Faculty Syllabus

History 1302/U.S. History II

34695/066

M, W 6:00 – 7:20 p.m.

Round Rock Campus/RRC1/Rm 1218

Department URL:  http://www.austincc.edu/history

Course Objective:  This course is a study of the history of the United States from 1877 to present.

SCANS competencies: None required, but students will need good reading, writing and study skills to succeed in this course. Students will be expected to read about 450 pages of textbook, and, depending on the individual instructor, may be obliged to read an outside book and/or do a research paper. Students will have to write essays, book reports, and/or research papers and will be expected to observe decent English grammar and spelling rules. Although students will be told when tests will take place and be given detailed learning objectives to facilitate study, students will be expected to study information in detail to prepare for the tests.

Course Rationale:  The Texas legislature requires students to take 6 hours of American history to graduate from an institution of higher learning in Texas.  This course helps fulfill that requirement.  Students taking HIST 1302 can expect to improve their reading and writing competencies, critical thinking skills, research skills, etc., all of which help students better succeed in life outside academia.  Also, please read “What Students Can Expect in ACC History Courses,” http://www.austincc.edu/history.

Common Course Objectives:  Introduce the student to significant political, economic, diplomatic, military, social and cultural developments in the American past from Reconstruction to the presidency of George W. Bush. In order to assist the student in developing effective learning skills, particular emphasis will be placed on how to read the textbook materials and listen to the lectures effectively.  The course also provides the student with the opportunity to improve his or her ability to take notes, study for exams, and write brief essays.  Department wide objectives can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/history.

Office Hours:  30 Minutes to 1 Hour Before Class.  Appointments can be made anytime.

Email:  jwalker@austincc.edu

Textbook:  H.W. Brands.  American Stories, Volume 2, 5th Edition.

Course Methodology:  This is a lecture-based course emphasizing analytical reading, writing, and thinking.  The course will be divided into four units, with each unit covering 4 textbook chapters.  Unit learning objectives will be distributed by the instructor.  These objectives should be studied along with reading the textbook.  The objectives are directly related to the multiple-choice questions on the exams.  At the end of each unit, there will be an exam consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions based on the textbook material emphasizing the learning objectives and an essay emphasizing the lectures.  Writing is an important part of this course.  There will be a combination of writing assignments (short discussion points and essays) and a book review to be completed in this course. 

Course Behavior:

Respect for the opinions of others is expected during any class discussion.  The use of cell phones and other similar devices during class is prohibited.  Do not check your phone for missed calls, text messages or emails.  If you must leave class, then do so in a quiet and respectful manner, be discreet about it.  Please be courteous of your fellow students.  Talking with friends and being disruptive during class will not be tolerated.

Course Requirements:

1. The material in American Stories is to be read and studied according to the attached schedule. 
2. Regular attendance is an important part of the educational experience in any college-level class.  The instructor assumes that the student is a responsible adult who understands that class attendance is essential to the learning process at Austin Community College.  In my experience, excessive absenteeism makes it difficult to do well in this class.  Students are expected to arrive on time and stay for the duration of class.  
3. The quality and quantity of the work done by the student determines his/her final grade:

A total of 700 points will then be distributed on a 90-80-70-60 scale:

            A = 630 – 700 points

            B = 560 – 629 points

            C = 490 – 559 points

D = 420 – 489 points

1. The grade of “I” will be assigned only if there is a medical excuse certified by a physician.  There are no exceptions to this policy.  Any “Incompletes” must be completed in the first four weeks of the following semester.
2. Learning objectives will be used to assist the student in identifying the most important aspects of the material.  The learning objectives highlight the significant and relevant topics of each chapter and will be handed out prior to each unit.
3. Take four unit exams.  These exams are all of equal weight (100 points), non-comprehensive and are to be taken within 1 hour.  The format will be the same for each test:

Part A:             Textbook (75 points) – answer 25 multiple choice                                                                            questions covering textbook material as highlighted                                                                         by the learning objectives issued for each chapter

Part B:             Lectures (25 points) – answer 1 of 3 essay questions                                                                         covering classroom exposition

Exam Etiquette:  All electronic devices are prohibited in class during exams.  No exceptions will be given.  If you have a backpack, briefcase, or bag you will be asked to place out of sight next to a wall.  All exams have a written component so please bring along a few sheets of paper to write on.  

Make-up tests:  If a student does not attend class for a good reason (as determined by the instructor) on the date of an exam, it is your responsibility to get with me to make arrangements for a make-up.  This option is only available for the first three exams.  Exam 4 must be taken in class.  Only one test may be made up during the semester.

Retests:  Retests are not the same as Make-up exams.  A student has the option to retest on any or all of the first three exams, provided the in-class test was taken at the scheduled time.  You may not retest after a make-up test.  The highest grade possible on the retest is a 70 and will be all essay questions.  It is your responsibility to make arrangements for a retest.

Testing Center policies:  All tests are to be taken in class.  The testing center will not be utilized in this class.  Please make the necessary arrangements with your instructor regarding make-up exams and retests. 

1. Take one map test (100 points).  Since United States history is shaped and influenced by the geography of the continent, it is imperative that the student knows the basic facts of United States geography.  Therefore, the student will be required to pass a geography map test.  This test will require the student to locate on an outline map of the United States 25 of the features named on the attached list.  In addition, the student must be able to identify all 50 states.  Outline maps will be provided in class.  You may retest at any time, the highest possible grade on a retest will be an 80.
2. Writing & In – class assignments (100 points). There will be several assignments to enhance the student’s writing skills.  The assignments will be based on learning objectives, lectures, presentations, and reading assignments.  On occasion, the in-class assignment will be assigned as homework.   
3. Book Review (100 points) The book review will be due in class April 29, 2026.  The student may choose a book from the list below or the bibliography of the course textbook (approval of instructor required if some other book is chosen).  You must choose a book, and have it approved by March 25, 2026.  The book review should be 1000 words long and should cover three sections of the following book review outline:

Part 1 – This is a brief outline of the contents of the book.  In the space of one or two paragraphs you should be able to convey the parameters of the book’s contents.

Part 2 – Here is the place for a careful summary of the author’s thesis.  The thesis is the primary idea the author is trying to prove and convince the reader to accept.  You must first identify the thesis and then show how the author either substantiates or fails to substantiate this thesis.  This will undoubtedly take you several paragraphs to do a good job.

Part 3 – This is the most important part of your book review.  Here is where you describe your reaction to the book.  Some of the questions you must answer include:  Do you agree or disagree with the book’s conclusions?  Why?  Did the book support or contradict what you read in your textbook on the same subject?  You must quote some of the relevant passages from both books.  Did you detect any biases on the part of the author?  What was the author’s background and why did he or she write the book?  How in your opinion could the book have improved?  You must specific and keep in mind there no perfect books.  Did you enjoy reading the book?  Why or why not?  Would you recommend it to others?

Class Schedule for History 1302 (Schedule subject to change)

Date                            Class Activity                                                 Chapters

Jan 21                          Introduction                                                    Ch. 17

Jan 26                          Reconstruction

Federal Indian Policy                                      Ch. 17 &18

Jan 28                          Federal Indian Policy                                      Ch. 18 & Ch. 19

                                    Trans-Continental Railroad

Feb 2                           Trans-Continental Railroad                            Ch. 19

Feb 4                           American Industrialization                             Ch. 19

Feb 9                           Gilded Age Politics                                         Ch. 20

Feb 11                         Exam 1

Feb 16                         Spanish-American War                                   Ch. 21

Philippine-American War

Feb 18                         Panama Canal                                                 Ch. 21

Feb 23                         Progressivism                                                  Ch. 22

Feb 25                         Baseball in America                                        Ch. 22

Mar 2                          Teddy Roosevelt                                             Ch 23

Mar 4                          World War I                                                  Ch. 24

Mar 9                          World War I                                                   Ch. 24

Mar 11                         Exam 2

Mar 16                        Spring Break

Mar 18                        Spring Break

Mar 23                        1920s & Prosperity                                         Ch. 25

Mar 25                        Great Depression                                            Ch. 26

                                    Book Review Approval DUE

Mar 30                        The New Deal

Dust Bowl                                                       Ch. 26

Apr 1                           Isolationism                                                     Ch. 27

World War II                                                 

Apr 6                           World War II                                                  Ch. 27

Apr 8                           The Cold War & Korea                                  Ch. 28

Apr 13                         Map Exam

Apr 15                         Exam 3

Apr 20                         1950s Economy                                              Ch. 29

Apr 22                         LBJ and The Great Society                             Ch. 30

Apr 27                         Vietnam                                                          Ch. 30

Apr 29                         The Space Race                                              Ch. 30

                                    Book Review DUE

May 4                          Ronald Reagan and Cold War Politics           Ch. 31

May 6                          Cold War Politics                                            Ch. 31

May 11                        1990s and War on Terrorism                           Ch. 32

May 13                        Exam 4

Map Test

The map test will be administered in class in the same class period as Exam #1, which will ask you to locate twenty-five of the following items on an outline map of the United States.  In addition, you must be able to identify all fifty states.

Canada                                                                                   

Mexico

Pacific Ocean

Cape Fear

Padre Island National Seashore

Atlantic Ocean

Hudson River

Ohio River

Mississippi River

Missouri River

Red River

Columbia River

Colorado River

Rio Grande River

Susquehanna River

Appalachian Mountains

Rocky Mountains

Sierra Nevada Mountains

All 5 Great Lakes by name

Great Salt Lake

Great Plains

Chesapeake Bay

Florida Keys

Cape Cod

Cape Canaveral

Delmarva Peninsula

Long Island

Washington, D. C.

New York City

Philadelphia

Boston

Charleston SC

Chicago

New Orleans

Austin

Richmond

Atlanta

Denver

Withdrawal Policy:  The student is responsible for knowing and complying with the necessary procedures for withdrawal.  It is your responsibility to withdraw from the class if you cannot meet the requirements.  I retain the right to initiate withdrawal in the event of lack of progress or as a disciplinary measure.  The last day to withdraw is April 27, 2026.

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Anyone committing these acts in this course will receive the grade of “F” for the course.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

The use of Artificial Intelligence or any other machine-generated materials in the preparation of any assignment in this class is an act of scholastic dishonesty (plagiarism) and will result in the grade of ‘F’ for the course.

Any use of AI is considered plagiarism and therefore, is strictly prohibited.

Any part of your assignment that was acquired using Artificial Intelligence (AI) apps, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, Quillbot, Scribbr, etc. is considered plagiarism and is strictly prohibited.

Do not use Grammarly - or any other app - to "improve" your writing.  (You can, however, use your editor's “spell check”.)

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

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

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education.  In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions.  Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student.  Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct.  These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.  Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964; compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on 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.

Grades will be posted on Blackboard.

RECORDING POLICY

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows  students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu

Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php

Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/

Email: library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices: https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.   

Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.

The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.

Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  

Drop-in child watch is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care/child-watch-drop-in-center. 

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

After Hours:

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)

The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255

Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755

Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

 Academic Freedom:  The free exchange of information is vital to the pursuit of learning.

Building Regulations:  ACC regulations prohibit smoking, drinking, and eating in classrooms.  This prohibition includes e-cigarettes.

Instructional Associates Tutoring Hours can found at http://www.austincc.edu/history/studentlinks.html

A list of books will be provided in class.  This list will be used to choose your book for the book review assignment.  

Please see the syllabus for a more in-depth outline of the course.  

Learning objectives will be distributed during class at the beginning of each unit.