Pedagogical Goals & Practices
This course aligns with the ASU Dept. of History’s goals and practices for 3000-level courses.
Policies, Requirements & Class Etiquette
Creating a Positive Classroom Environment
Attendance. HIS 3626 is not just a history course, it is a part of your professional preparation. As such, attendance to all classes is expected, and students should be ready to participate on a weekly basis.
Both the History Education Program and the Reich College of Education use a professional disposition instrument designed to measure a student’s aptitude for becoming a professional educator. If absences become excessive, an individual meeting will be required to devise an action plan for success, with discussions based on the professional disposition instrument. If a student fails to meet or adhere to the steps outlined in the action plan for success, conversations will involve a withdrawal from the course and a change of major.
You should approach HIS 3626 as you would any field placement or internship at a school, and how you would communicate with administrators as a teacher.
The University’s attendance policy (including its policy on religious observance) can be found at: academicaffairs.appstate.edu/syllabi
Mutual Respect. Please value each other’s ideas and questions. As a future high school (or middle school) teacher, you will come to realize the importance of fostering a welcoming environment, one where students are free to share their thoughts.
The Department of History at Appalachian State University is committed to supporting our students and fostering an environment that is free of bias, discrimination, and harassment, in the classroom and in the broader university community. If you feel that our courses, programs, or department fall short of this commitment, we encourage you to engage in dialogue with your instructor and/or other program faculty.
Please visit https://edc.appstate.edu/equity-issues for information related to Appalachian State University’s Title IX and http://academicaffairs.appstate.edu/syllabi for the most up-to-date policies on students with special needs, academic integrity, religious observances, and student engagement with courses.
Technology Policy. Portable technology is now an indispensable tool for teaching and learning history/social studies. Participants in this course are encouraged to bring a laptop and/or tablet to class when possible. We will work in various settings (individual, pairs, small groups) throughout the semester but with a focus on individual projects and assignments. Therefore, it will be more effective if each student brings his/her own computing device during each class session.
>>> Computing devices are to be used for coursework and the tasks at hand only. Your screen is visible to others; please do not let your screen become a distraction. (Rule of thumb: What if grandma looked at your screen, would she be proud of you?)
Please silence mobile computing alerts and ringers before class begins
Health & Special Needs
COVID. If you have symptoms that may put others at risk, email the instructor in advance. For up-to-date policies, go to: https://www.appstate.edu/go/coronavirus.
COVID-related absences might take several forms. It is your responsibility to email the instructor, and stay caught up with assignments. [Zooming into the class is not an option unless the university moves to a hybrid or fully online model.]
In terms of face masks, please follow current Appalachian State University Policy, but feel free to wear one if needed or desired.
Medical and Other Issues. If an illness or a family emergency forces you to miss a class or assignment, speak to the instructor as soon as possible in person, by phone, or by email. Be open and honest; the instructor will work with you while being fair to all students.
Specific Needs. Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you have a disability and may need reasonable accommodations in order to have equal access to the University’s courses, programs, and activities, please contact the Office of Disability Resources (828.262.3056 or http://odr.appstate.edu).
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism and Cheating. By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in ASU’s scholarly community in which everyone’s academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty.
Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty…and they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal.
The Academic Integrity Code – Students attending ASU agree to abide by the following Code:
- Students will not lie, cheat, or steal to gain academic advantage.
- Students will oppose every instance of academic dishonesty.
- Students shall agree to abide by the Academic Integrity Code when submitting the admission application.
- You can read the full .pdf document on ASU’s policy on plagiarism and cheating at: academicintegrity.appstate.edu (click on “Academic Integrity Code”).
- If you have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism in a history course, please arrange a time to talk to the instructor (also: read about academic misconduct and how to avoid it via this document).
You can read the full .pdf document on ASU’s policy on plagiarism and cheating at: academicintegrity.appstate.edu (click on “Academic Integrity Code”).
If you have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism in a history course, please arrange a time to talk to the instructor (also: read about academic misconduct and how to avoid it via this document).
Food, Drink, Tobacco. Drinks are permissible, but please be mindful of where you place your cups and keep other students in mind. Food and tobacco are prohibited in ABH 240 (please take care of your food before class, or store it away for after class).
Personal Well-Being
Your Safety. Please reach out to me if you have concerns with your well-being. I can help you receive the support you need. Please note: To comply with state and federal laws, Appalachian faculty are required to formally report instances of interpersonal violence, such as sexual harassment, relationship violence, stalking, and retaliation, to the Office of Title IX Compliance. Those impacted by interpersonal violence will be provided support, resources, and applicable information. Please visit https://titleix.appstate.edu or call (828) 262-2144 for more information.
Food Insecurity. Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the Dean of Students, 324 Plemmons Student Union, for a list of resources and support.
The Mountaineer Food Hub and Free Store is a free resource with pantry and personal care items, located in the Office of Sustainability on the bottom floor of East Hall. There are also other campus pantries in the following locations: Belk Library, Broyhill School of Music (Room 226), Everyone Eats Food Pantry (Leon Levine Health Sciences- Room 542G), Garwood Hall (Room 231), MS Shook Health Services (Miles Annas Bldg), Rankin Science West (Room 327), Reich College of Education (James Center), Student Access (DD Dougherty), Walker Hall (Room 230), and Wellness and Prevention Services (next to the App State Post Office).
Notify your professor if you are comfortable in doing so, which can assist you with finding the resources you may need. For more information, Click Here.