American and African- American History
Michael Thompson, Instructor
Why Study History?
"History, as nearly no one seems to know, is not merely something to be read. And it does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely be otherwise, since it is to history that we owe our frames of reference, our identities, and our aspirations.”
James Baldwin
History is not simply the practice of memorizing names, dates, and events. It is an active engagement with the past. We will read and analyze material from both the present and the past to help you come to your own (and better) understanding of American history. In doing so, you will discover that there can be multiple interpretations and disagreements in the practice of history. The goal is not to memorize a single story of the past. The goals are to develop the tools and skills you need to develop your own informed versions of our shared history.
My Teaching Philosophy
Learning happens in a community of student-scholars asking questions and seeking answers. My job as an instructor is to help create that community in each course I teach. It's also my job to help you build the skills you need to ask questions (of me, each other and the course material), to seek out answers (individually and together) and to express the knowledge you develop in that process. Being a member of a community of student-scholars doesn't require that you always have the answers or comprehend everything your read or watch the first time you review it. It does require your active engagement and participation in the class and a desire to expand your understanding and connection to the past.
Preparing for Online Learning
Preparing for Online Learning
There is no textbook to purchase for this course. You will review the readings and videos for the class through the course website. Chabot College uses the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Online learning requires different skills and study habits than traditional, face-to-face classrooms. Whether this is your first time taking online classes, or you have taken a few in the past; you will find that these resources are tailored to your needs and are focused on enhancing the academic and technical skills needed for success in the online learning environment. You can return to these resources any time during the semester to view the tutorials!
Technology Readiness
Online classes are typically taken through the use of desktop or laptop computers. Generally, if you have a computer that is not too old, it should work for the class. The Canvas LMS works best with the Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari web browsers. If you aren't sure, check here to see if your browser and computer are compatible. Check here to test your computer's readiness.
I strive to make the course content and assignments accessible on mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). To be honest, however, attempting to take an online class on a mobile device can be difficult, at best. Your access to the class also will require consistent access to the internet. If you have questions or concerns about your access to technology or consistent internet service, please contact me. Chabot College has loan programs for both laptop computers and mobile hotspots.
Online Learning Readiness Tutorials
If you are new to online learning or even if you have already taken at least one online course, the information provided in these tutorials will be helpful in both preparing you and giving you general answers that may come up during the semester. Please complete the Online Learning: Readiness Tutorials.
Tempted to move on to the next Step even though this is your first online class? Trust me, you really should look at these tutorials. Take the time now to make sure this online course is the best option for you.
Canvas Student Getting Started Guide
If you are new to the Canvas Learning Management System (Canvas LMS) you might also want to review this Canvas Student Getting Started Guide. While checking out the guide, set your notification preferences in Canvas to receive updates via email or text.
Student Support Services
Let's Help You Find the Answer
When we need help, our frustration level tends to rise. It is very important that you do not fall behind. If you are having problems understanding the material, you need to get some extra help right away. Here is a handy reminder of where you can go to get the help you need. The following is a list of resources you can find at Chabot, both on and off-campus.
Your first step could be to reach out to me. My contact information is at the bottom of this webpage.
Academic Resources
We have some amazing student resources here on campus. They're all FREE!
STEM Center: (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) The STEM Center (room 3906) offers free drop-in tutoring for math from instructors and student tutors, and is open to students from all levels of math and some science courses.
Learning Connection: If students would like a longer appointment with a tutor, the Learning Connection (room 108) offers individual and group tutoring. Both recurring weekly appointments and one-time appointments are available.
WRAC Center: (Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum) Are you having trouble with reading and writing assignments? Come to the WRAC Center (room 108)!
El Centro: El Centro is a friendly, one-stop resource center for all students and their families, providing assistance and information connecting students to resources they need to accelerate and succeed at Chabot College.
Disabled Students Resource Center (DSRC): The DSRC at Chabot College serves the needs of students with a variety of disabilities, including physical, communicative, psychological, and/or learning disabilities.
Chabot Library - The Chabot College Library is committed to teaching and promoting the use of information resources to support students’ information literacy and critical thinking.
Contact a librarian in person in Building 100, via phone at 510.723.7006, email, online chat, or text.
Tech Resources
Canvas Support
Check the Canvas Guides.
Call Canvas Support at 1.844.589.3855 - a real person will pick up and help them!
Zonemail Support
Please contact the Zone Help Desk at helpzone@clpccd.org or 925.424.1710 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm).
Financial Resources
Student Learning Communities
Basic Needs Resources
Medical Resources
The Chabot Student Health and Wellness Center is committed to providing Free and Low Cost health care services in a safe and healthy environment for all currently enrolled Chabot College students.
Community Screening and Enrolling Sites for Uninsured Students and Families
Mental Health Resources
Our counselors can help you with your education plan, answer questions, and offer skills and support to help you succeed. Students are encouraged to collaborate with a counselor early in their educational journey. Drop in to get counseling, make an appointment in person, or get online counseling.
Chabot Mental Health Services - Building 2300, 2nd floor, Room 2350
All mental health counseling services are CONFIDENTIAL and free for all registered Chabot College students.
Crisis counseling
Short term individual counseling- typically 6 sessions per semester
Referrals for mental health services in the community
Support Groups
Woman's Circle
Contact sashraf@chabotcollege.edu
Rootz2Rise Men's Group
Contact: jpanella@chabotcollege.edu
Justice Arts Collective
Contact: jpanella@chabotcollege.edu
CARES Drumming Circle
Contact: jpanella@chabotcollege.edu
Text: "COURAGE" To: 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1.800.273.TALK
1.888.628.9454, Spanish
Alameda County Crisis Hotline
1.800.309.2131
Call 211 or visit http://www.211.org - free, confidential, 3-digit phone number and service that provides easy access to housing info, and critical health and human services.
Food Resources
Fresh Food Pantry
The FRESH Food and Life Pantry is a student-led organization that addresses food insecurity at Chabot College and the larger community to reduce hunger as a roadblock to educational and personal achievement.
FRESH offers free fresh produce and non-perishable foods at our bi-monthly pop-ups. Pop-ups are held every semester on the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Wednesday of the month, including summer, in Building 2300.
CalFresh Food - Students can apply students.getca
Additional Resources:
Chabot College Community Resource Folder
Community Resource Guide ⬅ This is am AMAZING guide for Food, Medical, and Housing resources!
Let's Get Started!
To get started on the class in the Canvas website for the class in which you enrolled, click on this link to go to the Chabot College Canvas site. Your class website will become available a few days before classes begin. You will need to know your "W" number. Your password (unless you have recently changed it) will be the first two letters of your first name, the first two letters of your last name, followed by the last four digits of your "W" number.
Contact Information
Email: mthompson@chabotcollege.edu (College email address); mthompson.chabot@gmail.com (email address I created just for student email)
Phone/text: (510) 761-6595
Office Hours : These hours will be determined after the beginning of the semester.