Assigned+Readings

"Need to Reed" toc **Read** This is the first stage in the process. Reading assignments are posted below. You'll see links all over the place guiding you to the same place for your assigned readings - here. This stage is likely the simplest, but most important, because everything we do in this class is dependent upon you having read the material. The textbook will be our primary resource, and you'll find multiple links for textbook readings: (1) I'll always link to the online textbook login page with the page numbers (example: pp. 235-240), (2) I'll always link to a PDF version to the assigned sections - linked by section title - to download and have with you regardless of access (example: "Supporting the War Effort"), and (3) a direct link to the bookshelf for a hardcover book (example: link to bookshelf)
 * The "Need to Reed" (intentionally spelled wrong) was formerly known as the "Reading Assignment". It will be called the Need to Reed because it sounds better, reduces the perception that it is an assignment, and better identifies the importance of the readings provided in this course. Readings will be assigned per unit of study. Sometimes this unit will last a couple of days, others may last a couple of weeks. Accordingly, your assigned readings will vary in quantity. Your reading assignment will always proceed in the same order: "Read, Process, Post, & Discuss". **

**Process** Reading is not a passive process. I've never read anything in the absence of thought. Therefore, this second step in the reading assignment is intended to reflect the active nature of reading. While reading look for connections to things you already know. If you encounter something new, seek it out - look it up! Accompanying each reading will be a few questions that should be in mind while reading. These questions are intended to drive the next phase, but might be good to be aware of while reading.

**Post** So far you've learned that you are expected to read, and think while you read. Consider this step as the output phase. What were you thinking? As mentioned, there will be a few questions that accompany each reading. These questions should serve as the basis for a written output, but feel free deviate from those questions to reflect your thoughts. These reading responses are a formal writing assignment (125-250 words) and should therefore be typed into Pages first before posting by copying and pasting from Pages into the forum.

Where to post? This should not be difficult. There'll be a link at the bottom of each reading assignment page (below), the forum in which to post your response will be on that page. This post will have a due date listed above the forum.

**Discuss** After posting your initial response, there will be a few days for you to read through the responses you classmates had to the readings. As you read, post a reply to a classmates' response. Why would you reply to someone else's response? Maybe they expressed a similar thought as you; maybe they expressed thoughts completely different from yours; maybe what they wrote inspired a question that you'd like to ask; maybe something new from the reading came out that was prompted by their post, etc... These are examples of good reasons to reply. Bad reasons are to say "Nice job." or "Well done." These responses to classmates' posts will be due as posted, and will always follow the initial posting by a few days.

= List of Curriculum Topics and Assigned Readings = These are in order of when we'll cover them. This may deviate from the numerical order at times. Pay attention.

Foundations in U.S. History and Geography
F1.1: Core Ideals of American Society F1.2: Role of Individuals in Shaping History F2.1: Trends and transformations in American life prior to 1877