COURSE DESCRIPTION   

History 118 is a general introduction to the most significant events and personalities, trends and issues associated with the historical development and transformation of the United States since the end of the Reconstruction in 1877. The course begins with the continued saga of the development of the West,  through the rise of big business and labor, the reform movements of the Populists and progressives, the emergence of the US as a major world power, the shock of World War I, the social and cultural changes of the '20s, the Depression and the New Deal, the coming of World War II, the 45 years of the Cold War, the presidencies of the '50s, '60s, and '70s, the struggle for full civil rights for all Americans, Vietnam, Watergate & cynicism, the rise of the conservatives under Reagan and (until recently) George W. Bush,  and concludes with President Obama's  America  in search for its proper place in the new, uncertain world.

After reading text chapters, reading or listening to online module content and directed web readings, students will complete weekly reading assignments, and actively participate in weekly online discussions – at least 2 submissions each week reflecting on the module's content and readings. Additionally, students will have to formally evaluate history websites, listen to and analyze a podcast, prepare a project related to the Vietnam War, and successfully navigate the final. These varied learning activities will assess overall understanding of key movements, ideas, individuals, and events in recent American history.


STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students (in discussions, essays, and formal and informal assessments) should be able to

1. Successfully navigate this course’s online environment, including the module content, assigned internet research sites, weekly assignments, class discussions, contact with the instructor, completion of the individual project, and the successful submission of the midterm and final essays;

2.  Identify cause-and-effect relationships between significant historical events, ideas, movements, and peoples;

3. Analyze historical information from primary and secondary sources in terms of significance, intent, reliability and point of view;

4. Research and write historical essays that support each thesis with a well-organized presentation of historical facts;

5. Demonstrate understanding of historical viewpoints, analyses, and the impact of events on the peoples of America in the discussion forum;

6. Apply an understanding of American historical developments to contemporary issues and events;

7. Design and submit an individual research project; and

8. Evaluate certain aspects of your own and others' learning.

 

COURSE TEXTS

1. TEXT: Henretta, Brody, & Dumenil, AMERICA: A CONCISE HISTORY, VOL. 2: Since 1865 (2010 - 4th edition ONLY)

2. Gevinson, Schrum, & Rosenzweig, HISTORY MATTERS: A STUDENT GUIDE TO U.S. HISTORY ONLINE (2008 - 2nd edition ONLY)


PREREQUISITES

(Recommended only) Eligible for level 1 English placement.  This means that you can write clear, concise essays.
TASKS & GRADING CRITERIA  

1. The 14 best scores out of 16  short written assignments analyzing and evaluating weekly readings & websites (up to 280 points) -- all 16 still need to be completed.  Extra credit points may be earned for extensive submissions.

2. On time completion of all 16 class discussion topics (up to 160 points). Extra credit points may be earned for extensive submissions.

3. A substantive evaluation and comparison of three websites on the Progressive era (please wait for instructions before beginning -- up to 50 points).

4. Midterm exam (up to 50 points).

5. Individual Research Project on the Vietnam War (up to 120 points for the completed project and an additional 20 points for the in-character discussion and self evaluation).

6. Final exam (up to 100 points).  The final is optional for students who (through extra credit) have attained enough points to earn an A with the final's points counting at 0 (figured just before finals week).

Scale: A = 702-780 B = 624-701, C = 546-623, D = 468-545, F = Below 468 points
 

   LATE WORK POLICY

All discussion postings must be on time, however 2 of the 16  module assignments may be late due to extraordinary circumstances (send me a private message explaining why you are submitting late work). For the websites evaluation, midterm, individual project, all other assignments (of course the discussions), any submitted late work will be worth only 50% of whatever grade you would have received for it (so you've turned it in but you've received the equivalent of an F on it). 

The point is to be responsible and turn all work in on time.

PLAGIARISM  

Stealing someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as yours is absolutely unacceptable and will result in a course grade of F.  I want to know what you've learned not what you can copy from another website.  So don't do it!



  TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

Technical problems may occur, but combined with procrastination for submitting assignments, they are not acceptable. Students who are having computer problems should contact the instructor at least 24 hours prior to the due date for the assignment so that alternative means of submission may be arranged.  Do not email assignments unless the instructor tells you to do so. 

Technical assistance is also available on campus by emailing Ms. Sarah Phinney through sphinney@portervillecollege.edu (or calling her at 791-2380).

FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Those students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Porterville College Disability Resource Center at (559) 791-2215 as soon as possible.

As noted, all module content sections in this class are duplicated on sound files. 

DISCUSSION PARTICIPATION

Successful student participation is a very important part of this online class. Your discussion participation is evaluated in terms of quality, quantity and timeliness. I don't want to see any "me too" comments. Online assignments are posted Friday mornings and are due Thursday evening at 11:30 pm pacific time. You should log on several times during this weekly “window” according to the following process described in "COMPLETING WEEKLY CLASS TASKS" as follows:


COMPLETING WEEKLY CLASS TASKS

Check Friday morning for the week's readings and assignments. Read the assigned text chapter first, then either read or listen to the instructor's module content, review any assigned web pages, and that week's assigned question(s) and discussion topic(s). Review the reading with the text's online tools (chapter summaries and quizzes) -- see inside the back cover on the text for details.

For each module, you have at least two tasks: 
  A.  You must complete/submit your chapter assignments by 11:30 in the evening of the assignment due date usually the       following Thursday.
  B.  You must complete your assigned class discussion topic also by Thursday at 11:30 pm in the following way:

                1. You should submit your initial posting(s) to the assigned discussion topic  no later than 12:00 noon pacific time two days before it is due (so if it is due on a Thursday, you must do your initial post by Tuesday at noon). Be sure to use specific examples from completed research or assigned readings including names, dates, locations, statistics, organizations, legislation etc. where appropriate. Fully explain all answers -- you should post a fully developed answer with historical examples and identify sources including internet sites or specific pages from assigned reading. In addition,

                2. You then post responses to at least one other student on that module's topic in the Class Discussion forum that politely and (always respectfully) assesses and/or challenges their conclusions/evidence and overall opinions or at least raises the possibilities of alternate conclusions. In other words, gently push your colleagues to prove their informed opinions. This must be completed by the 11:30 pm deadline on the due date.
 

                 3. Finally, respond to all students who challenge your informed opinion - so do at least 3 more additional posts. Simply posting "great work, I like what you wrote, or I agree" will not count. All postings including responses are expected to include specific historical facts, data, etc. to support your answer or conclusions. All discussions may begin on Friday anytime and must conclude by the due date (either the following Thursday, Friday, or Saturday) at 11:30 pm pacific time.

By following this process, you should complete a minimum of 4 postings in the Class Discussions forum for each module discussion task which meet the defined requirements to earn credit. Incomplete (with little or no supporting evidence) will not receive much credit.  Students who demonstrate a more-than-required effort to master any topic by going above and far beyond the requirements for each assignment or who add depth to discussion by their research and thinking on the topic will earn extra credit.


  HOW TO POST TO THE DISCUSSION FORUMS

You access the discussion area and forums (Class Discussions) by clicking on the "Discussion and Private Messages" tab on the left.  You should follow each of the threads (topics) by replying to my initial posting, rather than starting a new topic.

When it comes time to comment on another's posting, you start it off with the reply button. It's pretty simple and straightforward.
DISCUSSION GUIDELINES   

Because online discussions are so important to this class, you should always follow these guidelines:

1. All communications should be positive and relevant to the topic(s) at hand;

2. Absolutely no abusive language or confrontation and no personal attacks are permitted. In fact, all your submissions public or private must always respect your fellow students and the instructor. Even though our popular culture tolerates abuse, humor designed to belittle others, sarcasm, and profanity, none of these will be tolerated on this or on any other online class. Students who misuse the discussion forums in these ways will be counseled once. On any subsequent abusive or dismissive posting (by my determination) the student will be dropped from the course or earn an F if it is after the 75% date.

3. Analysis of historical topics should be based solely on your own conclusions that you’ve drawn from your assigned readings, module lectures, and web research, in other words, evidence. Do not cite others' conclusions as your own;

4. Personal beliefs such as religion and politics, while important, are not to be the basis for your online submissions, and are best kept outside of the class assignment environment. Personal feelings about the topics are also irrelevant.  You may pose relevant discussion in these areas in the Student Discussion forum only.
 

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS CLASS

1.  READ ALL ASSIGNED READINGS (TEXT, MODULE SECTIONS, WEBSITES, & INSTRUCTIONS).  If you want a good grade you won't get there by skipping the readings or even part of the readings.  It is very clear to the instructor when your responses don't reflect the readings. 

2.  DO EXACTLY WHAT THE INSTRUCTOR WANTS YOU TO DO.  When in doubt follow instructions.  Students have failed this class even though they did every assigned task because they left out components the instructor required in the assignment, the amount of response was inadequate, they turned in work late, or they went off on a tangent (off the subject) on their responses rather than what they were supposed to do.  Be smart and follow directions.  Don't guess and shortchange yourself.  If you don't understand what to do, ask fellow students in the Student Forum or the instructor by way of a private message.

3.  ALWAYS DO MORE THAN THE MINIMUM.  This way you can convince the instructor you have done all the assignment reading and thinking about it.  Also get away from the idea that you are here to just get through this class.  Your job is to LEARN.  That means try hard and even harder than you normally do to learn something that will last a lot longer than a grade or GPA.  Your work for this class should be your very best effort.

4.  TURN IN ALL WORK ON TIME.  You can turn only two assignments in later than the due dates (and that must be within 2 days extra).  All other assignments and discussion submissions must be on time.  If you wait until the last minute to turn your work in I can assure you from experience that you will only be hurting your own grade.  Be forewarned!

5.   ALWAYS COMPOSE YOUR ASSIGNMENT & DISCUSSION POSTINGS OFFLINE IN WORD.  Then copy and paste your responses in the appropriate ETUDES places.  This way you will make sure that you have taken the time to give a thoughtful response and have reread it before posting, looking for errors or other necessary editing.  And, you will have a copy (actually the original) of the correct response should you have any problems and are requested by the instructor to provide a copy.  By the way, only use MS Word; that means no Wordperfect, nor MS Works., etc.  I cannot grade what I cannot open.

6.  Looking for assignment information on other websites rather than the doing the assigned reading is NOT what the instructor wants.  On some assignments or discussion topics, however, you will be informed that you should do some internet research. Then when you post your assignments or discussion submissions where this is expected, please CITE YOUR OUTSIDE SOURCES (in MLA style)  where your information came from so I won't suspect you are plagiarizing. 

7.  Always submit your own work and that means NO QUOTES.  I don't care what other authors or other sites have to say.  I want to know what you've learned, not what you can copy. 

8.  Submit assignments in the assignment text box on the same page as the assignment and discussions in the appropriate class discussion forum for the current module.  DO NOT USE ATTACHMENTS and DO NOT SEND ASSIGNMENTS BY EMAIL.  In the discussion area DO NOT CREATE NEW FORUM TOPICS.  Just  reply to my initial postings in each one of the discussion areas.

9.  BE OPEN TO GETTING INTERESTED.  It doesn't matter what previous history experiences you've had before or how long ago you've had them, you can be interested in the history of early America.  History is not just for history students.  Just give yourself a chance and it will make this class a whole lot easier for you.
MODULES, READINGS, & ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE    

Module 1 (Due 1/21) – Introduction to the Course; self introduction/commentary in Discussion forum;

Module 2 (Due 1/22) - "Approaches to U.S. History"; Read 1st chapter of HISTORY MATTERS; discussion topics

Module 3 (Due 1/28) – "The West: Imagination & Reality"; Read Text Chapter 16/assignment; discussion topic

Module 4 (Due 2/4) – "The Rise of Big Business and Big Labor": Read Text Chapter 17/assignment; discussion topic

Module 5 (Due 2/11) – "Gilded Age Cities, Society, & Politics"; Read Text Chapters 18-19/assignment; discussion topic

Module 6 (Due 2/18) – "Rise of the Progressives"; Read Text Chapter 20/assignment; discussion topic

Progressive Era Websites Evaluation (Due 2/22)

Module 7 (Due 2/25) - "The US Enters the World Stage"; Read Text Chapter 21/assignment; discussion topic

Module 8 (Due 3/4) – "America in the Great War"; Read Text Chapter 22/assignment; discussion topic

Module 9 (Due 3/11) – "Modern America Takes Shape"; Read Chapter 23/assignment; discussion topic

Module 10 ((Due 3/18) – "Depression & New Deal"; Read Text Chapter 24/assignment; discussion topic

Midterm (Due 3/21)

Module 11 (Due 3/25) – "World War Continued"; Read Text Chapter 25/assignment; discussion topic

SPRING BREAK (Hint: Get caught up on reading; work on project)

Module 12 (Due 4/8) –  "Cold War America"; Read Text Chapters 26 & 27/assignment; discussion topic

Module 13 (Due 4/15) – "The Heyday of Liberal America"; Read Text Chapter 28/assignment; discussion topic

Vietnam War Project (Due 4/19)

Module 14 (Due 4/22) – "Nixon, Watergate, Disco"; Read Text Chapters 29/assignment; discussion topic

Module 15 (Due 4/29) - "The Conservative Rise & Fall"; Read Text Chapters 30-32/assignment; discussion topic

Module 16 (Due 5/6) - "President Obama's America"; assignment; discussion topic

Final Exam - (Due 5/13)


  QUESTIONS?/CONTACT INFORMATION

* Regarding a technical problem preventing you from accessing Etudes or submitting assignments, contact Ms. Sarah Phinney as noted above;

* Regarding a public topic on any relevant issue or common problem using Etudes,  use our open forum: Questions (Other Stuff);

* Regarding a private question or personal issue in this class, send me a Private Message in the Discussion area; THIS IS THE NORMAL WAY TO CONTACT ME REGARDING A QUESTION OR TO SOLVE A PROBLEM;

* Regarding minor emergencies (no excuses please), send an email to "jhargis@portervillecollege.edu" and always include "118 Online" in the subject area of any email;

* Regarding an absolutely real emergency and you must talk to me, contact me or leave a message on my office phone at 791-2247 or stop by and try to catch me during my office hours at SM-113E.