Course Syllabus

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Syllabus United States History A

Welcome

Welcome to United States History A! We’re so glad you’re here.

Every lesson is designed to help you grow as a thinker, problem solver, and global learner. As a Mizzou Academy global student, you will complete lessons and assignments on your own schedule, interacting with course content, participating in interactives, and completing practice activities, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams.

To stay on track, we recommend using a pacing guide. You can find more information about pacing in the Course Resources section, along with helpful tools, technology support, and tips for online learning success.

As you begin, remember that online learning requires both independence and communication. Be curious, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher if you need support.

We’re excited to learn with you, and we’re happy you’re part of our Mizzou Academy community! 

Pacing

This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment.

This course is asynchronous, meaning you can complete lessons and assignments at your own pace.

Most students spend approximately 10 hours per lesson interacting with course content, participating in interactive activities, and completing practice exercises, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams. Your time may vary depending on your goals and learning style. 

We encourage you to work at a consistent pace, allowing time to absorb new ideas, build skills, and reflect on what you’ve learned. Use a pacing guide to plan ahead, stay organized, and finish strong. 

Course Description

U.S. History A examines the major events and turning points in the nation's history from the early inhabitants through the modern age, with an emphasis on the themes of politics and foreign policy. You will study how dynamic leadership led to domestic political change as well as the rise of the U.S. to global prominence and the importance of modern political developments.

 

US History A begins with an overview of North America's major indigenous nations and their first interactions with European explorers and ends with the political realities of the 21st Century.  In addition, the course teaches students how to read, understand, analyze, and interpret a wide variety of both primary and secondary texts together with maps, graphs, and pictorial materials.  Lastly, students will put their knowledge and understanding into practice through written communication skills.

Course Essential Questions

  • How did American democracy begin and how has it changed throughout the history of the country?
  • How have war, expansion, and struggles for power shaped the growth of the United States?
  • How do historians use primary and secondary sources to understand and tell stories of the past?

Course Overview

United States History A

Lesson

Objectives

Quiz

Assignment

1: Foundations of Democracy

1.1 Explain how the realities of colonial life led to the development of democratic institutions.

5 MCQ

N/A

2: The Development of Foreign Policy in the United States

2.1 Explain how a philosophy of international relations developed in the United States.

5 MCQ

L2 Assignment: History through Lyrics

3: Representative Democracy in the Nineteenth Century

3.1 Analyze the factors that created changes in representative democracy.

5 MCQ

N/A

4: Immigration and Imperialism in the Late 19th Century

4.1 Analyze how imperialism turned the United States into a world power.

4.2 Discuss the influence of immigration on United States foreign policy.

5 MCQ

Lesson 4: Historical Photo Analysis

5: Document Analysis

5.1 Apply the SOAPS process for analyzing a primary source document.

N/A

L5 Primary Source Analysis – Hawaii


(or n/a)

Midterm Exam - 36 MCQ

6: From the Progressives to Civil Rights

6.1 Describe the social and political movements that expanded the rights of women and other minorities.

5 MCQ

N/A

7: Isolationism Comes To An End

7.1 Discuss how events served to push the United States out of isolationism and into the role of a leader.

5 MCQ

L7: Truman Doctrine Analysis

8: The Post-World War II Era Brings Many Changes

8.1 Demonstrate an understanding of how ideological conflicts shaped international relations in the last half of the twentieth century.

5 MCQ

N/A

9: 21st Century Issues At Home and Abroad

9.1 Analyze how the terrorist attack of 9/11 changed the relationship of the United States and the world.

9.2 Explain how political polarization developed in the United States.

5 MCQ

L9: Impeachment

10: Political Cartoons

10.1 Analyze an editorial cartoon and explain its components.

N/A

L10: Political Cartoons

Final Exam - 35 MCQ

 

Grades

Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on submitted work and exams. The available points are distributed as follows:

Source Available Points
Lesson Assignments 95
Lesson Quizzes 40
Midterm Exam 95
Final Exam 95
Total 325

 

Textbook & Technology Requirements

To fully participate, make sure you have:

  • A computer that meets our Mizzou Academy technology requirements
  • A microphone and webcam for recording audio and video assignments
  • Any other required textbooks or materials for the course

Textbook

No textbook is required.

Technology

The most up-to-date requirements can be found here: 

Additional requirements for the course are below: 

  • audio and video recording capabilities (e.g., smartphone, camera)

If you ever have trouble accessing course materials or recording tools, reach out to your teacher for support. We are here to help!

Accessibility

If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.

Canvas Technical Support

Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due