Course Syllabus

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JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 

COURSE SYLLABUS 

ADHSS Division  

Department of History 

US History Since 1877 

HIST-141-306 - 60301.202606 

Summer 2026 

Instructor: Dr. Mendoza 

Office Phone:  

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. All other materials will be on Canvas 

Course Description 

This survey course will introduce students to developments and trends in American society from the late 1870s to the present. Topics will include the Reconstruction era, industrialization, immigration, reform movements, wars, social and cultural trends, and foreign policy. Emphasis will be on analysis and interpretation of these developments. This course may offer Honors sections; check the current credit class schedule for details. 

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 from 1877 to the present. 
  • Use various historical methodologies to provide a complex understanding of United States history from 1877 to the present.  
  • 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 your 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 instructor's 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 

 

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 generative 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 generative 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. 

  • 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 

Watching videos 

Weekly assignment 

End of module quiz 

Weekly Expectations: 

  • All assignments are due Sunday 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: 7%   

Primary source assignments 42%   

Weekly assignments: 42%   

End of Course quiz 9% 

Tentative Course Schedule 

Week 1/Module 1 The Wild West 

Week 2/ Module 2 Turn of the Century changes 

Week 3/Module 3 Wars 

Week 4/Module 4 Post War Civil Rights 

Week 5/ Module 5 Civil Rights Echos 

Week 6/ Module 6 Migration Redux 

Week 7/Module 7 21st Century 

*This syllabus is subject to change  

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 
  • 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” 
  • 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: 
  • During an Emergency: Notifications/Alerts (emergencies and inclement weather) are sent to all employees and students using email and text messaging 
  • My JCCC/Links/JCCC Alert (RAVE) and keep your information current. 
  • Edit your profile to receive alerts in English/Spanish 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due