HISTORY - United States History 111 OR 112 - Lissa Brassfield
| Course: | United States History 111 OR 112 |
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| Professor: | Lissa Brassfield |
| Email: | lissa.brassfield@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
“May we think of Freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” P. Marshall
Hello and Welcome to United States History! I have been a history professor at College of the Canyons for 22 years. I am passionate about history and its importance and relevance to our lives. We will journey through history together and learn the story of our amazing and unique country, and the women and men who made it a reality. I do not support any agenda which deviates from historic fact and reality.
Course Description
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF KNOWING, UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATING OUR COUNTRY, ITS ORIGINS AND SIGNIFICANCE CANNOT BE UNDERESTIMATED. An Uninformed Society is a society at risk.
I teach with an emphasis on our social and cultural history. What happened is important, but its significance is crucial. We will study, examine and discuss the actions, consequences and impact of significant figures and events of our history. History is our story, it's a human story and its not always pretty or perfect. Our studies will include subjects which may be sensitive or controversial. We will discuss these all with sensitivity, however, I will not revise, sanitize or eliminate any aspect of our history. I do not engage in an agenda which advances a particular narrative. Come prepared to learn historic fact.
FOR LIVE ON CAMPUS CLASSES: Instructor lectures, documentary films, student group discussions and active learning will supplement your required textbook reading.
FOR FULLY ONLINE CLASSES: Recorded Instructor lectures, imbedded films and documentaries and discussions will supplement your required textbook reading.
HISTORY 111 – We will study U. S. History from exploration to Reconstruction. Topics covered include: Colonial America, the American Revolution, the Constitution of the United States, the early Republic, the Civil War and Reconstruction. We will explore many areas within these topics: historic figures, native peoples, slavery, women’s experience, our cultural and social history, etc. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS focus on the Revolutionary experience, the Constitution and other topics.
HISTORY 112 - We will study United States history from Reconstruction to the present. Topics covered include: the Progressive Era, World War I, the Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Sixties, the 80's and further to current events.
HISTORY 120 - We will study the impact of women on the history of the United States from colonization, the Revolutionary era, westward expansion, the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Women's movement, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the second wave Women's movement and current events.
WITHIN OUR STUDY ARE OTHER IMPORTANT RELATED SUBJECTS INCLUDING: Political science, Military history, literature, reform movements, etc.
What to Expect in this Course
We will use Canvas for assignments, quizzes and exams so you will need to understand how to use Canvas and be able to access Canvas regularly. A new module will be published for each topic of study. The timeframe of each study will be noted in the Canvas module along with an Introduction and Information section which will provide an overview of each area of study. The module will also include any assignments, quizzes, exams or other activities for that subject. Textbook reading is required. Recorded Instructor lectures on most of our topics of study will also be published in your modules, along with embedded documentaries and films.
Written assignments will be required as part of our course. These are usually TWO 2-5 page assignments on significant areas of the history being studied. In History 112, the second section of U.S. history, a 'Music of a Decade' paper is generally assigned in which students analyze significant historical events AND the significance and impact of the music of a chosen decade from 1920 to 2010.
SHORT TERM classes: THESE ARE NOT 'EASY' BUT FAST PACED CLASSES in which the condensed timeframe necessitates the reading, study, and quizzes of more than one textbook chapter in a study timeframe. This study timeframe may be just ONE WEEK in which to complete all work. There is also a required written assignment. PLEASE CONSIDER WHETHER A FAST PACED SHORT TERM CLASS CAN BE PASSED SUCCESSFULLY BASED ON YOUR PERSONAL, WORK and/or FAMILY OBLIGATIONS. A FULL TERM COURSE ALLOWS ADDITIONAL TIME FOR ASSIGNMENTS AND LEARNING WHICH CAN BE LESS STRESSFUL THAN A SHORT TERM COURSE.
This is COLLEGE.... college level work is expected with assignments completed and turned in on time.
Attention High School Students: I encourage you to take full semester length classes which allow you to LEARN about our country, its origins and significance, rather than just checking off the units needed to pass a history requirement.
Types of Assessments
Assessments will include quizzes, written assignments, participation in online discussion boards and in class active learning. There will be a final exam, and in full semester length classes, a mid-term exam also).
Written assignments generally include TWO 2-5 page papers on subjects within our timeframe of study:
In History 111, the written assignment is generally on the Revolutionary Era and the Constitution, but may also be on other significant topics, i.e., Westward Expansion, Slavery; the Civil War, etc.
In History 112 the written assignment is usually 'The Music of a Decade'. a written assignment analyzing and identifying significant historical events of a chosen decade along with the significance and impact of the music of that decade.
In History 120 the written assignments are on topics related to our study of American women with the topic choice reviewed with me for approval
Textbook Information
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
FOR HISTORY 111 and HISTORY 112: VISIONS of AMERICA, third edition; Authors: Keene, et al. Pearson publishers. For History 111: Volume 1, For History 112: Volume 2
HISTORY 120 - THROUGH WOMEN'S EYES, current edition. Authors: DuBois and Dumenil. Publisher: Bedford St. Martin
PLEASE HAVE YOUR REQUIRED TEXTBOOK PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASS....THESE ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH OUR COLLEGE BOOKSTORE -
Other Relevant Course Information
There are short FIRST WEEK ASSIGNMENTS based on the syllabus or other introductory information in our Canvas course shell. Students NOT COMPLETING THESE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE DROPPED FROM CLASS. Complete these assignments by the due dates in the first week of class. This is to meet CA state requirements regarding student attendance in a course.
ADDING THE CLASS: If you are on a waitlist for a class, adds will be done based on your position on the Waitlist as openings become available. You will either be automatically added from the waitlist (in the very first days of class) OR I will provide an authorization for you to contact Admissions to add the classs.
Come ready to enjoy history… I’m looking forward to our class together !
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.
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Last updated: 01/10/2025 Sub#: 734