMMUNICATE and interact respectfully through critical and imaginative expression2. ACT responsibly, both individually and collaboratively, within changing environments3. REASON clearly using varied analytic and creative approaches4. EXPLORE critically and creatively the diversity of cultures, ethics, values, and ways of thinking

across communities

Each course on campus is expected to teach (and be able to assess) at least one of these abilities. Upon successful completion of THIS course, students will be able to:

*Identify seminal events, movements, and institutions in American history from the election of Andrew Jackson until the start of World War I, along with the key figures, groups, and ideas that contributed to their creation and development. (REASON)*Compare/contrast the philosophies, issues, and actions of different geographic regions, time periods, religions, races, and/or social status. (REASON)*Identify and analyze the experiences of Americans from different religions, ethnicities, races, and genders. (EXPLORE)*Examine and evaluate historical information/arguments from different source forms. (REASON)*Express their findings in formal/informal writing, classroom discussion, online discussion, research projects, and/or oral presentation. (COMMUNICATE)*Apply knowledge, awareness, and/or skills to identify and analyze issues related to diversity. (EXPLORE)

COURSE TEXT (required)

Foner. Give Me Liberty (brief fourth edition).

NOTE: This book is used for all EdCC sections of HIST 146, 147, and 148.

Buying and borrowing options:

*Buy or rent a new or used copy at the college bookstore (in person or online)*Buy a new or used copy online.*A hard copy of each book will be placed on reserve in the college library by no later than the end of week 1 of the quarter. You can check it out for short-term usage in the library (up to 4 hours at a time).

If questions arise on this topic, please e-mail me.

You will have supplementary reading each week, based on the content of each chapter in Foner. I will provide it on Canvas free of charge.

READING SCHEDULE

Week 1 Starting January 5 Foner, chapter 10Week 2 Starting January 12 Foner, chapter 11Week 3 Starting January 19 Foner, chapter 12Week 4 Starting January 26 Foner, chapter 13Weeks 5-6 Starting February 2 Foner, chapter 14Week 7 Starting February 16 Foner, chapter 15

Week 8 Starting February 23 Foner, chapter 16Week 9 Starting March 2 Foner, chapter 17Week 10 Starting March 9 Foner, chapter 18

***You need to do your reading. If you’re not planning on reading, why did you take the class? If you need an incentive to read, it’s called learning. Reading is the cornerstone of a quality education.

HOW YOUR COURSE GRADE WILL BE DETERMINED

PRACTICE QUIZ Up to 10 points of extra creditONLINE QUIZZES (5) 250 points (50 points each)DOCUMENT DISCUSSION FORUM 100 pointsVIDEO/WEBSITE DISCUSSION FORUM 100 pointsTOTAL 450 points

***Specifics on all of the above come later in the syllabus.

***Your numerical grade (0.0-4.0) in this course will be determined by the percentage of your earned points in relation to the overall number of points possible.

95% and above 4.0 grade for the quarter94% 3.993% 3.892% 3.7…and so on…90% 3.585% 3.080% 2.575% 2.070% 1.565% 1.0

NOTE: In between each benchmark, each percentage point is generally worth one decimal point (0.1). So, 91% is a 3.6 and 73% is a 1.8.

NOTE 2: I round up final percentages to the next highest whole number. So, an 86.1 will be rounded up to 87 and a 82.8 will be rounded up to an 83.

NOTE 3: The new college policy, as of Summer 2012, is that no grade below 1.0 will be granted. Prior to this quarter, a student could earn a 0.7, 0.8, or 0.9.

SO, to pass this class, you must earn at least 290 points (out of a total of 450).

***It is your responsibility to earn the “magic number.” I use the word “earn” because you earn the grade—I don’t give it to you. I fail about 10 students each quarter because THEY DON’T DO THE WORK. This isn’t a charity. You are responsible for getting the grades—if you don’t have the points, you don’t pass the class.

Do the work necessary to pass. If you do the work, you will pass.

***”V” grades are only given in the case of student written request. You must e-mail me by no late than Monday, March 16 at 5:00 pm. Otherwise, you will receive a 0.0 (or whatever grade you would have earned).

“I” grades are only given in cases of extreme hardship (as defined by the instructor) and if the student has

completed 50% of the coursework. In extreme cases, a “hardship withdrawal” can be obtained from Enrollment Services.

Otherwise, dropping this course is your responsibility if you choose to “leave.” For more information about these subjects, click or paste the following URL:

http://policies.edcc.edu/_academic/student_Grades.php ***BESIDES THE PRACTICE QUIZ, THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT IN THIS CLASS. FOCUS ON THE WORK THAT IS ASSIGNED.***

CANVAS

This course is fully online. What this means is that all course material and assignments will be on Canvas (https://edcc.instructure.com). WE HAVE NO ON-CAMPUS MEETINGS. If you are signed up for this classroom, you automatically have a Canvas account.

Our Blackboard site will have the following:1. Syllabus 2. Quizzes and brief study guides for each3. Announcements and updates about the course4. Course grade book5. Discussion forums

You are expected to login to the online classroom throughout the week. You will likely be spending five to ten hours per week online for this class. That amount might be greater or less, depending on the week and the particular assignments.

***Your success in this class is linked to your use of the online classroom. Simply put, this is an online class. There are no on-campus class meetings and no daily schedule for you to follow. Your success in the class is based upon how much time you put into the discussion forums, the readings, and preparation for the quizzes. The online classroom is not for everyone. If you are struggling, it is YOUR responsibility to find solutions. Please contact me if concerns arise. But, it is YOUR responsibility to stay current with readings, quizzes, discussion boards, and assignments, not mine.

***During the quarter, Canvas might break down. If it does, we will deal with it. But, make sure that your own computer situation is strong. Are you using a compatible browser? Do you have a full battery, if using a laptop? Do you have a backup computer that you can use in case your hard drive crashes? These are questions that YOU need to be prepared for.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME

*I will participate in the online classroom, but…

Because this is an online class, I play a much different role than I would if this were a traditional campus class.

I do not lecture. I do, however, provide content throughout the course on a weekly basis. I will have at least one commentary on the course content each week.

*I will write quizzes that are fair assessments of “what you should know.”*I will treat each student with the respect that they deserve.*I will admit mistakes and remedy them to students’ benefit.*I will do what I can to help you succeed, as long as you meet me halfway.

WHAT I EXPECT FROM YOU

*”ATTEND CLASS”

This class doesn’t work unless you are online. I am amazed at how many students think that online courses are “work at your own pace” and “turn things in whenever you want.” Perhaps, there are some that are like that. This one is not.

You have weekly discussion boards that are required. You have required reading each week. You have quizzes every week (from week 3 on) and with very specific open/close dates.

I expect you to invest in this course. That means doing the reading on time, adequately preparing for the quizzes, and doing whatever it takes to succeed (extrinsically and intrinsically) in this class.

I do not intend the next statement to be ironic or sarcastic or condescending: THIS IS COLLEGE. College is supposed to be challenging and worthy of effort and energy. This particular course will be taught with college-level standards for reading, writing, thinking, and overall student responsibility. Regardless of your academic and personal background, YOU will be expected to rise to these standards. Your previous GPA is irrelevant to the grade that you will get in this course. Just because you signed up for this class does not guarantee that you will receive a B (or higher) or even pass. You are not entitled to a certain grade. YOU MUST DO THE WORK TO EARN THE GRADE THAT YOU DESERVE.

4.0 grades are not a handout in my class—truly exceptional college-level work must be done for that grade to be earned. That requires exceptional effort and skill. An honor grade is available to every student in this class, regardless of whether you have a 4.0 cumulative GPA or a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

ALSO, there are no alternative assignments or special considerations UNLESS you have documentation from SSD OR in case of an extreme emergency, as defined by me.

Online classes are not easier than campus classes. In many ways, they are harder. You need to be online throughout the week. You need to stay focused and have a clear plan of what your “study week” is going to be. That’s your responsibility, not mine.

I fail more students in my online classes than I do in my campus classes. The reason is lack of discipline and planning. Right now, you know every deadline for this class and every requirement. SO, success or failure in this course lies at your feet.

*RESPECT MY LEADERSHIP OF THE CLASS

I apologize for the bluntness of this statement, but this course is not a democracy. This is the way that this course will be run. Other online courses may be run differently, and that is the prerogative of the other instructor. How I do it is how I do it. It is not necessarily better or worse than how others run their courses—it is different. Signing up for this course does not give you the right to use the digital classroom (or any other means) to challenge the rules of the class. If you don’t like a particular rule or the general way of how this course is run, then consider whether that disagreement is worth withdrawal from the course.

I expect to be treated with respect in all e-mails and any personal contact AND I expect you to expect the same from me.

I make mistakes. For example, I have made errors on quizzes—“clicked” the wrong “right answer” or miswrote a question. That happens. If it does, please let me know, but do so in a respectful way. I will correct the error and compensate all that are affected.

Otherwise, my decisions are final and not up for negotiation. I do not negotiate grades. I do not meet with parents. I do not offer alternative assignments. I do not extend deadlines for one student unless there is a significant emergency. I do not make exceptions unless the SSD office has suggested an alternative form of assessment.

I want this class to be a place of mutual respect. You deserve respect, I deserve respect, and every other student in this course deserves respect.

*IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE TO SUCCEED, ASK FOR HELP

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact me through any of the means listed at the beginning of the syllabus. I want to see you succeed. “Help me help you.” I’m amazed at the low number of students that ask for assistance, and yet need it.

Also, if you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact Students for Services with Disabilities at MLT 159, 425-640-1320, or ssdmail@edcc.edu

Student Services Information:www.edcc.edu/students

Academic Calendar:www.edcc.edu/calendar/academic.html

Advising:www.edcc.edu/advising

Center for Student Engagement and Leadership:www.edcc.edu/csel

College Policies and Procedures:http://catalog.edcc.edu

Counseling and Resource Center:www.edcc.edu/counseling

Diversity Student Center:www.edcc.edu/dsc

eLearning Information:www.edcc.edu/elearning

Enrollment Services: www.edcc.edu/es

Learning Support Center (Tutoring):www.edcc.edu/lsc

Library, including online resources: www.edcc.edu/library

Services for Students with Disabilities:www.edcc.edu/ssd

Student Printing Guidelines:www.edcc.edu/acs/printing

Student Support Resources:www.edcc.edu/support

TRIO:www.edcc.edu/trio

Title IX and Gender Discrimination: http://www.edcc.edu/titleix/what-is-titleix/definitions/gender-discrimination.html

SPECIFICS ON ASSIGNMENTS

PRACTICE QUIZ (up to 10 points of extra credit)

The first assignment in the course, chronologically, is an online practice quiz that will run from Monday, January 5 at 12:01 am until Friday, January 16 at 11:59 pm (all Seattle times). It will be a series of true-false and multiple-choice questions about material in this syllabus and is located in the QUIZZES folder in the left menu bar of our Canvas classroom.

You must take it during the period stated above—once the quiz has closed, you cannot take it again. You get one chance to take it and it is timed for 30 minutes. It’s not a difficult quiz. It’s meant to familiarize you with the quiz format on Canvas and see if you’ve actually read the syllabus. No trick questions and no need to study for hours.

If you miss it for whatever reason, you cannot retake it.

QUIZZES (250 points, 50 points each)

There will be 5 online quizzes in this course, each worth 50 points, based upon material in Give Me Liberty. They will be available for a specific period of time (listed below for each quiz). NOTE: All times are “Seattle time”.

QUIZ SCHEDULE:

QUIZ 1 Covers chapters 10 and 11Opens at 12:01 am on Tuesday, January 20 (because of the holiday)Closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, January 21

QUIZ 2 Covers chapters 12 and 13Opens at 12:01 am on Monday, February 2Closes at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, February 3

QUIZ 3 Covers chapter 14Opens at 12:01 am on Tuesday, February 17 (because of the holiday)Closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, February 18

QUIZ 4 Covers chapters 15 and 16Opens at 12:01 am on Monday, March 2Opens at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, March 3

QUIZ 5 Covers chapters 17 and 18Opens at 12:01 am on Monday, March 16Closes at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, March 17

I strongly encourage you to put these dates in your calendar as soon as possible.

A brief study guide will be posted on Canvas (Announcements) 4-6 days prior to the opening of the quiz. This will list the main topics from each chapter that will be covered.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE QUIZZES:

HOW DO I TAKE THEM?

You take them online at your own computer. You do not need to go to the Testing Center or work with a proctor.

CAN I USE MY BOOK OR NOTES?

No. Quizzes are closed-book and closed-note.

HOW MANY ATTEMPTS DO I GET FOR EACH QUIZ?

One. I will only allow a second attempt in the case of documented technical issues.

WHAT IS THE FORMAT?

Quizzes will be a combination of true/false, multiple choice, and matching questions. There will generally be 20-25 questions, worth 2-3 points apiece.

HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE QUIZ?

30 minutes, unless you have an accommodation from SSD. If you exceed that time limit, you will be penalized 1 point for each minute of extra time taken.

WHAT IF I MISS A QUIZ?

If you miss one of the quizzes for any reason, you can retake it on Wednesday, March 18 between 12:01 am and 11:59 pm. ONLY one quiz can be retaken. If you miss more than one quiz for whatever reason, the oldest quiz(zes) will be given a zero. You will be required to take the single newest missed quiz. This does include Quiz 5, which cannot be made up.

CAN I REDO A QUIZ OR DROP MY LOWEST SCORE?

No.

DOCUMENT AND VIDEO/WEBSITE DISCUSSION FORUMS (100 points each)

Each week, you are required to participate in two discussion forums—one that focuses on a posted document (or documents) and one that focuses on either a posted video or linked website. To earn full points for each forum, you must post at least THREE TIMES, with the following deadlines:

*Each discussion forum will open at 12:01 am on the Monday of the week.*Your original thread is due for that forum by 11:59 pm sharp on the Sunday of that week.*The forum will close for good at 11:59 pm on the Monday of the following week.

The sets of forums will be labeled in the following ways:

WEEK ONE—DOCUMENTWEEK ONE—FILM or WEEK ONE--WEBSITE

Each set of forums will be separately graded on a 100-point scale, with the following criteria:

3 posts (with an on-time original thread) 10 points3 posts (without an on-time original thread) 5 points2 posts (no matter what) 2 points1 post (no matter what) 1 point0 posts 0 points

It’s actually not as complicated as I have probably made it out to be. The best thing to do is to pay particular attention to the specific details and deadlines of each forum, which can be found in the DISCUSSIONS folder in the left menu bar of our Canvas classroom.

HOW ARE MY POSTINGS SCORED?

This is a participation grade. I do not grade each posting on grammar, etc. However, you should still write postings that:

1. Promote discussion, NOT simply summarize 2. Have original ideas (do not copy from other students or others)3. Are presented cleanly and clearly. Pay particular attention to spelling, grammar,

capitalization, and sentence structure. Proofread before you submit. 4. Are at least two paragraphs long (original thread) and one paragraph long (replies)5. Are civil and respectful of other students and their opinions. Disagreement is fine, but it

should be civil and not personal. If you abuse the discussion forum in any way, I will remove you from the discussion forums for the remainder of the course and you will lose those points.

WHAT IF I MISS A FORUM? CAN I MAKE IT UP?

No. Once the deadline for a weekly forum has passed, that forum is closed for good. You cannot submit replies after the forum has closed. However, even if you missed the deadline for the original thread, you can still submit it and/or replies and receive partial credit for the week (see scoring above).

WHEN WILL I KNOW MY SCORE?

I do not grade forums throughout the quarter, but rather at the end, based on the formula above.

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

The key here is participating fully and consistently. Read the documents, visit the websites, watch the videos, and participate fully and consistently in discussion forums.

This is a participation grade. If you do your required number of posts per week and they’re legible, you get your full points for the week. I’m not going to read every student’s every posting every week—I just can’t.

FINAL COMMENTS

HAVE A GREAT QUARTER!!!!! Sincerely, I hope that you have a great quarter and learn something about this incredibly complex and fascinating subject.

DON’T PROCRASTINATE!!!!! In academia, it’s the deadliest sin. Too often, students get behind and never catch up.

DO YOUR BEST!!!!! What you put into this class is what you will get out of this.

WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK ERIK!!!!! I will try and help in whatever way I can.