Course Syllabus

NOTE: This course code has changed from  FDAMF 101 to GECIV 100. You may occasionally see references to the old course code or title.

American Heritage - GECIV 100

Overview

American Heritage is a course designed to encourage students to explore the major historical, political, economic, and cultural themes in American life, coupled with the insights of the restored gospel and teachings of the living prophets. To ensure a common experience for all students and to encourage student discussions of the themes across campus, the American Heritage committee has developed a common teaching schedule and a list of twelve topics with outcomes to be covered in all sections of the class. Based on the assumptions of the BYU-Idaho Learning Model, students are expected to prepare for each class by reading background information, considering case studies, or watching videos. Then, students should come to class prepared to teach each other what they have learned and be able to prove their learning experience by applying what they have learned to other events and circumstances in the American experience or to situations they face in their own life.

Requirements

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Required Resources

There is no assigned text for this course, but there will be a significant reading and preparation requirement. The reading material for this course will be provided online by way of I-Learn. You should plan to access I-Learn as early as possible and become familiar with the way the system works. Any questions regarding difficulties with the online system should be directed to the Technology Support on campus at (208) 496-1411. Questions concerning class content should be directed to your instructor.

It is important that you read, study, and understand the material provided for the class. Much of the material is thought-provoking if read with the intent to understand. The material has been carefully selected so that it presents ideas important to your study. If you prepare the assigned materials before you come to class, you will be better prepared to participate in class discussions.

Resource Title/Description
(books, software, etc.)
Author/Provider Ed./Vol. 13-Digit ISBN (if applicable)
Microphone and Webcam N/A N/A

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to this help guide article (Links to an external site.).

Structure

Course Outcomes (CO)

  1. Know the basic principles, truths, and history of American politics, economics, and culture.
  2. Apply relevant theories to public issues, converse knowledgeably and respectfully about politics, and appreciate and defend the universal principles of the American Founding. 
  3. Become effective disciple-leaders who are informed and engaged citizens of their countries

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes (CO). This is not a self-paced course. You will need to follow the weekly due dates posted online and in Canvas calendar. 

Major Assignment Description CO#
W03 Exam 1 Complete an exam on the topics from the study materials of the two weeks 1.2.3.4.5.6
W05 Exam 2 Complete an exam on the topics from the study materials of the two weeks 1.2.3.4.5.6
W07 Exam 3 Complete an exam on the topics from the study materials of the two weeks 1.2.3.4.5.6
W09 Exam 4 Complete an exam on the topics from the study materials of the two weeks 1.2.3.4.5.6
W11 Exam 5 Complete an exam on the topics from the study materials of the two weeks 1.2.3.4.5.6
W13 Exam 6
Complete an exam on the topics from the study materials of the two weeks 1.2.3.4.5.6
W14 Final Exam
Cumulative Exam 1.2.3.4.5.6

 Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. This is not a self-paced course. You will need to follow the weekly due dates posted online and in Canvas calendar. 

Due Date* Learning Model Activity Title Description
Midweek Teach One Another Group Discussion Contribute to a discussion on the topic of the week
End of Week Prove Essay Write an essay about the topic of the week
End of Week Prove Exam Complete an exam on the topics from the study materials of the two weeks

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

The BYU-Idaho standard for the student workload in courses is about 3–4 hours per week per credit hour (for example, a three–credit course would require approximately 9–12 hours of work per week). Set time aside in your daily schedule to work on the course.

Exams

There will be a biweekly exam covering the reading materials from the weekly study, as well as a final, cumulative exam covering material from all preceding exams.

Grading Scale

Grade Percentage Range
A 10093
A- 9290
B+ 8987
B 8683
B- 8280
C+ 7977
C 7673
C- 7270
D+ 6967
D 6663
D- 6260
F >60

Each activity is given a score and the final percent is the percent of total possible points. The score will tell you how much that activity is weighted. Here are some examples:

Activity

Point Value

Number of Assignments

Total

Syllabus Quiz

10

1

10

Exams

40

6

240

Group Discussion 

20

12

240

Essays

20

5

100

Constitution Quiz

20

1

20

Final Exam

225

1

225

I-Learn Profile Setup

To help your instructor and peers recognize you, please add a picture of yourself to your I-Learn profile. To do this, complete the following steps:

  1. Select Account in the upper left-hand corner.
  2. Select Profile.
  3. Select the blank profile picture.
  4. Select choose a picture, then find an image of yourself you want and select Save.

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

  • Student Honor
    • Academic Honesty
    • Student Conduct
      • Sexual Harassment
  • Student with Disabilities
  • Complaints and Grievances
  • Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due