We offer distance learning courses that are recommended for college credit by the NCCRS in the following subjects:
History and Political Science
American Government
(POL-121)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
January 2020 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: evaluate the structures and processes of American government and politics, the collective action challenges inherent in this system and the practical implications of political structure and contestation in a person’s life; compare and contrast the different types of government and the basic principles that are incorporated into a democratic republic; analyze the reason the United States Constitution is known as a living document; define a citizen’s liberties, rights, and responsibilities in a democracy like the United States; describe the political parties and clarify how they operate; summarize the operation and significance of campaigns in the American political system; and evaluate the social welfare policy in the United States.
Major topics include: organizational behavior, data analysis, etc. This self-study course is designed as an introduction to American Government, its historical foundations, institutions, and political processes. The purpose of this class is to teach students about the institutions, practices, and history of politics and government in the United States. Assessment is based on a final examination.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in American Government or as a general elective (1/20).
American History I
(HIS-101)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
March 2022 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: identify significant events that contributed to the development of the United States; discuss competing interpretations of major historic events in American History; describe sources of historical change, and explain cause and effect relationships as they pertain to historical transformations; and explain major historical developments in American Society up to 1877.
American History I (HIS-101) is designed to help develop an understanding of early American History. This course will cover significant points in American History through 1877. The discussion will begin with the Columbian exchange, European colonization of the New World, trans-Atlantic slavery, the causes and consequences of the US War of Independence, the negotiation of the US constitution, industrialization, monetary policy in the early US, westward expansion, slave rebellions, the evolution of sectional conflict, and the US Civil War.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in American History (2/22).
American History II
(HIS-102)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
March 2022 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: identify significant events that contributed to the development of the United States; discuss competing interpretations of major historic events in American History; describe sources of historical change, and explain cause and effect relationships as they pertain to historical transformations; and explain major historical developments in American Society since 1877.
American History II (HIS-102) is designed to help develop an understanding of contemporary American History. This course will cover significant points in American History from 1877 to the present. Political, economic, cultural, diplomatic, and social themes will be discussed.
In the associate/certificate degree category, 3 semester hours in American History (2/22).
Comparing Political Systems of the World
(PSC-201)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
September 2013 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: describe political systems and states; detail the process of fostering economic development; understand why political systems are compared; pinpoint the structures and functions of political systems; explicate why and how culture matters to political processes; identify trends shaping contemporary political cultures; explain how citizens participate in sociopolitical affairs in different societies; discuss the development of interest groups and describe their historical performances; define authoritarian party systems and their power structures; assess the prospects and challenges facing democracies and authoritarianism; trace the geographic distribution of government power; explain the process of community building; and present the common outcomes of international interactions and their generalities.
This self-study course is designed to provide students with a broad survey of the important issues in the study of comparative politics. Students will gain an understanding of world politics and political systems and compare issues and structures on a global level. Students conduct in-depth studies of individual countries focusing on theoretical frameworks to explore broad issues such as why some countries modernize more quickly and why some are more democratic and understand how local issues have a worldwide impact. Students also explore how politics works on individual, group, national, and global levels. Throughout the course, students study political institutions and processes and learn to use critical thinking skills regarding the consequences of public policies. Students observe the international economy and how politics shape a nation’s influence on the local and global levels. Additionally, students learn about other countries, regions, and the world while asking fundamental questions about politics and government.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Politics (9/13)(8/18 revalidation).
Eastern European Jewish Immigration and Settlement in the United States
(HIS-301)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
May 2013 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify sources of Jewish immigration in the late Nineteenth and early Twentieth centuries; discuss challenges that immigrants faced in both cultural and socioeconomic areas; describe how Jewish immigrants typically earned a living; identify institutions that helped Jews of the late 1800s maintain their culture and identity; outline steps undertaken by Jews of this era to “Americanize” themselves and their culture; discuss political trends among the Jewish community from the 1880s through the middle and late Twentieth century; identify key people who shaped the political viewpoints of the Jewish community from the 1880s through the middle and late Twentieth century; discuss the contributions of Jewish-American immigrants to American culture in the areas of arts and entertainment and identify key contributors thereto and describe their roles; discuss the influence that the Jewish press had on Jewish communities and the general society; identify great outlets of Jewish media in the late Nineteenth century and early Twentieth century and describe basic characteristics; outline the progress made by the Jewish community over the course of several generations beginning in the 1880s progressing to present day; identify contributions of key Jewish scholars to American thought and politics; discuss the journey outward from the initial community centered in lower Manhattan to the present Jewish communities that span the United States; and outline modern day challenges faced by American Jews and explain typical solutions.
This self-study course follows the Jewish immigration and settlement in the United States and covers the Jewish experience of Jewish immigrants, coming primarily from Eastern Europe and settling in the United States. Major topics include: initial group of Jewish immigrant community to settle in the United States, development of the Jewish immigrant community from the 1800s to present day; hardships and trials established by early immigrants, increased successes of the community from financial and socioeconomic perspectives, contributions of the Jewish community to the American economy, government, and culture and famous and successful Jewish contributors in a variety of areas such entertainment, business, and art.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Jewish History, Eastern European Studies, or as General Elective (6/13)(8/18 revalidation).
History of Culture and Cuisine in the South and Its Effect on Society
(HIS-210)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
July 2022 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
Cultural Studies
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: describe the relationship between race, class, and ethnicity in the culinary and hospitality fields; determine the importance of family and generational traditions and cross-cultural influences in meal and menu formulation; explain how examining bias, socialization and inequity can encourage partnerships; and compare and contrast changing and evolving societal perceptions when opening a restaurant in a diverse city.
History of Culture and Cuisine in the South and Its Effect on Society (MCS-210) is an undergraduate self-study course that culminates with a final exam. This course will examine the history of bias, racism, culture and diversity in the culinary and hospitality industry and how regional cooking and food can meld two races and have them become harmonious in both business and existence.
In the lower division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Cultural Studies, General Studies or History (6/22).
History of Food Trucks
(HIS-304)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
March 2021 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: trace the sociological and historical roots of pushcarts, food trucks and pop-up restaurants and their evolution into today’s food society; compare and contrast street food terminology between immigrant and non-immigrant food cart owners and the sociological impact these entrepreneurial opportunities have made for minorities; identify and describe the history of street food in developing countries and how it has emigrated to the United States; describe how street food has become a cornerstone in cultural tourism; and discuss how pop-up restaurants can earn ratings from both Zagat and Michelin and influence destination travel and tourism from a socio-economic perspective.
History of Food Trucks (HIS -304) introduces students to the history of street food and how it has assimilated into today’s historical and sociological cultures. The historical effects of the pushcarts of the lower east side in New York City started the food cart revolution and will be explored in depth. Topics will also include the creation of street food in the world including Asia, India and Western Europe, the countries and cuisines that are prominent then and now and the cultural aspects and influences will be explored. The differences between immigrant and non-immigrant food carts and trucks will be analyzed and includes the economic impact food carts have on these populations. The course will also examine the impact food carts and trucks have on tourism and why street food is so popular globally. Pop-up restaurants and their history and significance in the underground food society will also be explored.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in History, Business, Management, Cultural Studies, or Food Studies (5/21).
Ice cream: History, Culture, and Economics
(HIS-417)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
March 2022 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: trace the growth of the ice cream industry in the United States; describe the position of ice cream in American society and culture; achieve familiarity with iconic ice cream brands and novelties and what they represent; deduce inferences about consumers based on their ice cream choices; infer the era of an event based on the way ice cream was sold or presented; explain the role of marketing and strategic planning in the ice cream industry; discover the causes of success and failure in the ice cream industry; illustrate the influence of social trends on ice cream; explain the consequences to the ice cream industry caused by major historical events in the United States; describe some of the struggles of the ice cream industry and the reasons for its resiliency; compare and contrast American ice cream to its counterparts in history and in the global market; and identify modern trends in the ice cream industry.
Ice cream: History, Culture, and Economics (HIS-417) will assess the student’s knowledge of the history, culture and economics of ice cream. Although it will focus on ice cream in America, it will also examine the international origins of ice cream and the global ice cream market today. The student will learn what ice cream means in American culture and how it has gained that status over the years. From the economic perspective, the course will examine the rise and fall of various types of ice cream businesses as well as the reasons for success of certain brands and novelties. The student will become familiar with how the ice cream industry was affected by major historical events such as Prohibition, World Wars, and the Great Depression. Modern trends in the ice cream industry will also be addressed.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Culinary History, Cultural Studies, Food Studies, or History (2/22).
Jewish Participation in the Garment Industry
(HIS-302)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
April 2019 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: trace the historical development of the Jewish presence in the garment industry in the United States, England, and Germany; compare and contrast the development of the Jewish garment industry in the United States and England and explain reasons for the differences; identify challenges that Jews faced in the garment industry; discuss the role of societal attitudes towards fashion in the development of the Jews in the garment industry; describe the role of anti-Semitism in the Jewish relationship with the garment industry in the United States, England, and Germany; differentiate between the garment industry in New York as compared to smaller centers like Rochester, and between the growth of the mens wear and womens wear industries; connect major historical events to the development of the position of Jews in the garment industry; and identify reasons given for the economic success of Jewish immigrants in the United States and what this means to other immigrant groups.
This course examines the role of Jews in the garment and fashion industries, from simple laborers to manufacturers and department store owners and designers. The course focuses mainly on Jewish immigrants to the United States and their role in the garment industry from approximately 1840-1950. Major topics include: the Jewish role in the garment industry in England and Germany during a similar time frame; the development of the garment industry in New York and how that compares and contrasts to smaller centers such as Rochester and Cincinnati; consequences of significant historical events, such as the Gold Rush, the Civil War, the Progressive Era, and World War II, the impact of anti-Semitism, culminating with the Nazi destruction of the German fashion industry, justification to explain Jewish success in the garment industry and how it affected immigrant economic progress. Instructional methods include: Study guide, required readings, and a final exam.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in History, Jewish History, Judaic Studies, Sociology, or Anthropology (4/19).
The Automobile Industry in America: History, Economics and Culture
(HIS-412)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
March 2022 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: identify leadership practices that have consistently led to success in the auto industry; describe the rise and fall of various American car companies: achieve familiarity with the classic American automobile models and how they changed the industry; deduce inferences about culture from automobile design and styling; assert the role of socio-economic status in a consumer’s choice of automobile; explain the role of marketing in the auto industry over the years; discover the causes of failure for some of the most unsuccessful automobile models; illustrate the influence of international finance and politics on the domestic car industry; and explain the historic relationship of labor and management in the auto industry and the consequences of this relationship.
The Automobile Industry in America: History, Economics and Culture (HIS-412) assesses students’ knowledge of the history of the automobile industry in the United States, from its invention through current times, including innovations and developments in engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and styling. Classic cars such as the Corvette and Mustang will be examined and compared so students can understand why they became classics and the nature of their cultural impact. The fortunes and struggles of automakers throughout the years will be compared and contrasted so that students can discern common successes and mistakes. Various struggles, such as oil shocks, war, environmental demands, recession, and the pandemic will be examined to understand their effect on the auto industry. Students will also become familiar with the effects of culture on the auto industry and the struggles of American automakers to compete with various imported vehicles.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in History, Economics, or Sociology (2/22).
The History of Board Games
(HIS-380)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
May 2023 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: identify the origins of board games and their significance in American culture; compare and analyze the themes in a variety of games; compare and contrast virtual board games and the role they play in modern day socialization and define the design elements in modern day board games that make them intriguing and appealing to a large demographic population.
The History of Board games explores the origins and design of a variety of games and their significance in American and European culture. Topics include the integration of dice into many games, strategic race games, games of alignment and linear connection and dimensional variants. Popular games including chess, checkers, Monopoly, Backgammon, Chutes and Ladders, Connect and Scrabble are studied.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in History, Liberal Arts, or Social Science (5/23).
The History of Orthodox Jewry in the United States (1880-1945)
(HIS-460)
$300.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
March 2022 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
Judaic Studies / History
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: discuss the history of the Orthodox Jews in America from 1880-1945; describe the challenges Jewish immigrants faced as they encountered American culture and society, and in particular the challenge of material abundance; understand both the obstacles that caused Jews to weaken in religious commitment as well as the various methods and institutions which worked to preserve tradition; outline the accomplishments of Orthodox Jews in different aspects of American society; develop a deep understanding of the causes and manifestations of anti-Semitism during this period and relations between Jews and gentiles; understand Orthodox Jewish immigrant relations with previously established Jewish groups; and forecast the behavior of typical immigrants under various circumstances and draw parallels from leaders, methods, and ideas of those times to apply them to other similar circumstances.
The History of Orthodox Jewry in the United States (1880-1945) (HIS-460) will assess the student’s knowledge of the history of Orthodox Jewry in the United States and the challenges they faced, primarily from the years 1880-1945, focusing on the influx of Russian immigrants and how they confronted American society, as well as their relations with the Jews who had arrived in the U.S. previously. It deals with the challenges of material abundance and various threats to religious life and details the variety of major steps taken by the Orthodox community to preserve Torah traditions. It also provides context on various types of anti-Semitic movements that arose at this time and important Jewish social and political leaders and legislation as it related to the Jews, as well as the varied American Jewish responses to the holocaust and the accompanying refugee crisis.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester hours in Judaic Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Jewish History, or as a General Elective (2/22).
The Yom Kippur War
(HIS-436)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
March 2022 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: trace the development of the causes that led to the Yom Kippur War; compare and contrast Israeli and Arab military preparedness on the eve of the Yom Kippur War; illustrate the influence of Israeli attitudes on their lack of military preparedness for the Yom Kippur War; identify the main military operations of the Yom Kippur War and the goals and consequences of each, as well as evaluate the efficacy of each side’s effort; describe the role of leadership and morale in the execution of the Yom Kippur War; achieve familiarity with major military hardware used in the Yom Kippur War, varying strengths on each side, and developments that changed the nature of battles in this war; describe the position of different military and civilian leaders in key questions of military and political strategy in the Yom Kippur War; explain the significance of events that are considered main turning points in the Yom Kippur War; place the Yom Kippur War in the context of superpower politics of the time; and deduce lessons from the political and military decisions of the Yom Kippur War that are instructive to those engaged in military and diplomatic planning.
The Yom Kippur War (HIS-436) will assess the student’s knowledge of the Yom Kippur War, including the events leading up to it and the way in which Egypt and Syria managed to surprise Israel with the outbreak of war. Major operations on both the northern and southern fronts are covered, including ground, air, and naval conflicts. Strategies and leadership of involved parties are evaluated. The student should become familiar with the political and diplomatic developments through the war and the cease fires and how the war related to superpower relations. Israel’s preparedness and performance are evaluated and critiqued based on expert opinions. Lessons are to be gleaned from this conflict to aid the student in the realms of politics, diplomacy, as well as military studies.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Middle Eastern Studies, History, Jewish History, Political Science, or as a General Elective (2/22).
Vietnam Veterans Suffering, Activism, and Memory
(HIS-422)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
March 2022 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: trace the development of public attitudes towards the Vietnam veteran: compare and contrast Vietnam veterans with those of previous U.S. wars: explain the consequences of the Vietnam War to veterans as they returned home: identify the main readjustment struggles faced by Vietnam veterans; describe the struggles of activists who sought to help Vietnam veterans: achieve familiarity with government services provided for Vietnam veterans and the controversies surrounding them; describe the position of different political leaders towards Vietnam veteran activism: deduce inferences about cultural productions based on the way they portray the Vietnam War and its veterans; explain the role of the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial in public memory of the Vietnam War and its veterans; and illustrate the influence of the Vietnam War and its aftermath on future United States foreign policy.
Vietnam Veterans Suffering, Activism, and Memory (HIS-422) will assess the student’s knowledge of the experience of Vietnam veterans in the United States, focusing on the areas of suffering, activism, and memory. The problems of readjustment, PTSD, and Agent Orange exposure are among the areas of suffering discussed. The study of activism begins with veterans’ protesting the war, and continues to advocacy, lobbying, and hunger strikes for government services for Vietnam veterans and compensation for Agent Orange victims. The role of Vietnam veterans in pursuing and attaining elective office is also discussed. American attitudes towards veterans and the Vietnam War itself are examined from initial stereotypes through reconciliation via public tributes and the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Varying attitudes towards the Memorial are examined as well as the role of the Vietnam veteran in popular culture.
In the lower division baccalaureate / associate degree category, 3 semester hours in History (2/22).
WWII in the Pacific
(HIS-427)
$150.00Location:
Various: distance learning format
Length:
Varies (self-study; self-paced)
Dates:
March 2022 - Present.
Instructional Delivery Format:
Online/distance learning
Category:
History and Political Science
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: trace the development of the causes that led to the outbreak of World War II in the Pacific: compare and contrast American and Japanese military preparedness on the eve of World War II: illustrate the influence of Japanese social attitudes on their offensive and defensive capabilities, mode of battle, and approach towards surrender; identify the main battles of World War II in the Pacific and the goals and consequences of each, as well as evaluate the efficacy of each side’s effort; describe the role of leadership and morale in the execution of World War II in the Pacific; achieve familiarity with major military hardware used in World War II in the Pacific, varying strengths on each side, and developments that changed the nature of battles in this war; describe the position of different military leaders in key questions such as whether further attacks should proceed on Pearl Harbor and how the Japanese homeland should be conquered; deduce lessons from the battles and decisions of World War II that are instructive to those engaged in military planning; and explain the significance of events that are considered main turning points in the war.
World War II in the Pacific (HIS-427) will assess the student’s knowledge of World War II in the Pacific theater. The course will trace the roots of the conflict and explain the relative preparations of the American and Japanese forces in the years leading up the conflict. The goals, efficacy, and consequences of all major attacks and battles in the Pacific are discussed. The student will become familiar with tension and cooperation between different services and between key players in the Allied forces. Japanese attitudes, which led to aggressive imperialism, suicide missions and hesitation to capitulate, are analyzed. The roles of morale and leadership are also addressed.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in History, or Historiography (2/22).