Welcome HIST 1700 Students!

Course Description: This course covers American History from the Pre-Columbian period to the present. It provides a thorough examination of the major social, political, and economic events, issues, and themes of the period. It focuses on the extraordinary story of how diverse peoples, with their own distinctive histories played a role in the development of political, economic, social and cultural institutions that forged a common national identity. While significant public events such as wars, treaties, presidential elections, economic legislation, the achievements of the great and powerful, and other pieces of our national narrative are examined, special attention is also given to the lives of ordinary people who helped shape national events and were simultaneously affected by them. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:
1) In addition to helping students acquire a substantive knowledge of the social, political and economic history of the United States, students will also be able to identify and address the major arguments and interpretive frameworks in American history.
2) Students will sharpen their communication skills as they write and speak analytically, comparatively, and persuasively about what it meant and means to be an American.
3) This course is designed to engage students in many critical thinking exercises and activities. Students will think critically as they gather, extrapolate, and analyze primary sources and then use or apply their findings to connect to previous knowledge, answer questions, solve problems, support or critique arguments, explain ideas, and illuminate themes.

Late Work Policy:
  • As a college level course, most homework will be in the form of reading and will be graded upon the student’s ability to openly participate in class.
  • Papers will be deducted one letter grade each day they are late.

Class Rules/Agreements:
1) Actively and Respectively PARTICIPATE in class.
2) Use respectful listening techniques (for example, avoid interrupting someone when he or she is speaking and avoid side conversations.)
3) Question/Criticize the idea and not the person. Participations points will be given for constructive and logical debate! This is a great tool for history!
4) Avoid speaking for the group; Use “I” statements instead. This makes your statement sound more confident and will help you formulate your own points of view.
5) Speak professionally; No Cursing, No Insults. Treat others with respect and you will receive respect in return.

Attendance/Tardiness Policy: The award of credit in this class is subject to the conditions outlined in the Bingham High School Attendance Policy. Absences in excess of two per class per quarter that are not made up or waived through the appeals process will result in loss of course credit regardless of the course grade.

Policies and Procedures:
1) Preparedness: Come to class every day with your binder and a pen/pencil. I will not provide such materials for you.
2) Assignment chart and bin. If you miss a day check the assignment chart and get the missing work out of the bin. If you have questions come to me during class work time or office hours.
3) Cheating: Cheating will not be tolerated. Cheating on an assignment will result in a zero for that assignment. If caught cheating on a quiz or exam it will result in harsher punishments in accordance with Bingham High School policy.
4) Seating: Seating will be assigned the 1st quarter. After that if I deem the class mature enough to pick their own seats they may do so from there on out. This is a privilege not a right.
5) Bathroom: One person at a time and no one may go the first or last 10 minutes of class. Do not ask to go simply get up sign out and go. Those who are gone longer than 5 minutes will lose the privilege of the pass.
6) Electronics: No use of electronics is authorized unless otherwise stated by the teacher. Including Cell Phones, MP3 Players, CD players and cameras.

ADA Statement: Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring accommodations or services under ADA, must contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC). The DRC determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of these accommodations and services for the college. Please contact the DRC at the Student Center, Suite 244, Redwood Campus, 4600 So. Redwood Rd, 84123. Phone: (801) 957-4659, TTY: (801) 957-4646, Fax: (801) 957-4947 or by email: linda.bennett@slcc.edu