Expectations

Commitment

You will have the opportunity to learn a lot about American History. Please contact me if you are worried about the weekly workload detailed below (I can give you strategies to make this course more manageable!): 

• • Read a minimum of two full textbook chapters (plus a number of primary and secondary sources) each week.

  • Submit 6 assignments each week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays).

  • Write at least 1500 words each week.

Hours per week

According to last semester’s students, you will need to spend, on average: 4 hours reading on each topic + 3 hours writing on each topic. Again, please contact me if you are worried about the workload (I can give you strategies to make this course more manageable!).

What you can expect from me:

• I will regularly communicate with you.

• I will be flexible.

• I will provide a supportive and trustworthy environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.

• I will care about your learning and challenge you to acquire new skills and knowledge.

• I will treat you with dignity and respect.

• I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.

What I will expect from you:

• You will strive to be an active participant in this course and do your best to meet due dates.

• You will maintain an open line of communication with me. 

• You will contact me when you have concerns about meeting a due date.

• You will treat your peers with dignity and respect.

• When you make a mistake (because you will, we all do), you will view it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Authenticity

Many of us may experience emotional reactions to the evidence encountered in the study of American History; it has the power to evoke strong emotions. Some may be triggered because the issues discussed are very real in our everyday lives. Others may feel upset because they are just discovering this information. It's important to acknowledge that all these feelings are valid. What truly matters is how we handle and process them. I hope we can challenge ourselves to pay attention to our emotions, reflect on what's triggering us, listen to and respect one another, and openly share these feelings with the class (or privately with me if you prefer). This honest and open dialogue is crucial for authentic learning and growth to take place. One of the most important assignments in this course, your Reflection assignments, will provide opportunities to process the emotional impact that this course may have on you.