HIST 103: American Foundations

Fall

Instructor	Ray DeBruler
Phone	269-965-3931 x 2381
Office Hours:	Arranged.  I will respond to student e-mail within two working days or sooner.
Course Prerequisites	None
Textbook	See http://bookstore.kellogg.edu.  Note: Textbook information is generally not available until a few weeks before the semester begins.
Online Course Features and Requirements	Number of tests:  3 Required on campus sessions:  0 Special labs or practicum:  0 Number of assignments:  7 Estimated time per week:  3 – 4 hours Scheduled activities or self paced: scheduled Technical Requirements:  Please see http://www.kellogg.edu/is/coursetec/bbreqs.html for information on connecting to Blackboard from your home computer.
Course Site:	http://bb.kellogg.edu/
Description	This course is a survey of the political, economic and social history of the United States to 1877.
Objectives	Identify, categorize and outline characteristics of civilizations Apply the above categories to specific civilizations of pre-European encounter Americas Identify, categorize and outline characteristics of governments in the context of early American history Examine governmental, leadership and citizenship values through analysis of presidential administrations and political participation in eras of early American history Apply the above to current political climate in America Assess the impact of geography on the development of unique regional characteristics in early American history Compare characteristics of regions in the same historical era based on their geographic conditions Identify evolution of the political process in early American history Describe major eras and key events in early American history in order to examine relationships and explain cause and effect Analyze narratives about major eras and key events in early American history by identifying the people involved, describing the setting and sequencing of events Reconstruct the past by comparing interpretations written by others from a variety of perspectives and creating narratives from evidence Evaluate key decisions made at critical turning points in early American history by assessing their implications and long-term consequences for America and its role in the global community Identify cultural, social and economic institutions established in early American communities Evaluate key decisions made at critical turning points in early American history by assessing their implications and long-term consequences for America and its role in the global community Evaluate impact of cultural and social values and economic conditions on evolution of historical eras in early American history Assess cultural, social and economic trends in early American history as a catalyst of historical change in American society Synthesize elements of historical, geographical, political, cultural, social and economic perspectives relative to selected ethnic groups in the context of early American history
Grading	Grades are based on an 600 point scale.  Points are earned for completing weekly exercises, quizzes and participating in weekly discussion board activities.
Grading Scale	Grade                         points                    % of total                    A                          600 – 558                93 – 100                    A-                         557 – 540                90 – 92                    B+                        539 – 522                87 – 89                    B                          521 – 498                83 – 86                    B-                         497 – 480                80 – 82                    C+                        479 – 462               77 – 79                    C                          461 – 438                73 – 76                    C-                         437 – 420                 70 – 72                    D+                        419 – 402                 67 – 69                    D                          401 – 378                 63 – 66                    D-                         377 – 360                 60 – 62                    F                           less than 360          less than  60%
Disclaimer	Information contained in this syllabus was, to the best knowledge of the instructor, considered correct and complete when distributed for use at the beginning of the semester. However, this syllabus should not be considered a contract between Kellogg Community College and any student, nor between any student and the instructor. The instructor reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of Kellogg Community College, to make changes in course content or instructional techniques without notice or obligation.
Computer Access at KCC	It is assumed that students enrolled in this course have at their disposal appropriate equipment and software to complete the course work and communicate with other students.  If there are problems with your equipment and/or software, it is possible to come the KCC's Campus and use the open computer lab in the Learning Resource Center.  See KCC's web site for campus maps and lab times.
Online Materials Submission	Students will be expected to use e-mail attachments and the blackboard site for this class to submit materials.
ADA Statement	Kellogg Community College does not discriminate in the admission or treatment of students on the basis of disability.  KCC is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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