COVID-19
Please check the ASU COVID page for the latest updates: https://www.appstate.edu/go/coronavirus/ Even as university policies adjust to circumstances, please be respectful of others who may have concerns about transmission.
Engagement
HIS 4100 is your capstone history course. Because this is a small class, with a fair amount of work and shared discussion, arriving on time is essential. It is disrespectful to show up while someone else is speaking, or disturbing their train of thought. Please extend the same courtesy to others that you would expect when you are the one speaking.
The course is a marriage of a seminar and lab format, which means that attending each class is crucial to everyone’s success. We will meet twice a week early in the semester, and then move to a more irregular schedule (a mix of once or twice a week). Plan to spend 6-8 hours each week on your class research and writing assignments.
* See Attendance disclaimer below the table on Course Structure >> Attendance
Technology
Students are encouraged to bring their own laptop and/or tablet to class when possible. Remember: computing devices are to be used for course work and the tasks at hand only. Your screen is visible to others; please do not let your screen become a distraction.
If your phone is your only computing device, let the instructor know immediately. Regardless, please silence mobile computing alerts and ringers before class begins. And no texting in class (it’s rude and you cannot be present in two distinct conversations).
Learning Space (Anne Belk Hall 240]
Per History Department guidelines, drinks are permissible in ABH 240, but only if covered. Please be mindful of where you place your cups in relation to technology and other class participants. Food and tobacco are prohibited.
Learning Community
Being a member of a professional and academic learning community requires one to understand, accept, and model an important set of community ground rules, which will be in effect throughout our entire semester together. Each of us is expected to uphold these common ground rules.
DISCUSSIONS
- Respect each other as co-learners and colleagues
- Listen to varying perspectives … especially those that challenge your own assumptions
- Be thoughtful and measured when contributing to discussions (synchronous & asynchronous; oral & written; formal & informal)
- Help others to become successful
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. We are a faculty that strives to model reflection, advocacy, and care for the community in order to work toward an equitable, democratic, and sustainable society. We value your participation in this process.
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.
Student Needs
Medical and Other Issues
Every semester, an illness or a family emergency forces someone to miss an assignment or even class day. If you find yourself in this situation, speak to the instructor as soon as possible in person, by phone, or by email. Without an effort to communicate, missed assignments should be evaluated as such by both instructor and class participant (this may include class participation).
Special Needs / Disability Resources
Appalachian State University is committed to providing an inclusive experience, accessible learning environments and equal opportunity to individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Individuals needing reasonable accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Resources (828.262.3056 or odr.appstate.edu).
All students are encouraged to make use of the University Writing Center. Consultants can help with the unique needs of these students, including clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, formatting and the theory and practice of documenting outside resources. Consultants can also help students better understand assignment guidelines. To make an appointment, call 828-262-3144 or visit the website (writingcenter.appstate.edu) for current hours and additional information and resources.
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 ASU Food Pantry 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. Furthermore, please notify the professor if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable us to assist you in finding the resources you may need.
Support during research
Senior Seminar is inherently a community environment. This class is designed for students to learn and work alongside other history majors. At just twelve course participants, this is not a class where you can hide. You will learn to rely upon others for help and support when you need it, step up and contribute regularly, and grow as a historian with your peers.
We have two choices, then: feel overwhelmed by the research and paper writing process, or work together to reach our goals and showcase the culmination of your history training. I hope we will choose the latter and make HIS 4100 a memorable experience for all!
If you need additional support, there are several ways you can communicate with me. Email is the quickest and best way (sibajaro@appstate.edu); I should respond to your inquiries within 24 hours Mon-Fri. If I don’t reply in this time frame, please contact me again as a follow-up. My office is located in Anne Belk 220 (knock on the 2nd door). Also, our library liaison is Breanne Crumpton; contact her if you need research support at: crumptonbe@appstate.edu
Finally … you may also use the conference space outside my office – when open – if you need a quiet place to work.
