SIRIUS COURSES
Syllabus

United States History to 1865
3 Credit Hours

Term/Year: Spring 2012
Reference Number:
Classroom: online
Instructor: Professor JoAunne Walker
Office Location: NCR 126
Phone Number: (318) 670-6362
E-mail: jwalker@susla.edu
Web Page: www.susla.edu
Office Hours Online Only via Email: MWF 6:00pm-7:00pm

IMPORTANT COLLEGE DATES
Course Start Date:|1/23/2012|
Drop with 100% refund||
Withdraw with “W” grade||
Course End Date:|5/3/2012|

Additional critical dates for this course are available at http://www.fscj.edu/current/calendar/index.html.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course emphasizes the African, European, and Native American backgrounds, the Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution, problems of the new republic, sectionalism, westward expansion, slavery, and the Civil War.

REQUIRED TEXTS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Carter, C., Amos, J., & Schuchman, S. J. (2009). United States history to 1865 (2nd ed). Jacksonville, FL: Florida Community College at Jacksonville, SIRIUS. ISBN13: 978-0-07-734717-8

LEARNING OUTCOMES
The primary objective of this course is to explore the subject matter of the field and to become familiar with the vocabulary and concepts of the field.

When you finish this course, you will be able to
· Read, analyze, organize, interpret and synthesize facts and information connected to the history of the United States
· Evaluate how the development of an American identity has affected the social, political, and economic growth of the United States
· Explain the historical contexts for understanding current issues and events
· Integrate United States history and world history

Specific Topic Learning Objectives Specific learning objectives are found within each chapter. Use the objectives to identify what the chapter will cover and what you should know when you are finished with the chapter. In a very real sense, this is much like skimming the headlines of a newspaper before you delve into a particular story. The objectives provide you with a basic framework for learning and understanding; however, don’t limit your knowledge or interest to the objectives.

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (COURSE PLATFORM)
The online component of the course is delivered in a learning management system supported by the institution.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
§ Please use the following checklist to determine your computer readiness. You should own or have access to · Computer with personal access to the Internet (e.g., computer with a modem or cable modem connection) · An e-mail account · Web-browser software - at least Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 3.0, Safari 3.1, or above · Windows XP or higher operating system (or MAC OS X or higher) · Virus-checking software · Word-processing software · Plug-ins including Acrobat Reader and Flash Player and QuickTime · Additional hardware including speakers and microphone

The CD-ROM published content will run on any computer that has · Windows 98, 2000, ME, NT or XP based PC with Intel® or AMD® class processor · 32 MB RAM · a CD-ROM drive
ACCESSIBILITY
If you require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact your institution’s coordinator for disability services and you may also wish to notify your instructor.

FIRST WEEK OF CLASS
To receive credit for attendance during the first week of class, you should send an e-mail to your professor introducing yourself. There is also a discussion forum during this first week to post a brief biographic statement and begin interaction with your classmates.

LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Students learn through interactions with each other, with the instructor, and with written, auditory, and visual learning materials. To facilitate interactive learning among learners and between learners and faculty, a major goal of this course is to encourage the development of learning communities—i.e., to help learners and faculty get to know and better understand each other. Towards this end, the instructor will post a brief written biography introducing herself/himself; this will be available online as a part of the first week of class. You are asked to also introduce yourself by posting a brief biography on the discussion board—a picture is also recommended.
In addition, a discussion forum (Cyber Café) has been provided to informally discuss things with other classmates without intervention of the faculty member. The Cyber Café will also be a useful place to find classmates interested in forming a team, which is required in this course. There is also a discussion forum named “Questions about Assignments.” Use this area to post items which your Instructor can answer for the benefit of the entire class.

DISCUSSION
There are fifteen separate discussions scheduled throughout this course. In each formal discussion, you are to first post an answer to the discussion question. Then read the responses of your classmates and post a reply. Learners who participate in discussions are likely to experience a higher level of learning and retention of the information contained in the course. To encourage your active participation in the course, you will receive credit for your contributions to the discussions. Your discussion grade will be based upon the thoroughness, accuracy, and insightfulness of your responses, your use of correct spelling, grammar and sentence and paragraph format (ALWAYS spell check your responses), and the number and depth of your responses to other student posts.

Example of a discussion question:
One element of the Monroe Doctrine states that the United States will not involve itself in the affairs of other countries unless American interests are directly affected. Apply the Monroe Doctrine to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Does the Monroe Doctrine supports American military involvement in Iraq? The class will conduct this discussion as a debate. Students whose last names begin with letters A-L will argue that the Monroe Doctrine supports military involvement in Iraq, and students whose last names begin with letters M-Z will argue that it does not. Post your response, then read and respond to your classmates’ posts who have taken an opposing position to yours.

ASSESSMENTS
After reading the material and completing the discussion question and learning objects in each chapter, you should be ready to access and take your online quiz. Each quiz is comprised of ten items. The items for each quiz are randomly drawn from a larger database. Many of these questions will also be used in the unit exam. You may retake the quiz as many times as you choose without penalty. The goal is for each student to achieve mastery of the course content. Mastery could be interpreted as 90% or above on the assessments. Points will be assigned according to the achieved success rate.
Upon completion of each four-chapter unit, there is an exam. There are four non-cumulative unit exams, worth forty (40) points each. These exams will be comprised of questions from the chapter mastery quizzes. The exams have a time limit of one hour.
Each learning unit is concluded with a short research paper. There is also a team project, which is ongoing throughout the course.

RESEARCH PAPERS
There are four research papers, worth fifty (50) points each. Toward the end of each unit, your instructor will provide a set of research questions (one per chapter) related to the material learned in that unit. You should select a question to answer and begin collecting research from appropriate Internet and/or library resources. Documents describing all criteria for the research papers, including the identification of appropriate resources, the paper format, and a grading rubric are provided in the learning management system. This rubric provides the criteria to assure you get the best grade possible.
The MLA formats used in the course shell reflect the forms in the most current editions of the MLA (7th ed.) style manual. Please use these formats as models in all papers and projects within the course since the MLA references in the book and the CD will not be revised until the next edition of the course is published.

TEAM PROJECT
For the team project, you will focus on the historical themes from the beginning of the course through the end of the Civil War. There are several themes that weave through the readings. Chose one theme, for example, migration or transportation, and write about it across the entire period we are studying.
When writing about your theme, you should consider factors such as how the political climate of the country affected the policies, laws, finances, popularity, and procedures of your selected theme over time. What role did economics play in your selected theme’s continued expansion or demise? Who were the political and/or social leaders of the industries/movements impacted by the theme?
The complete paper should contain a minimum of six pages with a minimum of six historically appropriate references. During the first weeks, each group will discuss and identify two themes the group would like to write about during the course. These choices are sent to your instructor, who will then inform the group about which of the two topics the team should pursue. During each unit (every four chapters), you will be expected to write several paragraphs describing your theme.
There are also other benchmarks to show the progress of your team on this project. At the midpoint of the course you will submit an outline of the project paper; a later submission will include at least four of the references to be used. Consult the Calendar of Activities in this syllabus for the specific due dates.
The complete Team Project is worth 255 points to each team member. Students are graded individually on their contribution to the group paper. Documents describing all criteria for the team project, including the identification of appropriate resources, the paper format, and a grading rubric are provided in the learning management system.

GRADING
The discussion forum participation, quiz and exam assessments, research papers, and team project will be used to compute the final grade in the course. Your final letter grade will be determined by totaling the points for all of the above activities as indicated in the chart below.

Discussions and Weekly Scheduled Online Sessions (15 @ 15 points each)|225|
Chapter Quizzes (16 @ 10 points each)|160|
Unit Exams (4 @ 40 points each)|160|
Unit Research Papers (4 @ 50 points each)|200|
Team Project (ongoing throughout course)|255|
Total Points|1000 Points|
A|900-1000 points|
B|800-899 points|
C|700-799 points|
D|600-699 points|
F|0-599 points|

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES
UNIT I|The Colonial Period|Dates|
PrefaceChapter 1|The Study of American HistoryA. Contact in the New WorldQuiz 1Biographic statementDiscussion forum Session Online With Instructor: Sat. 1/28/2012| Begin: 1/23/2012 End:1/29/2012|
Chapter 2|B. Establishing the ColoniesQuiz 2 Discussion forumSubmit two possible themes for the Team Project | Begin:1/30/2012 End:2/05/2012|
Chapter 3|C. Colonial Development Quiz 3 Discussion forum | Begin:2/06/2012 End: 2/12/2012|
Chapter 4|D. Prelude to IndependenceQuiz 4Discussion forumUNIT 1 EXAM| Begin:2/13/2012 End:2/19/2012|
UNIT II|American Independence and the Emergence of a New Nation (1776-1800)|Mardi Gras Break 2/20-21/12|
Chapter 5|A. Philosophical Foundations of the New NationQuiz 5Discussion forum UNIT 1 RESEARCH PAPER DUE| Begin:2/22/2012 End:2/26/2012|
Chapter 6|B. War for American IndependenceQuiz 6Discussion forum | Begin:2/27/2012 End:3/04/2012|
Chapter 7|C. Articles of Confederation and Origins /Ratification of the ConstitutionQuiz 7Discussion forum| Begin:3/05/2012 End:3/11/2012|
Chapter 8|D. The Federalist Period and the Rise of Political Parties Quiz 8Discussion forum UNIT 2 EXAMSubmit an outline for the Team Project| Begin:3/12/2012 End:3/18/2012|
UNIT III|The Early National Period (1800-1840) ||
Chapter 9|A. Jeffersonian RepublicanismQuiz 9Discussion forum UNIT 2 RESEARCH PAPER DUE| Begin:3/19/2012 End:3/25/2012|
Chapter 10|B. NationalismQuiz 10Discussion forum | Begin:3/26/2012 End:4/1/2012|
Chapter 11|C. Jacksonian Democracy Quiz 11Discussion forum | Begin:4/10/2012 End:4/15/2012|
Chapter 12|D. Early Nineteenth-Century Economic and Social ChangeQuiz 12Discussion forum UNIT 3 EXAMSubmit at least four sources for the Team Project| Begin:4/16/2012 End4/22/2012|
UNIT IV|The Sectional Crisis and the Civil War||
Chapter 13|A. The Old South and the Institution of SlaveryQuiz 13Discussion forum UNIT 3 RESEARCH PAPER DUE| Begin:4/23/2012 End:4/29/2012|
Chapter 14|B. Territorial Expansion and the Movement WestQuiz 14Discussion forum | Begin:4/30/2012 End:5/02/2012|
Chapter 15|C. The Politics of Sectionalism Quiz 15Discussion forum TEAM PROJECT DUE| Begin:5/03/2012 End:5/06/2012|
Chapter 16|D. Secession and the Civil War Quiz 16UNIT 4 EXAM UNIT 4 RESEARCH PAPER DUE| Begin:5/07/2012 End:5/11/2012|

1. What learning management system is used for the online portions of this course?
This course is delivered in the Blackboard® online course platform.

2. Where do I acquire the required texts and instructional materials for this course?
All SIRIUS course materials (book, CD, and any other materials you may need) can be purchased at your campus bookstore or online from E-Follett. See the Student Orientation for further information.

3. Do I have to have Internet access at home?
The College can provide you with Internet access (no ISP needed). You may choose to use your own ISP; however, the College’s ISP services are free to enrolled students. The College also has many student computer labs available to students who wish to use them.

4. What if I need special accommodations to take the course?
The College fully complies with the provision of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). If you require accommodations to effectively participate in this course due to a diagnosed disability you should contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at www.fscj.edu/resources/disabilities/index.html[->0] or by phone at 904-632-5007. You may also want to notify your instructor.

5. What’s in the Book, CD and Course Shell?
The book contains the course content and assignment checklists for all chapters. The CD contains the learning objects—interactive tools to help you learn the materials. The online learning management system contains the quizzes, exams, discussion questions, research papers, team project. The “Course Information” section contains information such as the Syllabus and Student Orientation. 6. How long will I have to wait for a response from the instructor to my e-mail?
Faculty respond to e-mails within 48 hours.

7. What is proper e-mail etiquette?
E-mail to other learners and the instructor needs to be addressed in a manner appropriate to polite interactions.

8. What will help me succeed in this course?
· Strong discipline and desire to succeed. You’ll need to login to class often during the typical week, motivating yourself to meet the requirements for success.
· Ability to work well independently. You’ll develop the support of fellow learners all taking the same coursework together, but it will be different than a typical classroom environment. If you work well independently, your chance of success is higher.
· Computer savvy. If you’re not familiar with the Internet and e-mail communication, we recommend that you take a computer enrichment class prior to enrolling in this course. Faculty assumes you know how to access and send data on the Internet. 9. What are “I” grades and when are they used?
· An “I” grade may be assigned at the instructor’s discretion upon request by the student to permit the student time to complete required course work, which he/she was prevented from completing in a timely way due to non-academic reasons. The instructor may require the student to document the request to assist in the decision. The instructor may choose not to grant the request. The “I” grade should be considered only when the student has the potential to earn a passing grade if the missing work is made up.
· The instructor shall prescribe in a written agreement with the student the remaining course work required for completion and removal of the “I” grade. A copy of this agreement will be kept on file in the office of the appropriate dean. All work must be completed within the first eight weeks of the subsequent term, unless the instructor agrees to a longer timeframe extension of time (not to exceed one year). When the work is completed, the instructor will submit a grade change form with the grade earned. If the work is not completed within the prescribed timeframe, the “I” will automatically change to an “F” grade. The student will be informed of the final grade assigned.
· To be eligible for an “I” grade, the student must be passing the course at the time of the request, and must have completed at least 75 percent of the course work.

10. What is the Florida State College at Jacksonville Code of Ethics?
Consistent with The Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida, 6B-1.06, Principles of Professional conduct for the Education Profession in Florida, an obligation to the learner requires that an individual shall not harass or discriminate against any learner on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, handicapping condition, sexual orientation, or social and family background and shall make reasonable effort to assure that each learner is protected from harassment or discrimination.

11. What about academic dishonesty?
Academic dishonesty, in any form, is expressly prohibited by the rules of the District Board of Trustees of Florida State College at Jacksonville. Academic dishonesty incorporates the following: · Cheating which is defined as the giving or taking of any information or material with the intent of wrongfully aiding oneself or another in academic work considered in the determination of a course grade. · Plagiarism which is defined as the act of stealing or passing off as one’s own work the words, ideas, or conclusions of another as if the work submitted were the product of one’s own thinking rather than an idea or product derived from another source. · Any other form of inappropriate behavior which may include but is not limited to falsifying records or data; lying; unauthorized copying, tampering, abusing or otherwise unethically using a computer or other stored information; and, any other act of misconduct which may reasonably be deemed to be a part of this heading.
Any student alleged to have committed any act of academic dishonesty as defined herein shall be entitled to due process as defined in District Board of Trustees’ Rule 6Hx7-2. 18 prior to the administration of disciplinary action, including suspension and dismissal.

12. May I repeat this course?
Learners repeat a course in an attempt to improve a grade previously earned. State Board Rule 6A-14.0301 limits such attempts to courses where a “D,” “F,” or “FN” grade was earned. A learner has only three total attempts in any course, including the original grade, repeat grades, and withdrawals. Upon the third attempt in a course, the learner must be given an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F.”

When students repeat a course at Florida State College at Jacksonville, only the last grade earned is calculated in their cumulative grade point average (GPA). However, students with an excessive number of “W” or “FN” grades and students who repeat courses to improve their GPA may jeopardize their admission to programs in the Florida State University System (SUS) or other institutions.

[->0] - http://www.fscj.edu/resources/disabilities/index.html