Dear Online Student, WELCOME!

Welcome to History 207-A-CRN 51023. My name is Ronald Clark and I am your online facilitator, instructor, coach, and cheering section for this class. A little bit about me. I am a native to San Luis Obispo County; I am married with two children. After graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo I pursued a career as a museum professional. Now I teach history and I enjoy discussing all topics related to history. If you have questions regarding this course, it is best to contact me at ronald_clark@cuesta.edu. I am pretty good at returning email promptly and I will respond as soon as I possibly can which is usually within 24 hours.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

History 207-A is a survey course covering the history of the United States from pre-discovery to the before the Civil War.  The focus will be on the social, economic, and political development of the United States during this time.

TEXTBOOK

The textbook we will be using in this class is Eric Foner's Give Me Liberty! Vol. 1, 5th edition.  I strongly recommend you purchase the digital version.  It is only $30.00 and with it, you get free access to InQuizitive which is a graded activity I will use in this class.  To purchase the digital version of the textbook, here is a link: http://books.wwnorton.com/books/webad.aspx?id=4294993764Links to an external site.

HOW LONG IS THIS CLASS?

This class begins on Monday, May 20, 2019 and it will end on Friday, June 28, 2019. During the 6-weeks of this class, you will be required to participate in all class activities, including all forums, quizzes and exams.  Below are important dates for you to be aware of.

Monday, May 20 – Friday, May 24, review orientation materials.  These materials will stay up throughout summer session; however, you must access them by Thursday May 22 or you will be dropped from the class.

First Exam on Friday, May 31 from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm

Second Exam on Friday, June 7 from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm

Third Exam on Friday, June 14 from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm

Fourth Exam on Friday, June 21 from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm

Fifth Exam, on Friday, June 28, from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of the 6-weeks you the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and basic information appropriate to an undergraduate introductory history course. You will be able to construct basic historical hypotheses based on knowledge of the subject area. You will also understand the importance of methodology and historiography in the historical profession.

Also as a student, you will interpret, analyze and critique both primary and secondary sources. From this analysis, you will recognize that history is not dogma but rather the continuing interaction between sources and those who interpret them. Furthermore, you will develop an understanding of the efforts of minority groups in their efforts to secure unabridged legal, political and economic rights and you will analyze different systems of labor and social inequality, such as Jim Crow, and their rationales, such as race, class, and gender.

Finally, you will learn about United States foreign policy from the creation of the Republic to before the Civil War.  You will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the changing political structures and processes; the major wars the United States has fought since 1865 and evaluate and assess the leadership of selected presidents.

THE ONLINE ENVIRONMENT

I want to start off by giving you a short easy assignment, but it is one that will be helpful

To both you and to me. Please click on this link: http://library.cuesta.edu/distance/survey.htmLinks to an external site.. The purpose of this survey is help you prepare for and know what to expect in an online course. It is very likely that you have enough understanding about computers to be successful in this class. If you can access your email, download attachments, use a word processing application such as Microsoft Word and you have access to a fairly new computer and the internet then you have all of the tools needed to be successful in this class. But that is just the technical part of an online class. Online classes also demand dedication in time to reading posted materials and writing independently and in discussion forums. In many ways it is more than an online class. You will be a part of a community and you need to participate and be a part of the community to be successful. The nice thing about online classes is that they can be accessed from anywhere at any time, but you have to put in the time. The minimum amount of time per week is around 10-hours.

COURSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Cuesta College learning management system uses Canvas.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or if you have difficulties.  I am here to help.  Below is a link to some videos that will help you get familiar with Canvas: https://apps.3cmediasolutions.org/oei/students.htmlLinks to an external site.; https://guides.instructure.com/m/8470. 

 HOW TO ACCESS THE CANVAS LEARNING COURSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

To log on to Canvas, simply logon to your My.Cuesta account.  A link to canvas will be located there.  Clicking on that link will take you to your online classes in Canvas.

EVERYONE LEARNS DIFFERENTLY

We all have different ways of learning. Some are visual learners while others are more auditory and still others may have additional ways they learn. Still others need a little help finding ways of learning. If you need additional assistance please contact me. I’m here to help in that regard. Additionally, you can contact the Cuesta College DSPS office at 805-546-3148 or you can go to their website at http://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/dsps/0INFO.HTM Links to an external site.as soon as possible to make necessary arrangements for all needed accommodations. 

REMEMBER, THIS IS A COMMUNITY! 

Ok, you know a little about me and you have a little bit of information about History 207-A. Now I invite you to come to the class website on June 18 where I will have an ice-breaker forum where you can introduce yourself. When you come be prepared to answer two questions. The first is how do you feel about history?  Do you like it or not like it? Second, Why do you like or not like it? Also, what are your hobbies or things you like to do. Do you like to travel or are do you do projects from home?

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you online!

Sincerely,

Professor Ron Clark