Online Class: American Heroes and Villains

Discover the dynamics between fate, choice, and national ethos that forge America's celebrated or notorious personas, from foundational leaders to infamous outlaws. With captivating insights and analyses, this course deciphers the complex tapestry of history and society that enshrines individuals in the American pantheon.
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  • 14
    Lessons
  • 29
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 875
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 8
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.8
    CEUs
 
 
 

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.

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.69 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,099 votes)

Lesson 1. Heroes and Villains: An American Inquiry

Introducing how psychology, historical eras, and names shape American heroes and villains, this lesson previews a course filled with biographical sketches and ambiguous figures. It presents a structured journey through history, inviting learners to reflect on societal perceptions. 34 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video A
  • Lesson 1 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-Activity-14610.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Heros and Villains; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 1: An Introduction to America’s Heroes and Villains

Lesson 2. Explorers Unveiled: The Men Who Mapped the New World

This lesson focuses on the period of Early America post-discovery by Europeans, emphasizing the duality of explorers as heroes or villains. Notable figures like Vespucci, Columbus, Hudson, and Cabot shaped America's initial development. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video A
  • Lesson 2 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-WordSearch-14613.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2: Early America

Lesson 3. Pirates and Pioneers: Faces of the New World

Transitioning focus from unreachable Asian routes, European nations ventured into colony creation in the New World, a period brought to life by intrepid figures. Fearsome pirates like Black Bart contended with the noble efforts of John Smith and William Bradford, who navigated harsh conditions and forged crucial connections with native groups to ensure the survival of their settlements. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video A
  • Lesson 3 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-Downloadable-14617.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3: Colonial America

Lesson 4. The Rise of American Identity

America's Revolutionary journey saw figures like Benedict Arnold, a brilliant strategist turned traitor, and George Washington, whose leadership led to an improbable victory. As colonial aspirations clashed with British rule, these heroes and villains shaped the emerging nation's destiny. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video A
  • Lesson 4 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-WorkSheet-14620.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 4: Revolutionary America, Part I

Lesson 5. Unsung Architects of Liberty: Heroes and Villains of Revolutionary America

Lord Frederick North, as Prime Minister during the American Revolution, enforced contentious Acts that fueled colonial discontent and revolution. His legacy is marred by the failure to quell the uprising and the subsequent loss of the American colonies. Additional lesson topics: John Adams 34 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video A
  • Lesson 5 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-WordSearch-14622.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5: Revolutionary America, Part II

Lesson 6. From Revolution to Republic: Trials and Triumphs

Following the Revolutionary War, America's early leadership faced financial crises and formed defining doctrines, while navigating unstable political terrains and shifting societal needs. Key figures like Aaron Burr, who was marred by scandal despite political success, contrasted with heroic leaders like James Madison who championed constitutional foundations. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video A
  • Lesson 6 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-HomeWork-14627.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Historical Era
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 6: The Young Republic

Lesson 7. The Expansion and Reform Era: Heroes, Villains, Pioneers

Henry David Thoreau emerged as a philosophical force advocating for individual rights and abolitionism, through works like 'Civil Disobedience' that challenged unjust governance. Meanwhile, radical anti-slavery figures like John Brown and Nat Turner employed violent methods, revealing tensions between moral ends and controversial means. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video A
  • Lesson 7 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-Downloadable-14630.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7: Expansion and Reform Era

Lesson 8. Rebuilding After Dismantling

The Civil War era has complex narratives of heroism and villainy, exemplified by figures like Robert E. Lee, whose military prowess is contrasted by his controversial moral stance, and John Wilkes Booth, whose infamous act changed the course of American history. 34 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video A
  • Lesson 8 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-Activity-14634.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8: Civil War and Reconstruction

Lesson 9. Legends and Innovators: Icons of the Wild West and Industrial Revolution

Following the Civil War, the Gilded Age sparked a technological boom led by steel production and the assembly line, revolutionizing American industry. Influential figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison made groundbreaking advancements, reshaping communication and technology. 55 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video A
  • Lesson 9 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-Activity-14638.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: Henry Ford Racist?
  • Assessment: Lesson 9: The Wild West and the Second Industrial Revolution

Lesson 10. World War I Personalities

With the invention of the machine gun by Sir Hiram Maxim, warfare tactics were revolutionized, impacting both World War I and beyond. Simultaneously, figures such as Ernest Hemingway captured this tumultuous period in literature, reshaping American narratives. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video A
  • Lesson 10 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-HomeWork-14642.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 10: World War I

Lesson 11. Unsung and Infamous: Key Figures from WWII and the Korean War

Jesse Owens became a symbol of defiance against Nazi racial ideology by winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. His achievements not only humiliated Hitler but also inspired hope and pride amid the gathering clouds of war. 34 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video A
  • Lesson 11 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-HomeWork-14646.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 11: World War II and Korea

Lesson 12. Heroes and Villains: Influential Figures from the Post-War Era

Post-WWII America soared in peace and technology, contrasted by Cold War-era anxieties, with public figures like Billy Graham and notorious individuals such as the Rosenbergs shaping national dialogue. Influential moments like the Cold War's Miracle on Ice and Billy Graham's moral leadership defined this period of societal transformation. Additional lesson topics: SI's Several Facts about Miracle on Ice 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video A
  • Lesson 12 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-HomeWork-14650.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 12: Post War to the End of the Century, Part I

Lesson 13. Leaders and Legacies: A Look at Post-War Titans

Twentieth-century transformations included heroic achievements by figures like Neil Armstrong and Norman Schwarzkopf contrasted sharply with global terror orchestrated by Osama bin Laden and domestic extremism from Ted Bundy. These events reflect fundamental shifts in societal narratives on conflict and exploration. 35 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video A
  • Lesson 13 Video B : Lesson Discussion
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-13-HomeWork-14654.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 13: Post War to the End of the Century, Part II

Lesson 14. The New Millennium's Dynamic Personalities

The new millennium has introduced unprecedented challenges, with notable figures emerging as heroes and villains shaping American society. This lesson spotlights key players like Barack Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu as heroes, while highlighting villains such as Anwar al-Awlaki and Bernard Madoff. 33 Total Points
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-14-Downloadable-14657.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Hero; Villain; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 14 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 14: The New Millennium
504
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe the impact of historical era on individual behavior as discussed in the course.
  • Identify key psychological factors that contribute to people becoming recognized as heroes or villains in American history.
  • Define the key contributions of Amerigo Vespucci, Christopher Columbus, Henry Hudson, and John Cabot to the exploration of the New World.
  • Evaluate differing historical perspectives regarding the heroism or villainy of early European explorers in the context of American history.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the impact of key historical figures by summarizing their contributions to Colonial America.
  • Identify and differentiate between the roles and actions of notable heroes and villains during the Colonial American period.
  • Analyze the impact of Benedict Arnold's defection on American morale and the revolutionary cause during the American Revolutionary War.
  • Recognize the contributions of key figures in Revolutionary America by identifying their roles and actions during the period 1763–1783.
  • Compare the policies of King George III and Lord Frederick North and evaluate their impact on the American Revolutionary War.
  • Identify the key contributions of John Adams to the American Revolution, including his role in the Declaration of Independence.
  • Describe the impact of Shays' Rebellion on the development of federal laws and the stability of the early United States government.
  • Identify and compare the political contributions of key figures in early American history, including Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and Thomas Jefferson.
  • Recognize the impact of key figures from the Expansion and Reform Era on American politics and society, by identifying their roles and contributions.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
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Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: American Heroes and Villains
Course Number: 8900124
Lessons Rating: 4.69 / 5 Stars (1,099 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Accessible from any state in the U.S., this course covers key areas such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also offered in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: June 2024
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.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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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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