Victor Chavez, Professor of History www.oocities.org/vchavez75
Voicemail: 619.421.6700 x5438 email: vchavez@swccd.edu
Office: 450B
OFFICE HOURS: MW 12:pm to 1:25pm and T 9:25am to 10:45am or by appointment
OBJECTIVES
1. This course will provide a comprehensive survey on the historical contributions of Mexican-Americans in the United States since the Age of Discovery to the mid-nineteenth century. The course will take a thematic and research-oriented comparative approach to the history of the United States and Mexico. In addition, it will focus on the economic, political, and social development of the American Southwest.
2. Moreover, we will attempt to ask ourselves if it is appropriate to consider the past when developing current policy. To evaluate this complex issue we must search the past, digest its lessons, and continue to redefine its relationship to the present and future. In short, should the "past" be used to forge current policy?
3. A tertiary theme is to develop effective note-taking, writing, and communication skills through the study of history. Therefore, the course requirements are aggressively tailored to secure this goal.
REQUIRED READINGS
From Indians to Chicanos, by James Diego Vigil
www.digitalhistory.uh.edu (HyperText Online)
Selected Websites (Internet access is required)
General survey text on the history of the US ( your choice)
General survey text on the history of Mexico (your choice)
Library Reserves (required-- to be assigned)
(Optional: Extra Credit)
Decline of the Californios, by Leonard Pitt (A book critique on Pitt will be due by the 17th week of the semester.
Click here for further instructions.on the book critique
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
To encourage participation and award independent effort the "Socratic" approach towards teaching will be used. With the aid of the attendance roster, I will call upon individuals to discuss or evaluate points made during class or found in the readings. You will be graded on your responses and participation in class. The art of oral communication is essential to human growth.
ATTENDANCE
This is primarily a lecture/discussion course, consequently you are expected to attend class regularly, arrive on time, remain throughout the class period, and engage in aggressive note-taking. This will prove important when preparing for examinations/quizzes. If you are absent, you will be responsible for the materials missed in class. I will be more than happy to assist you, but in the final analysis, you are solely responsible for the subject matter. Please access the course website for updates. I will seriously consider dropping students who accumulate more than three hours of unexcused absences. Finally, habitual tardiness will impact your final grade.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss options with me as soon as possible and no later than the third week of the semester. Please feel free to contact Disability Support Services for further details (421-6700 x6512).
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Quizzes (10-15 points each):
You will need a scantron sheet Form #882-E and #2 pencil. The quizzes will be based on lecture presentations and I will administer between 6-9 throughout the semester.
2.Midterm (50 points)
An in-class objective examination will be administered during the 9th or 10th week of the semester.
3. Participation (Socrates--10 points)
4. Final Examination (100 points)
a. In-class Objective examination (25 points)
b. Lecture critique: four page critique on any one lecture (75 points)
Note: No "make-ups" will be allowed unless you have a verifiable emergency. Moreover, please keep a running tally of your points and keep copies of all assignments. Extra Credit (variable points): I reserve the right to assign extra credit work during the course of the semester.
GRADES: The following percentages of the total points will determine your final grade:
90% or above= A
80% to 89% = B
70% to 79% =C
60% to 60% =D
59% or below=F
FINAL NOTES
The bulk of the examination questions will be derived from class lectures & discussion. You must complete all required assignments and score a minimum of 70% of the points possible to successfully complete the course with a "C." Students must keep a running log of their accumulated points. Please save all of your work in the event of a grade dispute. Moreover, to provide for flexibility and creativity, I reserve the right to make adjustments on the grading scheme. Finally, plariagarism or academic dishonesty of any type may be grounds for disciplinary action by me or the college. .
Conduct
It is imperative that everyone conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner. Please arrive on time and turn off your beepers & cellphones. You may tape record the lectures and use a laptop computer. Please, observe appropriate classroom etiquette.
Academic Success Center
To ensure student success, I reserve the right to refer students to the ASC for tutorial services.