HISTORY OF ARKANSAS

FALL WEB COURSE 2009

 

INSTRUCTOR: Greg Kiser.

 OFFICE: Burns Hall 2004.

 PHONE: 619-4227.

EMAIL: gkiser@nwacc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS: Monday/Wednesday: 9:00 to 12:00, 1:00 to 3:00

                                  Tuesday/Thursday/Friday: 9:00 to 11:00, 12:30 to 1:30

                                 

              

TEXTBOOK: Whayne, DeBlack, Sabo, Arnold, Arkansas: A Narrative History (University of Arkansas Press).

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:

As this class is web based, some interaction with the instructor is built in, but no face-to-face involvement.  For that reason, it is crucial that you be organized and able to pace yourself.  You are pretty much on your own in this class.  The Method of Instruction includes discussions, possible assigned readings, weekly chapter quizzes, three major tests, and one book review. 

 

RATIONALE:

 As America continues its unparalleled growth, our multicultural society appears ever more diverse. There is, however, a common thread uniting each of us - our collective past, not only as a nation, but on the state level, here in Arkansas. This course, The History of Arkansas, is an overview of that commonality.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1.     The student will identify the names of significant Arkansans and their contributions to the development of this state.

2.     The student will explain significant events and their impact on Arkansas history.

3.     The student will identify the significance of Arkansas as a state in America today.

COURSE POLICIES:

 The semester will consist of three exams, fourteen weekly chapter questions, one book review, the discussions element, possible readings from the Internet &/or films (and bonus point possibilities).

 THE EXAMS:

  Each exam will be a mix of multiple choice, essays and possibly identification items. You will have from noon on a designated Thursday, until 11:55pm on the Sunday to finish and submit the exam, therefore, no make-up tests are allowed. This is very important - no make-up exams are allowed. Look over your calendar now and make any changes you must to have this time for the exams. 

On the essay section of the exam there will be two to four questions chosen at random from the "Review Sheet" for that exam.  I realize you will be doing this at home and there is always concern about academic honesty.  I treat these exams as I would a “take home” exam I might give in one of my lecture classes.  Knowing you have much more time to spend on the exam than you would in a classroom setting, I expect answers that are more thorough.  Each essay question should be approximately 500 words in length (not each test, each essay question).  Also, I would like you to show at least one other source for your answers, other than the textbook.  Any related source will work except “Wikipedia.”  Each exam is worth 200 points.   When you cite a source, use the “MLA” format.

 

Also, because you have a good deal of time to take the exams and have the possibility to use not only your textbook but other sources as well. I urge you to read and re-read the statement on plagiarism.  Again, keep track of the due date for each exam.  No make-up exams offered.  If you miss the exam date, for any reason, you will receive a “0” for that exam.

 THE END OF CHAPTER QUIZZES:

 After reading each chapter, answer the questions posed for that chapter listed in the "Quizzes" link by the date posted. Each one is worth up to twenty (20) points (you will do fourteen for a total of 280 points). Do not forget these chapter quizzes. They are a crucial part of the total points for the class and are time sensitive.  You have an entire week to do each one, so, again, keep track of the due date for each quiz.  If you miss the quiz deadline, for any reason, you will receive a “0” for that quiz.  Also, make sure your answer is as complete as possible.  It should be at least 250 words in length.

 BOOK REVIEW:

 You are required to turn in a book review this semester.  It will be worth 200 points so failing to turn one in could be the difference between passing the class and failing the class.  The book you are to read must come from any of those in the “Book List” link on the main page. Good writing skills count on this review and it must be at least three full pages in length (not counting a title page and works cited page).  I have included a guide on the main page to help you understand what I look for.  Be sure to cover, in essay style, each of the questions I list in the Book Review Format link.

 DISCUSSIONS:

You are required to use the "Discussions" section, broken down by chapters, and follow the “Chapter Quizzes” time-line. I will not post a discussion topic.  I expect you to create your own.  Get input from your fellow students. Ask about something the book said.  Discuss the chapter quiz questions.  Examine the review questions.  I will be monitoring this section and will offer my opinions as well.  Each student is required to post at least two – comments/inquiries/discussion posts each week (just saying “hello” or “I agree” will not count as a post. You will receive twenty (20) points for the minimum required two postings, and those 280 points (fourteen weeks total) are included in you grade.  Failure to post during any particular week could hurt, if not ruin, your final grade.  Again, keep track of the discussions timetable.  If you miss posting at least two during any discussion time-period, you will receive a “0” for that topic. I should also point out that you cannot go back to previous weeks to fulfill the requirement.  You are more than welcome to go back to prior weeks and post a comment, but the points come for posting during the week they are due.

GRADING:

Grading will consist of fourteen weekly quizzes worth 20 points each (280 points total), three major exams worth 200 points each (600 total),  one book review worth 200 points, and the fourteen discussion weeks, worth 20 points each week (280 total) for a grand total of 1360 points.  Here is the grade breakdown:

 

Check the “Important Dates” link on the homepage for the required assignments and times.