Course Syllabus

U.S. History to 1865

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Course Description

This course is a survey of the major events in United States history from colonial days to the time of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students examine forces behind these events and their social, economic, and political implications for the development of society in the United States.

Essential Objectives

1. Describe selected indigenous cultures in the Americas prior to the European colonization and explore the impact colonization had and continues to have on these cultures.
2. Explore factors leading to the development of slavery in the Americas and analyze its sustained social, economic, political, and cultural impacts.
3. Discuss the ideas, experiences, and events in the American colonies that led to American independence.
4. Analyze the ways in which early religious, philosophical, and political thought in the United States continue to shape and influence American society today.
Trace the major socioeconomic and technological developments that shaped the United States and differentiated its distinct geographic regions.
6. Analyze the significance of western expansion in shaping the experiences, identities, and narratives of various demographic groups in American society.
7. Discuss the causes and outcomes of the Civil War including its impacts regionally and nationally.
8. Analyze the theses, context, values, perspectives, and facts in primary and secondary sources.
9. Engage in and evaluate historical research using information literacy skills.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations, along with free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials.

Fall 2024 textbook/book details will be available on 2024-05-20. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

Link to Textbooks for this course in eCampus.

For Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

The US History to 1865 online course will be dynamic and accessible, fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. Interactive discussion posts will encourage students to analyze historical events, share personal insights, and participate in thoughtful debates with classmates, creating a strong sense of community.

Assignments are designed to be practical and relevant, including research projects, reflective essays, and presentations, allowing students to explore historical themes creatively and apply their knowledge to real-world contexts.

Readings from primary sources, scholarly articles, and historical narratives offer diverse perspectives and contextual depth, guiding students through the complex tapestry of early American history.

These methods together ensure a comprehensive and interactive learning experience that brings the past to life, making history relevant and engaging for all students.

Evaluation Criteria

I. WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS (40% of the final grade):

Each week, you will be given readings and an assignment to work on and submit no later than Saturday night (earlier is preferred and beneficial to you). In your assignment post, I expect to see:

A. Demonstrative critical thinking.
B. Specific references to the readings and all of the brief introductions.
C. Effectively written English comprising complete, coherent sentences.

Points will be automatically deducted for late work without pre-arranged permission. We all have complicated lives, but coming to the weekly classes prepared is imperative.

Please feel free to ask for more direction if the expectations for these requirements are unclear.

II. MID-TERM PROJECT (20% of the final grade):vFor your mid-term project, students will select a historical fiction or nonfiction text based on U.S. History to read and complete three book projects. Details on the projects will be provided in the Canvas class.

III. FINAL PROJECT (30% of the final grade): Your final project grade will be based on the work you submit on one of the three following options:

Option 1: Students will select two historical fiction or nonfiction videos based on a specific era explored in U.S. History and complete three projects. Details on the projects will be provided in the Canvas class.

Option 2: Students will select 5 different primary sources based on a specific theme, era, or topic explored in U.S. History and complete three projects. Details on the projects will be provided in the Canvas class.

Option 3: Students select a major historical event, person, or thing from the semester and create a presentation highlighting its importance. Details on the requirements will be provided in the Canvas class.

IV: CLASS PARTICIPATION (10% of the final grade):The course will be set up to accentuate the knowledge we bring to class to contribute to one another. You will note that every week of the course contains some reading and discussion expectations. Resources have been made available to you each week, and clear directions have been given in each weekly module on preparing for the discussion. If you demonstrate your reading preparation in the weekly discussions and engage thoughtfully and respectfully, you should have little problem acing this part of the course grade. I will take into consideration the contributions you have made (number and quality). The regularity of your journal posts will also be considered. Unexcused absences may be considered. Please feel free to ask for more specifics if the expectations for participation are unclear.

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Students should visit the class site several times during the week's class session and:

1) Post a response to one of the instructor's discussion questions each week. Responses should include information from the module readings. Be specific with the evidence and source that is being used.

2) Post a question about the week's reading assignment.

3) Respond to some of at least 2 of your classmates' questions/posts.

4) Participate as much as possible in general class discussions throughout each weekly class session. Students who wait until the last days of the class session to post their initial responses will lose points; posting often and with substantive quality enhances the weekly discussion grade.

5) Submission of Midterm and Final exams are required. Written responses should follow standard essay format which includes an introductory paragraph, thesis statement, supporting evidence and conclusions. Any research material MUST be cited and sources should be listed at the conclusion of the paper. Proper spelling, grammar, format and other writing conventions will be considered within the grade.

This is an online course. To be successful:

• Check the course daily, to stay in touch with the material and activities

• Read announcements! This is the only way your instructor can update you on course information.

• Create a personal organization system to keep track of the specified due dates. (Canvas's calendar may be able to help, if you like this format.)

• Communicate regularly with your instructor and peers

• Create a study and/or assignment schedule to stay on track.

• Set aside regular times in which you can do your classwork with minimal interruptions or distractions. Avoid multitasking while doing online studying. Treat this with the same respect as you would a face-to-face class environment.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Missing & Late Work Policy

This is a discussion class requiring weekly participation in the discussion forum. Although the weekly class session gives students nearly an entire week to fully complete the requirements, students should try to enter the class discussion before the weekend and post in the discussion thread several times during the week,notat the virtual last minute.

Interacting with classmates is an essential part of our online discussions, and this component of the class cannot be made up. Late work is not accepted except in emergency situations, and full credit cannot be earned when the discussion element is lacking. In the case of an extenuating circumstance, please communicate with your instructor about the need to miss class and/or assignments as early as possible.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity