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Prerequisite

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing this course, you should be able to do the following:

  • Explore elements that contribute to the unique character of America.

  • Discuss the freedoms and principles that are incorporated in the character of America and how they have been expanded and refined throughout the years.

  • Gain an appreciation of the legacy of freedom and justice established by the Founding Fathers.

  • Identify individuals who have made significant contributions to building the character of America.

  • Utilize what you have learned about the character of America as you make decisions that reflect positively on you, your family, and society.

Course Materials

All the materials you need are included in the course. You do not have to buy any additional textbooks.

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Assignments

You will complete these assignments during the course.

Self Checks

As you work through each lesson, you will find Self Check questions on important facts about the reading. These questions do not count toward your grade but will help you to prepare for the unit quizzes and final exam.

Unit quizzes

The computer-graded unit quizzes are more comprehensive, asking you to apply what you have learned so far in the unit and to interpret the meanings found in the reading selections. These assignments are graded, so try to do your best on them.

Portfolio Assignments

You will also be completing portfolio assignments that are found at the end of each unit. The portfolio assignment will help you apply what you have learned in the unit. The portfolios should be a fun way to express your learning. However, you will need to pay special attention to the rubric for each of the portfolio assignments to identify how each entry will be graded. There are 10 assignments. The rubrics for most of the portfolio assignments will be different, so make sure you read and understand the rubric (and the assignment) before you start. Keep these portfolio assignments together but do not submit them until you complete Unit 9. You will electronically submit them together as a complete portfolio.

A NOTE ABOUT PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is a form of cheating. It is taking the work of someone else and claiming it as your own. To simply copy and paste ideas, words, or stories from the Internet is stealing. This will NOT be tolerated.

Exams

You will complete one final exam for this course. The final exam consists of 72 multiple-choice questions taken from all nine units. The exam covers reading selections and discussion material that you will study in the course.

Grading

Your grade in this course will be based on these assignments and exams:

Assignment or Exam Grading Percent of Total Grade
9 Unit Quizzes Computer 54%
1 Portfolio Assignment] Instructor 20%
1 Final Exam* Computer 26%

* You must pass the final exam with at least a 60% to earn credit for the course.

Grade Scale

Your letter grade is calculated according to these percentages.

A 93% - 100%
A- 90% - 92%
B+ 87% – 89%
B 83% - 86%
B- 80% - 82%
C+ 77% - 79%
C 73% - 76%
C- 70% - 72%
D+ 67% - 69%
D 63% - 66%
D- 60% - 62%
F (fail) 0% - 59%

Getting Help

Please use the help menu in this course to contact Academy of America or your instructor. You can find information about tutoring available to Academy of America students on the Tutoring website.

The Resources page offers a wide variety of services to support you:

  • Academic success skills coaching such as time management, study skills, test preparation, motivation, and more.

  • Course-specific support that includes live tutoring and on-demand resources.

Come find out how we can help you achieve your goals.

Course Policies

For information about how long you have to complete the course, resubmitting assignments, retaking exams, and other questions, please see Academy of America’s Policies.

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