HIST-112 - United States History II - Brent Riffel
Course: | United States History II |
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Professor: | Brent Riffel |
Email: | brent.riffel@canyons.edu |
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Course Length: |
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Introduction
Dear Student,
Welcome to History 112, a survey of United States History since 1877. This course will be 100% online course, and as such does not include in-class, face-to-face meetings at any point during this semester. All readings, assignments, quizzes, exams, and papers will be entirely online and can be completed anywhere you have access to the internet, and as long as they are turned in on time.
Although this is an online class you will find me to be regularly available to answer any questions you might have. I genuinely want each of you to succeed in this course, so please don’t hesitate to contact me at any point during the semester. I will also be communicating with you through frequent class announcements and discussion boards, so my hope is that you will not feel as if you are taking this class alone, but rather that you are part of a team all working together to succeed and learn more about American history.
Since we do not have any on-ground class sessions, in order to succeed in this course, it will be vital for you to check for any class updates as posted in the Announcements section of our class Canvas site consistently (preferably two or more times per week). There you will find information regarding upcoming exams, assignments, or any changes to our schedule as needed. Please note that the Canvas site for this course will not be available until the first day of instruction of this semester. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this course, please let me know by contacting me via email.
Course Description
U.S. History since 1877 - Course Overview
This class will present an overview of U.S. history since 1877. The class will explore general trends in political and social history, such as immigration, civil rights, and industrialization, as well as specific watershed events such as the Haymarket bombing, the Dust Bowl, and the Watergate scandal. Students will examine these events through secondary literature and a variety of online primary sources, including newspaper articles, films, music recordings, radio programs, photographs, advertisements, and posters.
Student Learning Outcomes
As part of the final exam, students will be assessed based on the following outcomes:
- Assess the causes and ramifications of social, cultural, political, and legal change in the United States.
- Evaluate America's foreign affairs from the late 19th Century to the present.
Course Objectives
1. Appraise the social and political issues involved in Reconstruction.
2. Analyze western settlement, and the troubles between "the establishment" and Native Americans, while assessing the validity of assimilation venues such as the Dawes Severalty Act and education.
3. Evaluate the progress of laborers in America, and assess its impact.
4. Articulate the agenda of the populist movement and analyze the impact of race on farmers' alliances.
5. Assess progressivism's political and social reforms.
6. Appraise the reasons for, and results of, American involvement in international affairs, from the Spanish-American War through the two world wars.
7. Explain the causes of the Great Depression, while comparing and contrasting governments’ roles.
8. Analyze the causes and results of the Cold War, and the causes and results of the Vietnam conflict.
10. Explain the causes and on-going results of America's African-American civil rights movement.
11. Appraise the cultural and political contributions of underrepresented populations, and demonstrate a familiarity with local and state political leaders and legislative or judicial issues.
What to Expect in this Course
Required Materials and Class Expectations
In order to succeed in this course, you must have regular, consistent access to the internet. You may access the course Canvas site from the college’s library, computer labs, or from your local public library. You will also need to obtain, if you have not already done so, a valid MyCanyons email address through which you can be contacted. If you have not already done this you can do so here: https://my.canyons.edu
If you have more general questions about online courses, or if you would like to know the technical requirements (recommended software, browser, and other related information), you may find the College of the Canyons Distance Learning site useful: https://www.canyons.edu/academics/onlineeducation
Types of Assessments
Successful completion of the course depends on regular attendance on Canvas, evidence of preparation and application, active participation in Canvas discussions based on close readings of the required texts, and completion of all assignments on time. *** All work, including essays, quizzes and exams, will be submitted online. ***
- 5-6-page Response Paper (1): 50 points
- Student Discussion Posts and Responses: 200 points
- Quizzes (2): 100 points
- Midterm Exam: (1): 50 points
- Final Exam (cumulative): 100 points
- Total Points: 500
Textbook Information
Ira Berlin, et. al., American History: From Pre-history to the New Millennium. ISBN: Not applicable. Price: $0.00. The textbook for this course is 100% online, downloadable, and free.
You can access the textbook via the web here: http://www.ushistory.org/us/index.asp.
There will specific questions drawn from the textbook as part of class discussions and quizzes, so be sure to keep up with the readings.
Additional suggested readings (recommended but not required): Joseph Locke, et. al., ed., The American Yawp, a Free and Online, Collaboratively Built American History Textbook, http://www.americanyawp.com/
If you have any trouble accessing the text at any time during the semester, please contact your instructor. An additional copy of the text will be posted to Canvas. There will specific questions drawn from the textbook as part of class discussions and quizzes, so be sure to keep up with the readings. Assigned Primary Source Readings (these will be distributed each week on Canvas).
Each week’s reading assignment is listed in the class discussion section on Canvas. Students are expected to have read the assignment prior to the final class of each week. The readings assignments in the History in the Making text are designed to provide you with supplemental background information. To succeed in this course, however, you will need to take good notes as well as keep up with the readings.
Important Learning Management System Information
This course utilizes a system called Canvas for our textbook, discussions, grades, exams, quizzes, essays, and other resources. Please log into Canvas by visiting https://coc.instructure.com by the end of first day of the semester. Login information will be emailed to you prior to the start of the course. If you haven’t used or want a refresher on Canvas, please visit the Canvas Guide for Students, https://guides.instructure.com/m/4212
All students must successfully log in to the class Canvas site by 11:59 PST on the first day of class. You will be able to log in about 24 hours earlier than that if you wish.
Other Relevant Course Information
Tools for Success
Although this is a completely, 100% online course, your “attendance” is still critical in order to succeed. In fact, in order to complete this course, you must complete the first assignment by the 11:59 PST on the first day of the semester. This first assignment will not require much beyond answering a few simple questions that let me know you are able to log in to Canvas and that you are participating on the first day. This is basically the same requirement for face-to-face classes, where students must be present on the first day.
Furthermore, you will be expected to regularly participate in online discussion boards, as well as to complete written assignments on time. This is not a self-paced, or correspondence course, so you will need complete all coursework by the due date, and you will not be allowed to go back and revise old assignments. For the first week of the semester, failure to complete the first assignment by the due date will result in you being dropped from the course.
Here are a few other tips for succeeding in this course that you might keep in mind:
- Check the Specs - Make sure you have the proper software and other technical requirements and specifications before the course begins. You don’t want to fall behind early or be dropped from the course, so check to see that you are able to log in to Canvas at least a few days prior to the beginning of the semester (even if your specific course isn’t yet available). Then, if there are any problems, you’ll have time to seek help and fix things.
- Create a schedule (and stick to it) - Make a calendar for the course, and plot all of the due dates and important assignments. By doing this, you’ll be able to keep up with the course and not have to log in to Canvas every time you’re wondering what’s coming up in the course. Online classes can move quickly, so it’s essential be aware of what’s happening. In addition, consider printing your syllabus so you’ll have a handy hard copy.
- Organize – This goes along with creating a schedule and is generally a good idea for all of your courses, whether online or not. One good way to organize is to create a dedicated workspace, notebook, or area in your home where you keep all of your online class materials. This will help you stay on task and complete your coursework on time.
- Stay connected – Don’t hesitate to contact your instructor with questions. There’s no such thing as a dumb question, and they are there to help you and guide you through the course. Also, don’t be shy about connecting with your fellow students. If you’re unclear about something, post a question on a discussion board; chances are, you’re not alone and others have the same question. By doing this, you’ll be doing yourself, and your peers, a favor.
- Find Your Motivation – Successful online students are self-starters, who set their own goals and try their best to meet them. But that doesn’t mean we were all born that way. Whatever your shortcomings as a student, this class is an opportunity to restart your academic career and succeed. If you would like to know about how to succeed in colleges classes of all types, contact your instructor, or your counselor, or both.
Disability Accommodation
COC provides services for students with disabilities in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you need any accommodation in order to complete the coursework for this class, or if you have any questions about whether you meet the qualifications to receive services, please contact the College of the Canyons Disabled Students Program & Services (DSPS): https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/dsps
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: 09/01/2022 Sub#: 843