Master Syllabus HS1303, American History I 1492-1877

Credits 3 Lab Hours 0 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical Hours 0
Course Description

American History I is a course designed to cover the social, political, and economic events that have shaped America from 1492 to 1877. The course will survey major events in an interpretative nature to help give insights in understanding the American Nation. 

For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.

Program and/or Department Mission Statement

The mission of the Humanities and Social Sciences is to foster an appreciation of the role that the humanities and social sciences has played in the evolution of civilized society and to explore the ways that an understanding of theory and practice in philosophy, the social and behavioral sciences, the fine arts, and written and oral expression will enable students to participate thoughtfully in a global society.

Academic Year
AY2025-26
SCCC Outcomes

Outcome #1: Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained from their reading to broader issues of the day.

Outcome #2: Communicate ideas clearly and proficiently in writing, appropriately adjusting content and arrangement for varying audiences, purposes, and situations.

Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.

Outcome #7: Understand each other, moving beyond simple acceptance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of other cultures by working as a team to learn, engage communities, exhibit cultural awareness, and create equity.

Course Outcomes

Outcomes are in accordance with 2018 Kansas Core Outcomes Project. Upon completion of HS1303 America History I 1492-1877, students will be able to do the following:

  1. Describe historical perspectives and change over time by analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting primary and secondary historical sources.
  1. Describe and analyze the social, political, and economic developments of the following periods of American History
  • Describe major indigenous cultures of North America and evaluate their impact.
  • Describe and analyze significant political, social, economic, and diplomatic developments of the European exploration and colonization of North America.
  • Trace and evaluate causes, developments, and consequences of the American Revolution.
  • Describe and analyze significant events in the creation and development of American society, institutions, and political structures in the Early Republic.
  • Describe and analyze significant political, social, economic, and diplomatic developments, including territorial expansion and sectionalism, of antebellum America.
  • Trace the development of the trans-Atlantic slave trace and the practice of slavery in the American colonies, and analyze the impact of slavery on U.S. institutions, events, and peoples.
  • Trace and evaluate causes, developments, and consequences of the Civil War.
  • Describe the era of Reconstruction and evaluate its impact.
Course Outline

Reconstruction

  1. Exploration
  2. The English Colonies.
  3. The Colonial Experience.
  4. Rumblings of Revolt
  5. The Revolution
  6. Post War Problems.
  7. The Constitution.
  8. Early National Period.
  9. The Jeffersonians
  10. War of 1812
  11. Rise of the West.
  12. Rise of Nationalism.
  13. Jacksonian Democracy.
  14. Sectionalism.
  15. Cultural and Economic Changes.
  16. Stirring of Discontent
  17. Compromise of 1850.
  18. Prelude to War.
  19. Civil War.
  20. Reconstruction
Instructional Methods
  1. Lecture and discussion.
  2. Audio/Visual Aids.
  3. Computer Time.
Instructional Resources and Materials
  1. Textbook
  2. Library Resources.
  3. Audio-Visual Materials.
  4. Handouts.
Methods of Assessment

The final grade for the course reflects evaluation of the student’s work that are calculated as follows:

Outcomes 1, 2, and 5: Will be achieved by primary and secondary source written assessments and discussions designed to foster critical thinking, improve writing skills, address variegated audiences, and use analytical skills to construct arguments based on evidence.

Outcome 7: Students' essays will require demonstration of familiarity with lecture material and primary/secondary source material that focuses on the diversity of the American experience.

SCCC Policy

Academic Calendar
Academic Integrity
Technical Help

Technical support is available by contacting the SCCC IT Department at itech@sccc.edu

Canvas Help:  canvashelp@sccc.edu

View Computer Minimum Requirements

Canvas Student Orientation

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Seward County Community College (SCCC) is committed to ensuring digital and physical accessibility for all students, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. In alignment with the U.S. Department of Justice Title II accessibility compliance deadlines, SCCC continues to enhance the accessibility of its instructional materials, technology, and online content.

SCCC utilizes tools to evaluate and improve the accessibility of digital course content and help the College reach its compliance goals.

If you need support or academic accommodations due to a documented disability, please contact the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or visit the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic Building, Room A149.

To promote equal access, SCCC strives to provide captions and transcripts for all course videos and multimedia materials. If you encounter any issues with captions, transcripts, or other accessibility features in this course, please notify your instructor immediately so the issue can be addressed and corrected as quickly as possible.

SCCC remains committed to creating a learning environment that ensures all students can fully participate in academic programs and college activities.

Reviewed Date
Core Outcomes Project
The learning outcomes and competencies detailed in this course outline or syllabus meet, or exceed the learning outcomes and competencies specified by the Kansas Core Outcomes Groups project for this course as approved by the Kansas Board of Regents KRSN: HIS1010