Faculty Syllabus

HIST-1302 United States History II

Phillip Sozansky


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

HIST-1302-044 (17156)
LEC TuTh 3:00pm - 4:20pm RRC RRC1 1222.00

HIST-1302-063 (34693)
LEC TuTh 1:30pm - 2:50pm RRC RRC1 1222.00

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

COURSE OBJECTIVES & RATIONALE

  • This course provides a basic survey of United States History from Reconstruction to the present.
  • The course satisfies 3.0 semester hours of the Texas Legislative Requirement in U.S. History.
  • Common Course objectives: http://www.austincc.edu/history/

Communication/Response Time

Typical response time to a student email will be about 24 hours. Exam grades will usually be updated in Blackboard within one week after the date of administration (5 business days).

Readings

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Eric Foner, Give Me Liberty! An American History, Volume II (Seagull Seventh Edition). The material in Give Me Liberty is to be read and studied according to the "Course Subjects--Semester Schedule” below.

Course Requirements

ATTENDANCE

Punctual and regular attendance is required. Any student accumulating three (3) or more UNEXCUSED absences MAY be withdrawn from this course. This is at the discretion of the instructor.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: The professor will not withdraw a student from the course. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should s/he decide to withdraw from the class. If a student decides to withdraw s/he should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. Students are also strongly encouraged to retain a copy of the withdrawal form for their records. Last day to withdraw: April 27, 2026. See “Withdrawing from this Course” below.

GRADES

The quality and quantity of the work you do determines your final grade. Your grades are displayed in the “Gradebook” link on our class page in Blackboard. Your final course grade will be calculated as follows:

  • Unit Exam One: 20%
  • Unit Exam Two: 20%
  • Unit Exam Three: 20%
  • Unit Exam Four: 20%
  • InQuizitive Chapter Quizzes: 20% (average of all 14 quizzes)

NOTE: There is no “extra credit” in this course.

 

INQUIZITIVE CHAPTER QUIZZES

Students will take 14 chapter quizzes, one for each assigned chapter in Eric Foner, Give Me Liberty! An American History, Volume II. Each chapter quiz is available via the course Blackboard page.

  • Combined, the total average of the chapter quizzes equals the value of one unit exam toward your final grade.
  • To receive full credit, students must submit the chapter quizzes by 11:59 pm on the date each is due as indicated in the schedule. If a quiz is submitted after 11:59 pm on the date it is due in the schedule, it will be considered "late." The highest score you can receive on a late quiz is 70%. You will have one week from the original due date to submit a late quiz. After that point, it will not be accepted.

NOTE: The first quiz attempt will be graded and will count toward the total quiz average. Students may take the quizzes more than once for practice. That said, only the first attempt will be graded.

 

UNIT EXAMS

  • There are four unit exams, with each covering 3-4 chapters. Each exam will typically consist of 40 multiple choice questions (40% of score) and one essay question (60% of score).
  • The unit exams will assess both the textbook material and classroom discussion as highlighted by the Learning Objectives issued for every chapter at the start of each new unit. We will not cover all content in class, so careful reading is vital to your success in this course.
  • There is NO comprehensive final exam in this course.

MAKEUP EXAMS

  • If you miss a unit exam in class for good cause—as determined by the instructor—you may then take it on the prearranged make-up date, with no restrictions on the grade. The date for all such make-up exams—regardless of which one was missed—will occur the week after Unit Exam Three (date TBD). For reference, see “Semester Schedule” below.   

RETESTS

If you score below 70% on the first unit exam, you may retest. However, there are two restrictions on the retest:

  1. the highest grade allowed on the retest is 70%, and
  2. the retest must be taken within one week of the date the unit exam was given in class.

The higher of the two grades will be the one recorded for that unit exam.

 

SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY

Acts of scholastic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. 

For these, and other moral and ethical reasons, anyone committing acts of scholastic dishonesty will receive the grade of “F” for this course.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty is defined as fraud, deceit, or dishonesty in an academic endeavor.

Academic dishonesty includes:

  • communicating exam information to, asking for, or receiving such information from another;
  • using, attempting to use, or assisting others in using materials that are prohibited during an exam, including (but not limited to): cellphones, books, Web sites, prepared answers, written notes, scratch paper, or other concealed information;
  • allowing someone else to do one's exam or assignment or a portion of one's exam or assignment;
  • using a commercial term paper or paper-writing service – or otherwise submitting someone else’s work as your own.
  • acquiring work that is not your own, and then submitting it as your own;

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is defined as using another's work (whether printed, electronic, or spoken) without crediting* the person - or - copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up most of your work, whether you give credit or not.

Plagiarism includes:

  • using generative Artificial Intelligence in the preparation of course materials;
  • submitting someone else's work as your own;
  • copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit*;
  • paraphrasing words or ideas from someone else without giving credit*;
  • giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation with the intention of deceiving;
  • changing words but copying the organization and structure of a source without giving credit;
  • copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up most of your work, whether you give credit or not

*“Giving credit” means citing the source of your information. In the field of History, this is usually done using a footnote.

USE OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (GAI)

Although unit exams will be administered in class as hand-written assessments, it is important to note that the use of generative AI by students will not be permitted. Please read the following statement for a thorough explanation of this policy:

  • Introduction: In this course, the use of generative AI (GAI) technologies is strictly prohibited to preserve academic integrity and ensure the development of student competencies.
  • Rationale: The prohibition is in place to encourage original thought, manual problem-solving skills, and to maintain equity in educational opportunities and assessments.
  • Definition of GAI: Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can generate text, images, or other content based on minimal input. This includes chatbots, image generation tools, and code assistants.
  • Usage Permissions: Prohibited: Students are not allowed to use GAI for completing assignments, exams, or any form of assessment in this course.
  • Penalties: Any violation of this policy will result in academic penalties which may include a failing grade for the activity, reporting to academic affairs, and further disciplinary action.
  • Exceptions: Exceptions to this policy will only be made under specific circumstances approved by the instructor, typically where technology is used to accommodate learning differences.

For more information on ACC policies concerning Academic Integrity, visit:

https://students.austincc.edu/student-rights-responsibilities/academic-integrity-process/

 

WITHDRAWING FROM THIS COURSE

If you find that you are unable to successfully meet the course requirements, you should consider withdrawing from the course to avoid any possibility of being assigned a failing grade.

  • The deadline to withdraw from this course is April 27, 2026.
  • A “withdrawal” appears as a “W” on your transcript.
  • A “withdrawal” does not affect your Grade Point Average (GPA) – however, there MAY be negative academic consequences from this course – or if you withdraw from too many courses.
  • BEFORE you consider withdrawing, read the state law information (“Six-withdrawal Limit”) on withdrawals from Texas public colleges/universities, at http://www.austincc.edu/apply-and-register/registration-steps/drop-or-withdraw-from-a-class (some exemptions are permitted)
  • Withdrawal is accomplished online, at: https://students.austincc.edu/help/myacc-and-online-services-instructions/course-withdrawal-drop-instructions/

YOUR RIGHT TO PRIVACY

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

NOTE: ACC makes your “Directory Information” (name, address, phone number, birthdate, and other information) available to the public without your consent, unless you specifically request in writing that this information NOT be publicly available. 

For more information, and for instructions on how to restrict public access to your Directory information visit: http://www.austincc.edu/ferpa

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

The free exchange of ideas is vital to the pursuit of learning. I welcome your questions and comments in this course. The classroom should be a place of lively discussion and debate, and students are encouraged to express their ideas freely. Even so, if a student’s behavior at any time violates the basic right of all students to learn in a supportive environment, the student may be asked to leave. Inappropriate behavior of any kind will be reported to the college, as well as Rouse High School, and further action may be taken. See also Students’ Rights and Responsibilities at https://students.austincc.edu/student-rights-responsibilities/

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES & RESOURCES

STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES (SAS)

Austin Community College is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities.

  • Students with disabilities who need accommodations must request accommodations through ACC's Student Accessibility Services (SAS) offices, located on each ACC campus.
  • Students are encouraged to seek accommodations at least 3 weeks before the start of class.

OTHER ACC STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Course Subjects

SEMESTER SCHEDULE

NOTE: The following is the anticipated schedule of topics, chapter readings/InQuizitive assignments, and unit exams. The professor reserves the right to make minor adjustments to meet students’ needs and accommodate unforeseen circumstances (any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement). Although the completion deadlines for chapter readings/InQuizitive assignments are non-negotiable, you may certainly choose to start them as early as you like—better to get ahead, than fall behind! Moreover, expect that discussions will frequently spill over from one class meeting to the next.

UNIT ONE:

  • Week One
    • 1/20—Course Intro, Reconstruction, 1865 – 1877
    • 1/22—Reconstruction, 1865 – 1877, Cont.
      •  Ch. 15 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 1/21, by 11:59 pm!
  • Week Two
    • 1/27—Conquering & Exploiting the West, 1860s – 1890s
      • Ch. 16 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 1/26, by 11:59 pm!
    • 1/29—Conquering & Exploiting the West, Cont./2nd Industrial Revolution, 1860s – 1890s
  • Week Three
    • 2/3—A Gilded Age, 1870s – 1890s
      • Ch. 17 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 2/2, by 11:59 pm!
    • 2/5—A Gilded Age, 1870s – 1890s, Cont.
  • Week Four
    • 2/10—Progressive Reforms & Reformers, 1890s – 1910s
      • Ch. 18 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 2/9, by 11:59 pm!
    • 2/12—Progressive Reforms & Reformers, Cont./The Progressive Presidents, 1901 – 1921
  • Week Five
    • 2/17—The Progressive Presidents, 1901 – 1921
    • 2/19—UNIT ONE EXAM: Ch. 15 – 18

UNIT TWO:

  •  Week Six
    • 2/24—Toward An American Empire/Progressive Foreign Policy, 1860s – 1910s
      • Ch. 19 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 2/23, by 11:59 pm!
    • 2/26—World War 1, 1916 – 1920  
  • Week Seven
    • 3/3—The Jazz Age/Roaring Twenties
      • Ch. 20 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 3/2, by 11:59 pm!
    • 3/5—The Great Depression Unfolds, 1929 - 1932/Election of 1932
  • Week Eight
    • 3/10—FDR & the New Deal, 1932 – 1940
      • Ch. 21 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 3/9, by 11:59 pm!
    • 3/12—Rise of the Dictators/Road to World War II, 1920s - 1940
  • Week Nine
    • 3/24—World War II, 1941 – 1945
      •  Ch. 22 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 3/23, by 11:59 pm!
    • 3/26—World War II, 1941 – 1945, Cont.
  • Week Ten
    • 3/31—UNIT TWO EXAM: Ch. 19 – 22

 UNIT THREE:

    • 4/2—The Early Cold War, 1945 – 1960
      • Ch. 23 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 4/1, by 11:59 pm!
  • Week Eleven
    • 4/7—The Affluent “Nifty Fifties”
      • Ch. 24 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 4/6, by 11:59 pm!
    • 4/9—The Modern Civil Rights Era, 1940s – 1960s
  • Week Twelve
    • 4/14—JFK, LBJ, Vietnam, & the 1960s
      • Ch. 25 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 4/13, by 11:59 pm!
    • 4/16—JFK, LBJ, Vietnam, & the 1960s, Cont.
  • Week Thirteen
    • 4/21—1960s Social Change & Environmentalism
    • 4/23—UNIT THREE EXAM: Ch. 23 – 25

UNIT FOUR:

  • Week Fourteen
    • 4/28—Nixon & the Conservative Backlash, 1969 – 1974
      • Ch. 26 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 4/27, by 11:59 pm!
    • 4/30—Ford, Carter, & the Rise of the New Right, 1974 - 1980
  • Week Fifteen
    • 5/5—The Reagan Revolution, Bush (41), & the 1980s
    • 5/7—A New World Order, Clinton, & the 1990s
      • Ch. 27 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 5/6, by 11:59 pm!
  • Week Sixteen
    • 5/12—Bush (43), the Election of Obama, & the 2000s
      • Ch. 28 InQuizitive Assignment Due on 5/11, by 11:59 pm!
    • 5/14—UNIT EXAM FOUR: Ch. 26 – 28

Office Hours

T Th 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM RRC1, in Suite 1204, Office 1205 or 1206 (may vary).

NOTE I am also available by appointment for virtual meetings, as needed. Please submit an email request for virtual appointments at least 24 hours in advance.

Office Hours

T Th 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM RRC1, in Suite 1204, Office 1205 or 1206 (may vary).

NOTE I am also available by appointment for virtual meetings, as needed. Please submit an email request for virtual appointments at least 24 hours in advance.

Published: 01/13/2026 17:01:44