UNITED STATES HISTORY
History 17A (3 units)
Sec. 48563 (M/W 9:20-10:45), Room LIB ILC

WELCOME!!!!!

Don't know much about American history but tired of endless lectures?  Well then you've come to the right place.  Who says history has to be boring?  Through multi-media lectures, readings, group activities, and non-print media (film, posters, music), this course will survey the political, social, racial, and institutional history of the United States from colonial times to 1865.

Required Texts

Additional reading materials are on-line at http://timmer.org.  Click on HISTORY 17A from the Home Page and the "Readings" icon on the 17A page.  It is highly recommended that you print these articles/documents out ASAP in case of periodic and unforeseen downtime of the web page.  You are responsible for having each of these readings completed by their assigned day on the syllabus.

Web Page

A class web page can be found for History 17A at http://timmer.org.  This page contains the syllabus, lecture outlines, PowerPoint lectures, on-line readings, and an extensive collection of links covering the topics we discuss in class.  This web page serves as a supplement to the lectures and in-class discussions, not as a substitute.  NOTE:  As a budget saving measure, lecture outlines will NOT be passed out in class.  STUDENTS SHOULD PRINT OUT THE OUTLINES BEFORE LECTURE.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and punctuality is required and roll will be taken at the beginning of the class.  Tardy students will receive a 1 point reduction from their total grade for each tardy.  More than one absence will constitute a reduction of 2 points for each additional absence.

General Class Policies

1. Cell phones and beepers must be turned off in the classroom.
2. Save this syllabus as evidence for transfer to a four-year institution.
3. Class participation and COMPLETING THE ASSIGNED READING by the beginning of each topic are essential to passing this course.
4. Late work is marked down 1/3 of a grade for each day that it is handed in late after the end of class when it is due.
5. Tutoring is available at no charge at Tutorial Services.  It is provided by qualified, trained, students who have been recommended by the faculty.  Contact Tutorial Services in the Library Building or call 741-2038.
6. Quizzes may be administered by the Instructor without warning if he feels students are not keeping up with the readings.  Incorrect answers will be deducted from a student's overall participation grade.
7. Plagiarism/cheating will result in automatic failures for the course and offenders will be referred to the CSSO for disciplinary action.  Familiarize yourself with the campus policy on cheating detailed in the College Catalog under Student Conduct Code, 5.8.19 Policy on Cheating.  (You will find examples of what plagiarism is and how to avoid it at http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html)
8. West Valley College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. College materials will be available in alternate formats (Braille, audio, electronic format, or large print) upon request.  Please contact the Disability and Educational Support Program at (408) 741-2010 (voice) or (408) 741-2658 (TTY) for assistance.

Credit/No Credit Option

Students wishing to take this class with the Credit/No Credit grade option must inform the instructor in writing no later than the end of the SIXTH WEEK.  Requests for this option WILL NOT be accepted after that time.  See the WVC Catalog under "Academic Regulations and Standards" for more information about this option.