AMERICAN HISTORY 1483                                                                                             Fall 2008

U.S. HISTORY TO 1877

Professor: Dr. Bill Corbett

Office: Seminary Hall 307, 444-3520, corbett@nsuok.edu.

Office Hours: MWF 10:00-11:00; T-TH 8:00-9:30,11:00-12:00. Other times by appointment.


Textbook: American Destiny, by Carnes and Garraty, NSU Edition, volume I. 

You may purchase a similar edition of this book at Campus Books on Spring Street behind Sam and Ella's.
DO NOT bring your textbook to class.

Course Outline: Unit I Colonial America-Prologue and Chapters 1-3, Exam I; Unit II The Early Republic-Chapters 4-7, Exam II; Unit III A Growing Nation- Chapters 8-12, Exam III; Unit IV The Civil War Era-Chapters 13-16 Final Exams: MWF Class, December 19, 11:00; T-TH Class, December 18, 9:00.

Quizzes: During the semester there will be four quizzes over articles on reserve in the university library. They will consist of 20 points each, 9 multiple choice questions and 1 short written answer. The library work will be explained in greater detail when assigned.


Examinations: There will be 4 tests. Three will be unit exams given during the semester (1 about every 4 weeks) and the final examination. Each of the examinations will be composed of 50 multiple choice questions and will consist of 100 points. Questions will be taken from the textbook and lectures. Students must take all examinations to complete the course. Number 2 lead pencils are required for all quizzes and exams. The instructor will not furnish pencils.


Grades: All tests and quizzes will be graded on a percentage scale. Your grade for the course will be determined by a percentage of the 480 total points. Grades will be based on the following percentage scale: 90-100=A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 60-69=D; below 60=F. Grades are confidential. I WILL NOT post grades or provide information about your grades by telephone or e-mail. However, you are always welcome to come to my office for that information.


Answer Sheets: By the first class meeting of the third week bring to class 1 package of 50 question SCAN-TRON answer sheets. DO NOT OPEN THE PACKAGE: write your name, class time, and course number on the cover. SCAN-TRON forms can be purchased at the bookstore.

Makeup Examinations: Each student is expected to be present for every quiz and test at the appointed time. You must personally visit with the professor before any exception can be made or to schedule a makeup. All makeups must be taken within 1 week of the regularly scheduled quiz or examination. Unexcused quizzes will be penalized 3 points and tests 10 points. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SCHEDULE MAKEUP EXAMS AND QUIZZES. There will be NO makeup for the final.



Attendance: Regular attendance is to the advantage of each student. I will take attendance on a daily basis. Except for approved activities, there will be no excused absences from the regular class meetings. If you miss class, you are responsible for getting notes and assignments. Class attendance will be used to determine borderline course grades (59%, 69%, 79%, 89%). If you accumulate no more than 3 unexcused absences for a Monday, Wednesday, Friday class or 2 unexcused absences for a Tuesday, Thursday class, you will receive the next higher grade. Three tardies will be considered one absence. Be sure to inform the instructor at the end of class if you arrive after attendance has been taken.  If individual absences exceed 12 for a Monday, Wednesday, Friday class or 8 for a Tuesday, Thursday class, the student will receive a course grade of "F".


Withdrawals: Students who withdraw from this class prior to the deadline indicated in the class schedule will receive a grade of "W". Students who withdraw after that deadline will receive a grade of "W" if they are passing the course on the date of withdrawal. Students who withdraw after the deadline and are not passing on the date of their withdrawal will receive an "F". Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the professor.


N.S.U.-A.D.A. Policy: "If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations please advise the instructor of such disability at the first class attended." Your disability must be registered with the Dean of Students to receive accommodation.

Student Conduct: DO NOT TALK, READ, SLEEP, EAT, DRINK OR USE TOBACCO IN ANY FORM DURING THE CLASS PERIOD. NO STUDENT IS PERMITTED TO LEAVE THEIR SEAT DURING THE CLASS PERIOD WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE PROFESSOR. CHILDREN ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE CLASSROOM AT ANYTIME. ALL CELL PHONES, PAGERS, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES MUST BE TURNED OFF BEFORE CLASS. STUDENTS WHO USE ELECTRONIC DEVICES, SLEEP, LEAVE, READ, TALK, OR DISRUPT CLASS WILL BE MARKED ABSENT.


DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK QUESTIONS AT ANYTIME.