History of Texas

Course Details

Course Number: 3003 Section Number: 101

Fall

Course Attachments

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Dr. Leland Turner
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Course Objectives

This is an introductory survey of Texas history. The goal is to provide a basic knowledge of Texas history from European contact with indigenous peoples through Hispanic control of the region and eventual Anglo dominance during the 19^th and 20^th centuries. The course should also provide an understanding of the evolution of Texas as a political, social, economic, and cultural entity as well as an appreciation for the events and people that shaped the region’s history. The historical topics and broader themes addressed (i.e. “Myth and Identity in Texan Culture,” “Land, Opportunity, and Settler Frontiers” or “Impetus for Revolution: Culture, Economics, or Liberty”) will be ones the instructor feels most essential in gaining an understanding of Texas in an historical perspective. A primary element of the course will be the growth of critical thinking among students concerning the examination of historical themes and paradigms (examples, patterns, models, and standards).

Course Expectations

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1) Identify and critique historical and alternative explanations for interpretations and analyses of social issues and human behavior in the history of Texas.

Assessment Methodology: Factual, analytical, conceptual, and interpretive, multiple choice exams and short answer responses to relevant historical case studies.

2) Identify and appreciate differences and commonalities between Anglo and Hispanic cultures, land ownership and economic opportunities, and conservative Spanish political traditions and Anglo expectations of a liberal (American-style enlightenment) political system.

Assessment Methodology: Online essay/discussion assignments and multi-paragraph mid-term and final essays.

3) Demonstrate knowledge of the origins and evolution of Spanish, Mexican, Tejano, and Texan societies, cultural institutions, political systems, and economic policies and practices.

Assessment Methodology: Factual, analytical, conceptual, and interpretive, multiple choice exams, short paragraph response, and analytical essays.

4) Understand and be able to cogently discuss major trends and themes in Texas history and the role of myth and exceptionalism in the construction of a broader Texan identity.

Assessment Methodology: A comprehensive final exam/essay that demands a critical and detailed understanding of class material, readings, and lectures.

Student Participation Clause: Students in this course are held personally responsible for their own education and encouraged to excel. Active student participation in learning [which is, at the very least, accomplished through the careful reading of all assignments, classroom engagement (attentive note taking and participation in end-of-lecture reviews and discussions), the maintenance of a weekly study schedule, the completion of all assignments in a timely manner, adequate and earnest preparation for exams, and, when necessary, individual post-exam consultation with the instructor] is essential to the successful accomplishment of all expected learning outcomes.

Grading Standards

Under no circumstances are “extra credit” assignments given to individual students. Such assignments are inherently unfair to your fellow students. Please do not request “extra credit.” However, bonus points are available on most assignments. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all bonus opportunities. Accordingly, when final grades are assigned, the professor will steadfastly adhere to the following point scale.

A = 90% plus

B = 80 – 89.9%

C = 69 – 79.9%

D = 58 – 68.9%

F = below 58%

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.