Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online U.S. History Courses Overview

U.S. history courses focus on the people, places and events that have impacted America's cultural, political and economic development. Many colleges offer online U.S. history courses within Bachelor of Arts in History programs or as elective courses for other liberal arts degree programs.

Overview of Online U.S. History Courses

Online U.S. history courses are offered at the undergraduate and graduate level. Some courses are part of the general education requirements for degree programs, while others can be taken either as electives or as core courses for an Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts in History.

Course Requirements

A basic level of skill in computer use and Internet navigation is helpful for online students. Consistent computer access along with high speed Internet, standard word processing software and an email account may be required. An orientation course for first-time online students is offered by many colleges, and usually includes information on accessing the school's online class portal, computer help desk contact information and the school's policies on plagiarism and academic honesty.

List of Online U.S. History Courses

U.S. History Course

In some cases, U.S. history courses cover enough in-depth material to be split into multiple parts. A typical first part of this course focuses on the birth and progression of the United States, starting with the Mayflower colonies and continuing through the Civil War era. Topics include the challenges faced by the initial European settlers, conflicts involving Native American populations, the struggle for American independence from European rule, statehood and slavery's rise and demise.
If the course is split into two parts, the second part might include analysis of American historical events beginning in the late 19th century and continuing through present day events. The major political, economic and social topics covered will likely include the World Wars, the Great Depression, industrialization and the civil rights movement. This general education course is typically taken in the first year of a degree program. Students participate by conducting online research, emailing assignments, joining class discussion groups and completing exams via the class website.

American Civil War Course

This detailed view of the War Between the States outlines the foundation, major events, decisive battles and ultimate consequences of the Civil War. The course reviews the underlying political, social and economic factors that led to military action over the issues of freedom, statehood and constitutional rights. This course may be a core offering in a Bachelor of Arts in History program and online participation may include class chat rooms, email exchanges and online exams.

Western American History Course

Western history courses usually include a look at the forces that drove America's expansion into western lands in addition to the consequences faced by the new settlers, native tribes and existing European communities. Students investigate the common beliefs, emerging technologies and personalities that fashioned western American civilization from the initial stages of western expansion to modern times. Class Web portals provide information for completing assignments and online class discussions.

Native American History Course

This course offers a historical view of Native American civilizations, including tribal cultures, economic development and relations with colonial Europeans. The course also reviews the interactions and conflicts of indigenous people with the newly formed and expanding American states, the adaptations which were essential for survival, and the status of Native Americans in U.S. society today. The class syllabus provides information on online test taking, assignment completion and discussion boards.

Women in U.S. History Course

This course is typically offered as an elective. It includes an in-depth study of women's roles and their impact on American history, politics and cultural development, beginning in pre-colonial times and extending through current-day events. Assignments and exams are submitted either via email or through the class Web portal.

U.S. History and Popular Culture Course

An exploration of the impact that popular music, film and food has had on America's historical development. Students examine past cultural norms and their contributions to our current view of history. The course might also assess how current popular culture can be useful in facilitating future historical change. Commonly offered as an elective, this course usually may be taken at any juncture in a bachelor's degree program. Students participate in the class using online tools including email, group discussion boards and online exams.

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