Online Class: American Heroes and Villains

This course will provide a biographical overview of notable American heroes and villains, along with an analysis of why each one is well-known in our history.
Self-Paced, Online Class
Ocean County Library
 
  • 14
    Lessons
  • 29
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 858
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 8
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.8
    CEUs
  •  
    Video Audit
    Available
 
 
 

Course Description

America's Pantheon of Heroes and Villains

Every epoch has its marquee names that transcend the annals of history—individuals whose deeds, for better or worse, shape the contours of their nation's saga. The United States, with its rich tapestry of narratives, is no exception. From paragons of virtue to those who danced with their darker selves, the U.S. landscape is peppered with figures who have punctuated its story, leaving indelible marks. But what alchemy of fate, choices, and national zeitgeist elevates someone into the realm of household recognition?

Dive deep into "American Heroes and Villains" to embark on an illuminating journey, one that delves into the intricate interplay of personal choices and societal context. What distinguishes George Washington's statesmanship from Charles Manson's notoriety? How do individuals like Jesse James, a legendary outlaw, and Linus Pauling, a groundbreaking scientist, find themselves immortalized in America's collective psyche?

Our course is not merely a parade of biographies. Instead, it's an exploration, an excavation of the underlying currents that cast certain individuals into the spotlight. Beyond a mere recounting of their lives, we unravel the complex tapestry of historical, societal, and personal factors that enshrined them in the pantheon of American icons.

Through meticulously crafted modules, you will:

  • Delve into captivating biographical overviews of America's luminaries and those who courted controversy.
  • Engage in rich analyses, discerning what renders these individuals iconic in the vast tableau of American history.
  • Understand the multifaceted criteria underpinning the rise (or fall) of these personas in the nation's consciousness.

As we navigate the nuanced terrains of heroism and infamy, this exciting course promises to be more than just a history lesson. It's an invitation to a deeper understanding of the American ethos and the myriad personalities that have sculpted it.

Join us, as we unveil the tales of those who've touched the very soul of America, weaving its narrative of greatness, grit, light, and shadow.

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Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.7 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,086 votes)

  • Lesson 1. An Introduction to America's Heroes and Villains

    This lesson will establish the basic learning parameters for the course.

  • Lesson 2. Early America

    We will concern ourselves here with the period of history after Europeans first discovered the New World beginning, of course, in 1492 AD.

  • Lesson 3. Colonial America

    Once the European powers decided that the New World was more valuable as a resource in and of itself, they slowed their search for a route to Asia and began to establish colonies in the lands that they had discovered.

  • Lesson 4. Revolutionary America, Part I

    The Revolutionary Period of American history is the point in history where America begins to gain an identity of its own.

  • Lesson 5. Revolutionary America, Part II

    This lesson continues the overview of American heroes and villains from the Revolutionary War period that lasted from 1763 to 1783 AD.

  • Lesson 6. The Young Republic

    Following the Revolutionary War, America was still searching for its identity as a nation and trying to stabilize after a lengthy military conflict with the British Empire.

  • Lesson 7. Expansion and Reform Era

    As the country fended off the British again in the War of 1812, it became apparent that no further threats would be coming from Europe in the ensuing years.

  • Lesson 8. Civil War and Reconstruction

    As the years wore on the country seemed on an inescapable path toward Civil War, and it was.

  • Lesson 9. The Wild West and the Second Industrial Revolution

    Following the Civil War and the Reconstruction period of American history, a new wave of industrialization swept across the land.

  • Lesson 10. World War I

    With Europe erupting into a full scale war, the United States reluctantly joined the fray toward the end of the Great War or World War I, as it later came to be called.

  • Lesson 11. World War II and Korea

    World War II was a difficult time in America. Fighting a major war in two theatres (Europe and the Pacific), Americans were desperate for heroes, and villains who they could blame all the fighting on.

  • Lesson 12. Post War to the End of the Century, Part I

    Following the conclusion of World War II, America underwent the longest peace time boom of any nation on Earth.

  • Lesson 13. Post War to the End of the Century, Part II

    This lesson is a continuation of the heroes and villains from the end of World War II to the end of the twentieth century.

  • Lesson 14. The New Millennium

    The New Millennium brings with it a number of challenges that have never been faced before in human history.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define what it means to be considered an American hero or villain.
  • Summarize American heroes and villains in early America.
  • Summarize American heroes and villains in the Expansion and Reform Era.
  • Summarize American heroes and villains in the Civil War and Reconstruction.
  • Summarize American heroes and villains in The Wild West and the Second Industrial Revolution.
  • Summarize American heroes and villains in World War I, World War II and the Korean War
  • Summarize American heroes and villains in Post War to the End of the Century
  • Post War to the End of the Century, Part II
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: American Heroes and Villains
Course Number: 8900124
Lessons Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars (1,086 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Last Updated: June 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.8 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

  • "I loved the instructor videos, giving information and talking about time frames and the topic we were currently learning about." -- Angela C.
  • "Excellent instructor." -- Deborah D.
  • "The instructor is very knowledgeable." -- Judy R.
  • "This was a FANTASTIC course! I learned so much that I didn't even know I was interested in. The best part was being able to pick which hero or villain you could write about. In figuring out which one to write about, I learned a tremendous amount about the other people in the assignments." -- Donna N.
  • "Instructor McKenna was well equipped to handle questions I had" -- Randall M.
  • "Mac was an excellent instructor, very interactive. I hope to run into him again." -- L T.

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