Fall 2018 Course Syllabi

HIST 220: North Dakota History 7 Grading Guidelines A is an exceptional grade reserved for work of exceptional quality. This assignment has all the qualities of B work, and in addition are well written, edited closely, display analytical skills and/or originality. The last two criteria are extremely important. As do not merely summarize material from the readings or lectures. B denotes work that is above average in quality. It demonstrates that the student knows and understands the material covered in class and being analyzed, and that student is capable of synthesizing it into a competent assignment. It is accurate, detailed, and well organized, with an introduction, an argument, and a conclusion. Usually, either writing problems or a lack of analysis is what prevents a B from being an A. C is given for work that is average. The student shows familiarity with the material, answers the central questions posed, and is mostly accurate, but lacks the sophistication of either the B or A student. The C assignment might make general points but fail to support them with specific evidence or details, or it might have problems with organization or writing style. Sometimes a C assignment is merely a collection of facts, with no coherent theme or thesis. D is given for work that is inadequate. It omits important points, contains more than a few inaccuracies, and is badly organized. It is does not answer the central questions posed in the assignment. It suggests one of three things: 1) the student has missed several classes, 2) the student has misunderstood the course material, 3) the student has difficulties expressing ideas in writing. If you think you have been trying hard and receive a D grade for a writing assignment, please come and discuss it with me. Late Assignments Late assignments will be accepted with a 1/3 of a grade deduction for each day it is late (an A will go down to an A-, a B+ to a B, etc.). The best way to avoid this is to plan ahead. If you have other significant commitments (for example, a midterm scheduled the same day) that will not allow you turn in your best work, let me know ahead of time to set an alternate deadline for the assignment. If you miss the agreed- upon deadline, of course, the grade deduction will apply. If an unexpected emergency arises, such as a major illness or family emergency, let me know as soon as possible and we will reschedule. Textbook(s): Robinson, Elwin B. History of North Dakota . Lincoln NB: University of Nebraska Press, 1966. • ISBN-13: 978-0911042436 Laskin, David. The Children's Blizzard . New York: Harper Perennial, 2005. • ISBN-13: 978-0060520762 Sherman, William C., and Playford V. Thorson, eds. Plains Folk: North Dakota's Ethnic History . Fargo, ND: Institute for Regional Studies, North Dakota State University, 1988. VanDevelder, Paul. Coyote Warrior: One Man, Three Tribes, and the Trial that Forged a Nation . Lincoln NB: University of Nebraska Press, 2005 All other texts (reading, listening, and viewing materials) will be available to students though the course’s Blackboard or online links. Classroom Policies: Academic Integrity: Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary defines plagiarism as: “The appropriation or imitation of the language, ideas, and thoughts of another author, and representation of them as one’s original work.” All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited, including, but not limited to, cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism. If any evidence appears of students not doing their own work, plagiarism, or outright cheating on quizzes/exams, the matter will be investigated. Academic dishonesty will result in penalties that can include canceling a student’s enrollment without a grade or receiving an F for the course or for the assignment. Furthermore, the matter will be reported to the appropriate university office and the instructor will participate in any proceedings against the guilty party. For more Information see Student Handbook, http://www.dakotacollege.edu/handbook/index.html