United States History: Pre-Columbian to the Civil War
This course covers the history of the United States, from its Native American and European origins to the end of Reconstruction. Major topics include the development of British colonial policy, the causes of the War for Independence, the formation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the development of democracy during the Jefferson and Jackson Administrations, immigration, industrial and urban history, Manifest Destiny, territorial expansion, the institution of slavery, the antebellum reform movement, the causes and consequence of the Civil War and Reconstruction. This class looks at the North American continent from its infancy to the 19th century. The events that transpired correlate directly to the world that we live in today. We will delve straight into the people and events that forged the United States.
Need a quick refresher on history? British rapper and songwriter Dan Bull has you covered:
This course covers the history of the United States, from its Native American and European origins to the end of Reconstruction. Major topics include the development of British colonial policy, the causes of the War for Independence, the formation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the development of democracy during the Jefferson and Jackson Administrations, immigration, industrial and urban history, Manifest Destiny, territorial expansion, the institution of slavery, the antebellum reform movement, the causes and consequence of the Civil War and Reconstruction. This class looks at the North American continent from its infancy to the 19th century. The events that transpired correlate directly to the world that we live in today. We will delve straight into the people and events that forged the United States.
Need a quick refresher on history? British rapper and songwriter Dan Bull has you covered:
Let me tell you of the days of high adventure! - Mako the Wizard, Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Let's dive into the fascinating world of Ryan Gordon Lancaster, the ultimate history buff. This guy was practically born with a history book in his hand. Who would've thought that a small town like Grand Rapids, Michigan, would give birth to such a passionate historian? It happened on August 30, 1983, in case you're curious about the specific date. Ryan's obsession with everything historical started when he was just a wee lad, and it stuck with him like a stubborn piece of gum on the bottom of a shoe. After graduating from West Ottawa High School in Holland, Michigan, in 2002, he went on a crazy journey filled with academic endeavors and a relentless thirst for knowledge.
In 2005, our curious friend Ryan decided he needed an Associate degree in Applied Sciences from Muskegon Community College to satisfy his hunger for learning. But oh no, he wasn't about to stop there! He took his quest to the next level and obtained a Bachelor of Science in History from Grand Valley State University in 2009. He was committed to this whole history thing. But wait, there's more! Ryan's insatiable desire for historical understanding pushed him to pursue a Masters in American History from American Military University in 2014. This guy was on fire! His dedication to the subject earned him a reputation as a top-notch educator, and he became an adjunct professor at Central Texas College, Muskegon Community College, and California Intercontinental University. Students couldn't resist his captivating teaching style and comprehensive knowledge.
Now, here's where things get interesting. Ryan didn't confine his love for history to the walls of academia. No, sir! He dove headfirst into the depths of time, unearthing hidden fragments and solving historical mysteries like a real-life Indiana Jones. For Ryan, history wasn't just some boring subject—it was the lifeblood of humanity, a tapestry that weaves through our veins and shapes our existence. He took it upon himself to be a guardian of the past, inviting everyone to join him in the mind-boggling journey of self-awareness. If that's not enough to impress you, wait. Ryan also became deeply involved in Michigan's public schools and museums, spreading historical wisdom far and wide. He believed history should be approachable and captivating for all, not just confined to dusty old books and stuffy classrooms.
But let's remember the man behind the historian persona. Ryan's mind is a beast, constantly hungry for more. He's armed with smartphones and the internet, turning them into powerful tools that breathe life into the past. He's a renegade, a master storyteller, and a wild-eyed educator who won't settle for traditional methods. His unconventional teaching techniques awaken his students' minds and ignite their thirst for knowledge. With his wealth of experience and expertise, Ryan is ready to make a significant impact. He's on a mission to secure a prestigious role in a college or university where he can continue bestowing his wisdom upon the academic community. Ryan is a true hero, blazing a trail through history and leaving an indelible mark on future generations.
In his relentless pursuit of perfection, Ryan never stops learning. He's 6constantly seeking new avenues of growth and expanding his horizons. Online pedagogy, accessibility, superheroes—nothing is off-limits for this guy. He's like a literary gunslinger, fearless and unyielding in his quest for knowledge. As Ryan immerses himself in academic circles like Pi Gamma Mu and the Organization of American Historians, he brings a turbulent symphony of intellect and camaraderie. He defies isolation and fearlessly explores the depths of the academic landscape. It's like he's carving through the stormy seas of knowledge. Ryan Lancaster, the audacious maverick, stands tall amidst it all. His connection with the academic community is like a deranged poet's erratic yet captivating heartbeats. So, let's raise our glasses to Ryan Gordon Lancaster, who knows the taste of whiskey-soaked pages and the dance of computer keys. He has embarked on a twisted path of history, painting it with the colors of his passion. He's a rebel historian, a master of storytelling, and an educator with a burning fire of enlightenment in his eyes. With every breath he takes, he inhales the stories of the past and breathes life into forgotten tales.
Course Delivery Format: Online/Asynchronous
This course is entirely online and will utilize the Blackboard Learning Management System in an asynchronous format. Online courses are not self-paced but provide flexibility because there are no scheduled meeting times. All instruction, including video/audio/written lectures, assignments, and testing, is delivered via Blackboard. Communication between instructors and students is through email, discussion boards, etc. Instructors may require testing to be conducted in a live, proctored setting or through an online virtual program, such as Respondus Lockdown Browser.
This course is entirely online and will utilize the Blackboard Learning Management System in an asynchronous format. Online courses are not self-paced but provide flexibility because there are no scheduled meeting times. All instruction, including video/audio/written lectures, assignments, and testing, is delivered via Blackboard. Communication between instructors and students is through email, discussion boards, etc. Instructors may require testing to be conducted in a live, proctored setting or through an online virtual program, such as Respondus Lockdown Browser.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in the reading assignments and video lectures do not necessarily reflect the views of the instructor or the school. History is not monolithic; it is told through countless eyes with countless opinions
The views expressed in the reading assignments and video lectures do not necessarily reflect the views of the instructor or the school. History is not monolithic; it is told through countless eyes with countless opinions
REQUIRED READINGS:
Carnes, Mark C., and John A. Garraty. American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation. 4th ed. Vol. 1.: Pearson, 2011.
All other assigned texts will be provided to you through the learning modules or via links.
Click on a button to learn more about other assignments for this class:
Carnes, Mark C., and John A. Garraty. American Destiny: Narrative of a Nation. 4th ed. Vol. 1.: Pearson, 2011.
All other assigned texts will be provided to you through the learning modules or via links.
Click on a button to learn more about other assignments for this class:
LEARNING MODULES
Below is a list of each of the learning modules for this class. Click on a button to get started.
Below is a list of each of the learning modules for this class. Click on a button to get started.