HIST 111 - United States History I - Adam Morgenstern
| Course: | United States History I |
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| Professor: | Adam Morgenstern |
| Email: | Adam.Morgenstern@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
I will be your instructor for the next five weeks. Before we begin, I would like to introduce myself. I studied history at California State, University Northridge. While I teach many different history courses, most of my research was in American history. Aside from teaching, I love to travel, explore my own hometown, and find new restaurants! I also love film, hiking, and cooking.
Course Description
This course surveys American civilization from the Pre-Columbian era through Reconstruction, emphasizing the political, cultural, economic, and social history of the United States. It is a three-unit course that fulfills the Title V American Institutions requirement for the associate’s degree. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with core concepts in United States history prior to the Civil War.
What to Expect in this Course
Although we will not be meeting in person, you will be expected to participate regularly. Please check the course schedule and make a note of all assignment due dates, including exams and reading quizzes.
Reading: In addition to your required reading, I will occasionally post brief articles on Canvas. It is important that you stay up to date with all reading material.
Exams: You will be required to write an essay midterm and an essay final exam based on your assigned reading and the course material. I will provide the questions and prompts one week prior to each exam’s due date. This means that you will have one week to complete each essay. They must be thoroughly researched and well written. You will have plenty of time to gather your thoughts and to write in your own words. Your essays must be at least four double-spaced pages. You will be responsible for uploading your written exams by the deadline.
Reading Quizzes: At the end of each week, there will be a short, timed reading quiz available on Canvas covering the previous week’s reading material. Your reading quizzes will be five questions each and mostly multiple choice with an occasional short answer question. You will have ten minutes and two attempts to complete each quiz. I will only count your higher score. Reading quizzes must be completed each Sunday night by 11:59 p.m. You will take a total of five quizzes and I will drop your lowest score.
Video and Reading Questions: At the beginning of each week, you will watch a few short videos and/or read an article and answer some questions to assess your comprehension of the material. The purpose of this assignment is to help you think critically. You will be expected to provide thoughtful answers for these questions. There is no word count requirement, but you will be graded on your analysis.
Discussion: Throughout the term, I will present you with a thought-provoking discussion question relevant to the topic of the week. You will be required to post an answer to each question and then to respond to at least one of your classmates’ posts. Initial posts must be at least three hundred words and your responses must contain at least one hundred words. You will have the whole week to work on your discussions, so please put some time into them. Since physical attendance is not required, you can think of this as your required class participation.
Research Paper: You will be completing a short research paper towards the end of the term on a topic of your choosing from a list of options. You are expected to use your knowledge of the course material and to conduct your own research. This paper will be between three and five double-spaced pages with your sources properly cited. You will receive more information on this assignment as the term progresses.
Attendance: As mentioned above, this class is completely online and there are no physical meetings. During the first week, you will be required to make an introductory post in the designated discussion section. This will be a simple post so that your classmates and your instructor can get to know you. Please note that if you do not make your post by the first Thursday at 11:59 p.m., you will be dropped as a “no-show.” Each week, I will also post optional discussion questions that will count for your “participation” points. Participation points are not counted numerically. Instead, participation will be documented on a credit/no credit basis. If at the end of the term, you are on the border between two grades and you had consistent participation throughout the term, that may help round your final grade up to the nearest next letter.
Types of Assessments
You will be required to write an essay midterm and an essay final exam based on your assigned reading and the course material. In addition to this, you will have reading quizzes, video and reading questions, discussion board posts, and a short research paper.
Textbook Information
You can obtain the textbook in the College of the Canyons campus bookstore or you may purchase it from a retailer online. If you prefer to purchase the textbook from another seller, please make sure that you purchase the correct volume.
Other Relevant Course Information
I look forward to a productive and enjoyable winter session with you!
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 12/21/2021 Sub#: 1190