Syllabi for Simon
Sample Syllabus for a full-length AMH 2020 Course:
AMH 2020-15344 United States History since 1877
Instructor: Kristi Simon, M.A.
Email: ksimon12@valenciacollege.edu *preferred contact method*
Office Hours: by appointment
Course Usage of Canvas:
Copies of the course syllabus, the schedule of activities, supplemental readings, and all major assignments can be found in Canvas. ALL major course assignments (outlined below) will be submitted through Canvas, with the exception of the in-class presentation (nothing to physically submit). The Final Exam will also be completed via Canvas (in class). Important announcements will be made through Canvas. You are required to check Canvas and your email each weekday. This is especially important before class times for any last minute changes.
Course Description and Goals:
Catalog Description: Survey of United States History from the Gilded Age to the present, emphasizing political, social, and economic developments. Examines such topics as expansion, Populist and Progressive movements, the Great Depression, the World Wars, reform and dissent in the 1960’s and the Vietnam conflict.
Major Topics/ Concepts/ Skills/ Issue
· The United States at war
· Reform Movements
· The nature and purposes of historical inquiry
· The standards and practices of historical research, analysis, and interpretation
· Periodization for U.S. history since 1877
· Identification and exploration of the people, events, movements, and ideas that have shaped U.S. history since 1877. (Items listed below fulfill this section).
· Social and Cultural Issues
· Economic Issues
· Domestic Political Issues
· The United States and Global Issues
· Civil Rights Issues
Course Content Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
· SWBAT recall the principle persons, places, and events from the chronological framework for this course.
· SWBAT synthesize the thematic historical influences that shaped the modern history of the United States.
· SWBAT explain the impact of the individual, regardless of societal rank, as participants in the making of history.
· SWBAT access the role that diversity plays in the shaping of the early history of the United States.
· SWBAT detect lessons, patterns or characteristics from historical events to better understand present day happenings.
· SWBAT interpret historical events by using appropriate historical methods.
· SWBAT demonstrate competency in civics literacy.
Required Textbook: Shi, David E., and George Brown Tindall, America: A Narrative History. 10th ed. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2016.
**** You need either V2 or the combined volume. Our class begins with Chapter 17.
This class utilizes Canvas for additional readings and assignments. Any additional readings, in addition to the textbook, will be provided free of charge on the course Canvas site.
Other Equipment Requirements
You must come to class prepared to take notes, with a notebook and writing utensil. You may use your laptop to take notes, as long as this does not become a class distraction.
Classroom Protocol
Class Attendance: Students are allowed three “free” absences, no questions asked, excused or unexcused. These absences may NOT be used on your assigned presentation day or the Final Exam date, W 12/11/19. If you skip either of these class days without prior approval from your instructor, you will receive a 0 on these class assignments. After your first three absences, barring documented emergencies approved by the instructor, you will be docked 10 points off your overall participation grade for each class absence. What constitutes an approved emergency is at the discretion of the instructor. Documentation must be emailed to the instructor before the next day you return to class.
Tardies: You are allowed two “free” tardies in this class. Beginning with your third tardy, you will lose 5 points off your overall participation grade for each tardy in excess of the first two. Note that you are tardy if you are not in your seat at 11:30 am EST. If you arrive to class later than 12pm EST, you will be counted absent for the class period. If you arrive late, it is your responsibility to meet with the instructor at the end of class and make sure you have been marked “Present” on the attendance roster.
Late Work Policy: Late work is not accepted unless a documented emergency is pre-approved by the instructor AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE THE ASSIGNMENT DUE DATE. Late work will receive a 0 in the course gradebook, with no opportunity to make up the assignment.
Grade Breakdown:
2 Short Write Assignments (1 pg. analysis paper): 20%
4 Reading Check Quizzes: 20%
End of Course Essay (2-3 pgs.): 20%
Cumulative Final Exam: 25%
Participation: 15%