American history offers one of the most unique and interesting portraits of a successful nation built from the humblest of beginnings. The great experiment that is American democracy and government encapsulates fundamental lessons in constitutionalism, federalism, checks and balances, bureaucracy, civil rights and civil liberties as well as the importance and effects of political participation and behavior as it impacts policy formation. All of these concepts combine to produce one of the most unique government institutions in the world and a comprehensive understanding of its inner workings, strengths and limitations ensures public policy professionals, elected officials, community organizers, public officials and their staff at all levels have an educated and informed view of American government as a whole and as compared with other governments around the world.

This program introduces Learners to the fundamentals of American government and politics focusing on the historical evolution of government and policies, the major institutions, and the major processes. Throughout the program, Learners will evaluate the various characteristics unique to American government through the critical lens of history and current international developments with a constant eye toward future limitations or promises still to be met. Offering Learners an in-depth look at the fascinating developments that make up American History, Learners will gain a fundamental understanding of the history that has led to a successful nation today, the roots of various difficulties that continue to test the United States and the basic foundations that have endured through history to guide decisions for years to come. Alongside and in-depth look at how American government works, this course delivers a broad survey of American history from New World exploration and settlement through Independence, the Civil War, Reconstruction, Manifest Destiny, the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and two World Wars all colored by the social, political and cultural developments that led to the US as it stands today.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Outline the institutional structures and how these structures interact with each other to explain the processes of government
• Apply an understanding of government processes to analyze contemporary politics
• Explain how the historical development of the United States affects the contemporary political environment
• Analyze the formal and informal processes by which public policy is made
• Explain how individual actors impact the contemporary political environment
• Apply informational literacy skills in the study of politics
• Describe the peoples of North America between 30,000 B.C. and 1682 A.D.
• Label significant American historical events on a timeline
• Examine the diversity present in the seventeenth century English Colonies
• Examine the challenges faced by Colonial families in a growing and diverse America
• Analyze the causes and events of the American Revolution
• Explain republican culture
• Analyze the challenges of the new democracy
• Analyze the steps involved in creating a democracy
• Examine inequalities in race and gender and their impact on American society
• Evaluate the changing role of the family in Colonial America
• Explain the pre-war division between the North and South
• Analyze the reasons for and events of the Civil War
• Investigate issues related to post-war reconstruction
• Examine the conquest and exploitation of the West
• Label significant American historical events on a timeline
• Analyze the role of industrialization on society
• Explain the changes in urban society and the government
• Examine the Roosevelt presidency and the changing face of industrialism
• Analyze the Age of Progressivism
• Examine America's role in World War I
• Evaluate the cultural challenges of the 1920s and 1930s
• Investigate issues leading to the Cold War
• Examine post-World War II culture
• Examine the political issues of the 1970s
• Examine the Reagan and Bush Administrations' role in American society
• Examine the Democratic revival in the 1990s
• Use Microsoft Office®

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) American History & Government (USGOV)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As students progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.