Course Syllabus

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 

COURSE SYLLABUS 

ADHSS Division  

Department of History 

US History to 1877 

HIST-140-308 - 11264.202601  

Spring 2026 

Instructor: Dr. Mendoza 

E-Mail: vmendoz4@jccc.edu 

Office Hours: T/H 2-3 Online Central Time and by appointment 

Course Information 

Class Meeting Times and Location: online 

Credit Hours: 3 

Prerequisites/corequisites: none 

Textbook: US History, Corbett et al. This textbook is required, open access, free online text. Textbook can be found under modules Openstax Principles of US History Readings  

Required Class Materials: You only need to access the textbook. Your textbook can be found under Modules. Openstax: Principles of US History Readings.

All other materials will be on Canvas 

Course Description 

This survey course in U.S. history emphasizes developments and trends in American society prior to European colonization through Reconstruction. Topics include the Colonial era, the Revolutionary period, the expansion of the Republic during the mid-19th century, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. The emphasis will be on analysis and interpretation of these developments.  

Course Objectives 

• Compare and contrast major figures and movements from the periods of American history under study. 

• Recognize the important developments and trends that shaped American society prior to 1877. 

• Use various types of historical perspectives to provide a complex understanding of United States history to 1877.  

• Assess change over time using primary and secondary sources.  

Attendance 

Educational research demonstrates that students who regularly attend and participate in all scheduled classes are more likely to succeed in college. Punctual and regular attendance at all scheduled classes, for the duration of the course, is regarded as integral to all courses and is expected of all students. 

You are expected to log into canvas several times a week to complete you assignments and to review and read the learning material. Logging into canvas daily is the best practice.  

Student Attendance Policyiv  

Faculty Initiated Withdrawal 

Because this is a 7 week course, you must log into canvas at least once during the first week or you will be dropped from the course. See JCCC policy on this: the link to the policyv. ]] 

Late Work and Makeup Policy 

At the instructors discretion, late work may be accepted with a reduction in points.  

Student Code of Conduct 

Students are bound by all sections of the JCCC Student Code of Conductvi as well as the Student Handbook vii. 

Academic Integrity, Cheating, or Plagiarism 

[[ Insert your specific academic integrity/cheating/plagiarism definitions, policies, penalties – the specific JCCC policy can be found in the Student Code of Conduct Link which is already referenced here on the syllabus. 

In higher education, Generative AI is a learning aid that creates content that may or may not be unique, such as text, images, video, music, or audio. It transforms or modifies existing content (e.g., rewriting, mashing up, designing, summarizing, or translating). The output is generated based on user prompts. 

AI Policy 

A word about the use of AI in this course: DON'T! I believe in you. I encourage you to believe in yourself too! You are a learner on a journey. Give yourself the chance to learn and grow instead of relying on a bot to do your work for you.  

Use of AI will result in a 0 for the assignment with no opportunity to re-do the work. Wouldn't it be better to earn a B doing your own work than earn a 0 by using AI? 

This includes use of programs such as Chat Gtp and similar. It is important as a historian and as a student to be able to synthesize and summarize in your own words. Employers value this skill and it is one that you will cultivate in this class.  

ADA Compliance 

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. 

If you are a student with a disability in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. 

• To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, email Access Services or call 913-469-3521. 

• Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202). 

Accessibility Statementviii 

Counseling Resources 

For academic, career, and personal counseling, visit the JCCC Counseling Centerix on the second floor of the Student Center. 

Methods of Evaluation and Grading Scale 

Course Assignment Descriptions 

You will have several opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the principles taught in this course. The primary means of evaluating your work will be through practical application of the material. In the event that you have difficulty completing any of the assignments for this course, please contact me immediately. Please refer to the canvas for complete details regarding the activities and assignments for this course. 

 Coursework for accelerated courses requires 12-15 hours of independent work each week. Some students may complete coursework in fewer hours and some students may require additional hours beyond the estimate. Careful consideration should be given to this estimate when planning your personal schedule. 

Course Action Items 

Each week you will have several reading materials and assignments due based on the learning materials. This includes: 

 Textbook chapters 

Primary source documents 

Primary source assignments 

Discussion post 

Weekly assignment 

End of module quiz 

Discussion Contributions 

• Initial Substantive Posts: Submit an initial response to each of the prompts provided each week by me. Your initial post should be substantive (approximately 150-200 words in length) and must be posted by midnight, Central Time by Wednesday of each week. In your substantive post you are encouraged to use references (you may use your textbook); show evidence of critical thinking as it applies to the concepts or prompt and/or use examples of the application of the concepts to work and life. Proper punctuation, grammar and correct spelling are expected. Please use the spell-check function. 

• Required Replies: You must reply to at least two different peers per prompt. Your replies should build on the concept discussed, offer a question to consider, or add a differing perspective, etc. Rather than responding with, "Good post," explain why the post is "good" (why it is important, useful, insightful, etc.). Or, if you disagree, respectfully share your alternative perspective. Just saying "I agree" or "Good idea" is not sufficient for the posts you would like graded. Think of your replies as part of a conversation. Replies are due no later than 11:59 pm Central time Sundays of each week.  

• Posting Guidelines: Overall, postings must be submitted on at least two separate days of the week. It is strongly recommended you visit the discussion forum throughout the week to read and respond to your peers’ postings. You are encouraged to post more than the required number of replies. 

Weekly Expectations: 

• All online weeks run from Monday to Sunday, except the last week, which ends on Saturday. 

• All assignments are due at 11:59 p.m.; Central Time.  

Course Grading Scale in percentage points is 90-100 A; 80-89 B; 70-79 C; 60-69 D; 59 and below F 

Grades calculation as follows:  

End of module quizzes: 15% 

Primary source assignments 30% 

Weekly assignments: 30% 

Discussion posts and replies: 25% 

Tentative Course Schedule (This schedule is subject to change. Keep an eye on Canvas.)

Week 1/Module 1 The Americas before “discovery” and Spanish exploration 

Intro to primary sources 

Week 2/ Module 2 The road to revolution 

Slavery and resistance 

Week 3/Module 3 The Revolution   

Week 4/Module 4 Building a Nation   

Week 5/ Module 5 Abolitionism and the Mexican American War 

Week 6/ Module 6 The Civil War and reconstruction 

Week 7/Module 7 Westward expansion 

Drop Deadlines 

View the drop deadlinesx for this course. 

After the 100% refund date, you will be financially responsible for the tuition charges: for details, search on Student Financial Responsibility on the JCCC web page. Changing your schedule may reduce eligibility for financial aid and other third-party funding. Courses not dropped will be graded. For questions about dropping courses, contact the Student Success Center at 913-469-3803. 

Campus Health and Safety Measures 

Follow all College Wellness and Safetyxi guidelines. 

Campus Safety 

Information regarding student safety can be found at http://www.jccc.edu/studentsafety. 

Classroom and campus safety are of paramount importance at Johnson County Community College and are the shared responsibility of the entire campus population. Please review the following: 

• Report Emergencies: to Campus Police (available 24 hours a day) 

• In person at the Midwest Trust Center (MTC 115) 

• Call 913-469-2500 (direct line) – Tip: program in your cell phone 

• Phone app – download the JCCC Guardian free campus safety app (http://www.jccc.edu/guardian) 

• Instant panic button and texting capability to Campus Police 

• Edit your account to specify language (English/Spanish) for alerts 

• Anonymous reports to KOPS-Watch – “If you see something…say something” 

• KOPS-Watch Reporting Site (http://www.jccc.edu/kops-watch) 

• or 888-258-3230 

• Be Alert: 

• Be an extra set of eyes and ears to help maintain campus safety 

• Trust your instincts 

• Report suspicious or unusual behavior/circumstances to Campus Police (see above) 

• Be Prepared: 

• Identify the red/white stripe Building Emergency Response floorplan posters (https://www.jccc.edu/about/campus/maps/buildings) throughout campus and online that show egress routes, shelter, and equipment 

• View ALICE training (critical incident response training – Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and/or Evacuate) – Student training video (http://www.jccc.edu/alice). 

• Familiarize yourself with the College Emergency Response Plan (http://www.jccc.edu/emergencyresponse). 

• During an Emergency: Notifications/Alerts (emergencies and inclement weather) are sent to all employees and students using email and text messaging 

• students are automatically enrolled, see JCCC Alert – Emergency Notification (http://www.jccc.edu/alert). 

• My JCCC/Links/JCCC Alert (RAVE) and keep your information current. 

• Edit your profile to receive alerts in English/Spanish