Spring 2019 Course Syllabi

Dakota College Course Syllabus Course Title: HIST 220 - History of North Dakota Credits: 3 Instructor: Aimee Duchsherer Williamson Contact Info: Please use course mail as your first means of communication with me. If this is impossible for whatever reason, then you may email me at aimee.duchsherer@dakotacollege.edu . Course Description: This course will examine the history of North Dakota from earliest geological times forward. Students will examine such subjects as glaciation, land forms, Native American nations, early trading activity, military exploration and outposts, farming and ranching, statehood, state politics, economies, and the development of technology. Within and beyond these topics, this course allows students significant freedom to explore those areas of North Dakota History of greatest interest to them. Course Objectives: This course has four objectives. 1. Students will be able to identify key historical events and people and the forces surrounding those events. In other words, students will have a grasp of the basic elements of North Dakota History. 2. Students will improve critical thinking skills through thesis based discussion. 3. Students will increase their familiarity with cultures within North Dakota that are different from their own cultures. 4. Students will take from this course the unique preparation that a digital course offers for a digital age. More and more work is done online, and this requires a new kind of professionalism. The ability to assert one's position in a credible and collegial manner is crucial to communication through electronic media. Proper grammar is of the utmost importance in establishing one's credibility in a world where the written word is the primary means of communication as is the case in digital communication. Particularly in the online world, the written word represents people. This course is designed to prepare students for working in a digital community. Texts:  Robinson, Elwin B. History of North Dakota. ISBN-13: 978-0911042436  Laskin, David. The Children's Blizzard. ISBN-13: 978-0060520762  Sherman, William C., and Playford V. Thorson, eds. Plains Folk: North Dakota's Ethnic History. Institute for Regional Studies, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 1986.  Free supplemental and primary source materials via the course site. Course Requirements and Grading: Total points available = 1,000 points Testing: ◦ 4 quizzes (non-cumulative), 50 points each = 200 points ◦ 1 final exam (cumulative) = 100 points ◦ Total: 300 Points Quizzes are non-cumulative and multiple choice. The final exam is cumulative and multiple choice.