History 8

Summer 2009

Instructor:	Jennifer Gardner Email: gardnersjb@charter.net Phone: 707-951-4289
Welcome:	Welcome to History 8 online. This site is for students who are considering this course or have already registered.
Course Description:	An exploration in the history of the United States from the original inhabitants of the North American continent to the end of the Reconstruction period after the American Civil War.  Of special importance is how the social, political, diplomatic, cultural, ethnic, and economic relations and institutions changed over time. The course will also introduce students to the nature of historical interpretation and how to interpret sources written during the historical time periods investigated in the class.
Required Textbook:	Brinkley, Alan. The Unfinished Nation Volume I 5/e ISBN: 0-07-287910-6 Rolland, Charles P. An American Iliad: The Story of the Civil War 2/e ISBN: 9780073307015
Course Availability:	The course will become available the week before class begins on 8/22.
Instructor Contact:	You may contact me at the email address listed above. On weekdays I usually respond within 24 hours or less. At other times, including weekends, I check my email and class website every day. If you want to reach me by phone you may call my cell phone number above where you can also leave a voice-mail message.
On-Campus Requirement:	There are no requirements to attend on-campus meetings. All assignments are completed online.
Student Requirements:	Prerequisite:  None Recommended: English 150 Note: This is a writing intensive course.
Computer Set-Up and Skills	Your Computer Skills: Online courses require adequate computer skills. You should be able to navigate websites, open and download files, use a word processor and be able to convert files into rich text format, and submit files to Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the technological demands of the course. Computer Requirements: Most computers and internet providers are adequate. You will need shockwave and audio software (free and common with most computers) and speakers or headphones to listen to lectures (although there will be a text transcript available). I would recommend broadband services through cable, DSL, or satellite providers.  You need to have regular access to the internet at least twice a week for 15 weeks.
Online Commitment:	Your commitment will require at least as much time as you would dedicate to a traditional class. A typical 3 credit hour class will require about 9 hours per week of your time. You will need to listen to lectures or read lecture text files, read textbook chapters, participate in online discussions using a discussion board, complete quizzes, write and submit papers, and take online exams. Plan to be online at least 2-3 times each week.
Waitlist Policy:	Registration is easiest online using web advisor. I do not have a waitlist. If the class is closed, please do not contact me except under extraordinary circumstances as I will direct you to web advisor and encourage you to keep trying to add the class. Although the class may be closed you should check periodically as it will open whenever someone withdraws.
Accommodations:	If you need accommodations to succeed in this online class you should contact Disabled and Student Services Program at 707-476-4280 and the instructor. This course is designed to be accessible to students who have visual or auditory impairments.
Classroom "Time":	This online class requires weekly participation consistent with the College’s semester schedule. The class will be available at any hour with no requirements to participate at any given time.
Getting Started:	On or shortly after the College’s first day of class (8/22), go to the Blackboard login site at http://bb.redwoods.edu/   . Username and password instructions are available at this site. After you login you will find a link to the class where you will receive detailed instructions on how to proceed. You must participate fully by the end of the first week (Monday) or you may be dropped from the class. Please be sure that the College has your correct email address as this is my primary method for contacting you.