History 111 - United States History I (American History to 1877) - Dr. Brad Reynolds

Introduction

Welcome to your History 111 short term online class.  Dr. Reynolds holds history degrees from U.C.L.A. and U.S.C.  He has taught American history at three universities (California State University - Northridge, University of Southern California, and University of Vienna) and at two community colleges (College of the Canyons and El Camino College).  He enjoys teaching and looks forward to discussing history with you!

Course Description

This online course aims to acquaint you with the broad historical trends and the continuing controversies in American history from colonial times to 1877.  It should help you realize that there are many ways to look at and respond to events.  In so doing, the hope is that you will better understand the present so you can better shape the future.  In order for you to understand and appreciate the course information more, you should stay current with the news of the day by regularly reading a daily newspaper, weekly news magazine, or news website, and by keeping current with the reading assignments listed in your course syllabus which you can view prior to the start of your class at Dr. Reynolds's website at www.bradleyreynolds.weebly.com..To accomplish the course goals the class will cover a variety of topics.  By the end of this class it is expected that you will know when and why the first people came to America, what role the British and others played in shaping the colonial experience, why the Americans decided to revolt against Britain, why the United States won the Revolutionary War, why and how the United States became a federal democratic republic (and what those terms mean), why certain issues divided the country during its first hundred years, why and how the United States increasingly became an economic powerhouse, why the United States expanded west, what impact that expansion had on Americans and on those people with whom the U.S. government came into contact, why the United States was torn apart by civil war in the 1860s, and what successes and failures resulted from trying to reconstruct the nation.

What to Expect in this Course

Each week students will read two or three chapters from the assigned text (you can see the class syllabus before the class starts at www.bradleyreynolds.weebly.com for more on the text).  There will be a weekly writing assignment regarding the text material.  Each week students will also submit historical projects, like a movie review or website review related to the history covered in the class, and/or articles from contemporary news sources that reference the history covered in the class.  For more specifics on how that all works, and how it will be graded, please see the class syllabus at www.bradleyreynolds.weebly.com.  Once the class starts, students will need the internet to access the text, do additional research, access Canvas, and submit work.  

Types of Assessments

The grading for the class will be based on writing assignments related to material from the text, and on historical projects and/or articles that students will complete.  For more specific information about those requirements, please see the class syllabus at www.bradleyreynolds.weebly.com.

Textbook Information

The likely text for your class is The American Yawp which is available for free online.  Please check the class syllabus at www.bradleyreynolds.weebly.com to confirm that information.

Other Relevant Course Information

Everything you need to know about the class, including a FAQ section, is in the class syllabus which you can access prior to the start of your class at www.bradleyreynolds.weebly.com.  As you will see, students have the option of redoing work that is not up to par provided the work is submitted and on time.  Do the work early, do it correctly, and meet all deadlines and an A is almost guaranteed for the class.. Everyone in the class can earn an A,  The class is NOT graded on a curve.  So read the class syllabus carefully, do the work in a timely manner, get the work in early and done correctly, and you should do fine in the class. 

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: 08/21/2024 Sub#: 1826