CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES
American Education System
The American university system focuses on providing education to as many people as is possible, creating a diverse student population. Studies cover a broad range of information and emphasize the development of critical thinking skills over rote memorization.
Undergraduate programs last 4-5 years with the first two years covering general information regarding a variety of subjects: math, sciences, art, language, history, etc. The last 2-3 years focus more on the selected field of study. Graduate programs usually require at least 2 years at the master's level, and 3-6 years for doctorates. Studies are more specialized and demand a higher level of student responsibility and initiative.
Evaluation: American faculty members use a variety of methods to evaluate student performance. At the beginning of each course each student will be given a syllabus listing the course requirements, testing procedures and other information. Examinations are often augmented with research papers, projects and classroom presentations. Attendance and classroom participation may also be required as part of the grading process. Speaking in class may seem strange to some students but it is an integral part of the American approach to education. Assignments and tests are often graded on a scale of 100 points (90-100=A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C) while final course grades use the 4.0 system (4=A, 3=B, 2=C). Check the syllabus in each class to confirm the point system used by the instructor.
Academic Honesty: TAMU-Commerce students are expected to complete assignments and examinations in an honest manner. Sharing information during an examination or turning in assignments using another person's research (plagiarism) without providing sufficient documentation is considered cheating and can lead to a failing grade and disciplinary action, even expulsion from the university. It is important that you understand the research and testing procedures in each course. Check with your instructor if you are unclear about classroom policy. You can also obtain free assistance with research, writing and study procedures through the campus Communications Skills Center.
American Culture and Values
Americans come from a wide variety of social, economic and ethnic backgrounds. It is difficult to summarize any culture but Americans generally value individuality, privacy, honesty, equality, hard work, cleanliness and personal space. They are very goal-oriented and time conscious, especially in their careers, and they have the tendency to speak in a very direct manner.
Smoking: It is illegal to smoke in most public buildings, including university buildings. Many businesses and restaurants also have regulations permitting smoking only in certain locations. If you are unsure of the smoking policy, feel free to ask someone.
Alcohol: It is illegal for adults or children under the age of 21 to buy or consume alcohol anywhere in Texas. Some Texas communities prohibit alcohol consumption altogether. Students of legal drinking age are allowed to consume alcohol in Commerce, including restrictive use on campus, but there are a number of rules governing this issue. Please refer to the campus Code of Conduct for a full explanation.
Drugs: Illicit drugs, including marijuana and drug paraphernalia, are prohibited by State law and university regulations. Violations can carry heavy penalties, including jail time and university suspension.
Holidays
Holidays: Americans love their holidays! The following are considered major holidays in the US and may include the closing of schools or businesses:
- New Year's Day (January 1) - Parties, football games and parades honor the beginning of a new year.
- Easter (Date varies yearly, always Sunday, in March or April) - A Christian holy day that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ but Christian traditions also mix with secular ones such as painted egg hunts and chocolate gifts.
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May) - A day to honors soldiers killed in war and deceased loved ones.
- Independence Day (July 4) - Fireworks and picnics celebrate American independence from British colonization achieved in 1776.
- Labor Day (1st Monday in September) - Honors laborers and is considered the last chance for summer activities before winter approaches. (Note: The Texas A&M University System does not close for this holiday, though many schools and businesses do.)
- Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November) - Commemorates the first successful harvest of 17th-century immigrants to this continent and is often celebrated with turkey dinners, football games and parades.
- Christmas (December 25) - A Christian holy day that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with gift giving and special religious events but also mixes with secular traditions such as Santa Claus, Christmas trees and house decorations. This is the busiest time of year for parties, shopping and special events.
Worship
Most Texas residents consider themselves religious. The most common religion is Christianity which includes Catholic and Protestant congregations. Catholic and Protestant churches can be found in every city. Worship centers for other religions are less frequent except in large urban areas, such as Dallas. Commerce has a number of Christian churches, a few campus ministries and one mosque.
Social and Recreational Activities
Students have a wide variety of social and recreational opportunities through student organizations, campus-sponsored programs, recreational center activities, arts productions and city events. Some students periodically visit Dallas for shopping, museums and concerts. The greater Dallas area also has a number of parks and lakes that are open to the public. Activity information can be found on the following links:
