HIST 1301 Introduction

United States History IJohnny Spence

Read Syllabus and Course Outline Carefully If you have any questions or problems,

contact instructor

Syllabus/Course Outline

Log in to Blackboard at least weekly and check your announcements and email

Communicate with your instructor Read your text Complete all assignments on time (don’t

procrastinate) Study, study, study

Rules for College Success

History:◦ Helps us understand people/societies◦ Helps us understand change and how the world

we live in came to be◦ Inspires us and helps us find meaning in our lives◦ Contributes to moral understanding◦ Builds Identity◦ Promotes good citizenship◦ Develops analytical/critical thinking skills

Why Study History?

Good vs. BadUS History has both good and bad elements. Some people focus on the good (super-patriots) while others focus on bad (commies). You need to take a balanced, more nuanced view of history. Nations, just like people have both good and bad things in their history.

Liberal Vs. ConservativeHistory is both a social science and a humanity. It is grounded in hard facts but it also depends on a person’s perspective and background and can be open to different interpretations. When you study history, form your own opinions but make sure they are based on facts and reality and not wishful thinking or myths.

Meanings of freedom, liberty, and democracy and implementation of those ideals over time

Themes in this class

Evolution and growth of nation in terms of physical size, economic parameters, and world influence/power

Themes in this class

Challenges and problems of nation over time and how people have responded

Themes in this class

Become historically literate and create a story (narrative) of American History

Understand the processes that shaped the United States and its people

Objectives

Attain a foundation in history that provides context for your own life and helps you analyze the problems and challenges in today’s society

Develop a greater appreciation and liking for history

Objectives

We will cover Chapters 1-3 out of the text for this module

US History begins with the merging of Europeans, American Indians, and Africans that commenced with Columbus’ voyage in 1492

In this module, we will study the initial contacts, colonization, and merging of the people groups

Module One-Look Ahead

Eventually, the main focus falls on the English colonies along the Atlantic Seaboard

These English colonies form the “seed” of the American republic and will expand to include, and be influenced by, other people groups such as the Indians, Africans, and other Europeans

Module One-Look Ahead

If you are new to college internet courses, they can be challenging

So…..work hard and keep in close contact with your instructor.

Ask me lots of questions and make me earn my money.

Final Thoughts