First Nations: A History of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas

Course Description:

This course provides an introduction to the history of the First Peoples, a diverse range of tribal communities indigenous to the North and South American continents. Students will consider the varied societies and cultures of Native Peoples long established before European colonists arrived in the hemisphere. After examining their origins and several civilizations in North America, Mesoamerica, and South America, students will then study the challenges posed by the arrival of European colonists and later the conflicts resulting from forced migration and reservation policies imposed by the United States government. In the second half of the course, students will especially focus on the relationship between the United States and the First Peoples, particularly as it has been understood by members of Indigenous Tribes in their struggles to preserve their lands, sovereignty, and cultural identity. 

Course Details:

Course Title (District): First Nations: A History of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas
Course Title (NCES SCED) : Particular Topics in U.S. History
Course Provider : Michigan Virtual
Content Provided By : Michigan Virtual
Online Instructor Provided By : Michigan Virtual
Standards Addressed : Common Core State Standards, National Collegiate Athletic Association
Alignment Document : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mfq7jDIaRkgeQzsQE-rTS36V5KnYzjM4UJGDfdOuwiU/edit?usp=sharing
Academic Terms : Semester, Accelerated
NCES SCED Code : 04109
Subject Area : Social Sciences and History
Course Identifier : Particular Topics in U.S. History
Course Level : High School (Secondary)
Available Credit : 0.5
Sequence : 1 of 1

How To Enroll:

Enrollment Website : https://slp.michiganvirtual.org/
Email : [email protected]
Phone : (888) 889-2840

Students and Parents: It is important to work closely with your local school counselor or registrar to follow the school's enrollment procedures. By clicking the "Start Registration Request" button below, you will be able to notify the school of your interest in registering for the online course. However, it is the responsibility of the district or school to review the registration request and approve or deny the request. Please make a note to follow up with your school after submitting a registration request.

Start Registration Request

Additional Course Information:

Additional Cost Description:

None

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to...

  • Identify various indigenous tribal cultures and the geographical regions in which they have historically been located
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the notable eras within the histories of various First Peoples
  • Demonstrate an understanding that history is interpretive and that the oral traditions, written records and other source materials of Indigenous Peoples off a unique historical narrative about the Americas
  • Identify cultural differences between and among various indigenous tribal communities
  • Analyze how mainstream white American culture has historically represented diverse native populations as a monolithic “other” and the relationship of this perspective to a pattern of discrimination and war
  • Explain the relationship between the history of the First Peoples with aspects of current tribal communities, policies of the U.S. government, and modern issues of sovereignty

NSQ National Standards for Quality Online Courses

Rating Comments
D3. Assessment practices provide routine and varied opportunities for self-monitoring and reflection of learning.* Fully Met
D1. Learner assessments are linked to stated course, unit, or lesson-level objectives or competencies. Fully Met
D2. Valid course assessments measure learner progress toward mastery of content. Fully Met
D4. Assessment materials provide the learner with the flexibility to demonstrate mastery in a variety of ways.* Fully Met
D5. Rubrics that clearly define expectations for varied levels of proficiency are created and shared with learners.* Fully Met
Rating Comments
A1. A course overview and syllabus are included in the online course Fully Met
A2. Minimum computer skills and digital literacy skills expected of the learner are clearly stated.* Fully Met
A3. The instructor’s biographical information and information on how to communicate with the instructor are provided to learners and other stakeholders. Fully Met
A4. Learner expectations and policies are clearly stated and readily accessible within the introductory material of the course. Fully Met
A5. Minimum technology requirements for the course are clearly stated, and information on how to obtain the technologies is provided.* Fully Met
A6. Grading policies and practices are clearly defined in accordance with course content learning expectations. Fully Met
A7. The online course provides a clear description or link to the technical support offered and how to obtain it.* Fully Met
A8. Learners are offered an orientation prior to the start of the online course. Fully Met
Rating Comments
B1. The online course objectives or competencies are measurable and clearly state what the learner will be able to demonstrate as a result of successfully completing the course.* Fully Met
B2. The online course expectations are consistent with course-level objectives or competencies, are representative of the structure of the course, and are clearly stated. Fully Met
B3. The online course content is aligned with accepted state and/or other accepted content standards, where applicable.* Fully Met
B4. Digital literacy and communication skills are incorporated and taught as an integral part of the curriculum.* Fully Met
B5. Supplemental learning resources and related instructional materials are available to support and enrich learning and are aligned to the specific content being delivered.* Fully Met
B6. The online course content and supporting materials reflect a culturally diverse perspective that is free of bias.* Fully Met
B7. The online course materials (e.g., textbooks, primary source documents, OER) that support course content standards are accurate and current. Fully Met
B8. The online course is free of adult content and avoids unnecessary advertisements.* Fully Met
B9. Copyright and licensing status for any third-party content is appropriately cited and easily found. Fully Met
B10. Documentation and other support materials are available to support effective online course facilitation.* Fully Met
Rating Comments
C1. The online course design includes activities that guide learners toward promoting ownership of their learning and self-monitoring. Fully Met
C2. The online course’s content and learning activities promote the achievement of the stated learning objectives or competencies. Fully Met
C3. The online course is organized by units and lessons that fall into a logical sequence. Fully Met
C4. The online course content is appropriate to the reading level of the intended learners.* Fully Met
C5. The online course design includes introductory assignments or activities to engage learners within the first week of the course. Fully Met
C6. The online course provides learners with multiple learning paths as appropriate, based on learner needs, that engage learners in a variety of ways. Fully Met
C7. The online course provides regular opportunities for learner-learner interaction. Fully Met
C8. The online course design provides opportunities for learner-instructor interaction, including opportunities for regular feedback about learner progress.* Fully Met
C9. Online course instructional materials and resources present content in an effective, engaging, and appropriate manner.* Fully Met
Rating Comments
E1. Online course navigation is logical, consistent, and efficient from the learner’s point of view.* Fully Met
E2. The online course design facilitates readability.* Fully Met
E3. The online course provides accessible course materials and activities to meet the needs of diverse learners.* Fully Met
E4. Course multimedia facilitate ease of use.* Fully Met
E5. Vendor accessibility statements are provided for all technologies required in the course.* Fully Met
Rating Comments
F1. Educational tools ensure learner privacy and maintain confidentiality of learner information in accordance with local, state, and national laws for learner data. Fully Met
F2. The online course tools support the learning objectives or competencies.* Fully Met
F3. The online course provides options for the instructor to adapt learning activities to accommodate learners’ needs and preferences.* Fully Met
F4. The course allows instructors to control the release of content.* Fully Met
F5. The course provides the necessary technical functionality to score and record assessments and calculate earned course points or grades.* Fully Met
Rating Comments
G1. The online course uses multiple methods and sources of input for assessing course effectiveness. Fully Met
G2. The online course is reviewed to ensure that the course is current. Fully Met
G3. The online course is updated on a continuous improvement cycle for effectiveness based on the findings from ongoing reviews. Fully Met

Review Conducted By: Quality Matters
Date of Review: 02/16/2024

Unit 1: Early Migrations and Cultures of America’s First Peoples

Unit 2: Mesoamerican and South American Civilizations

Unit 3: The Challenge Posed by the Spanish

Unit 4: English, Dutch, and French Colonization

Unit 5: European Imperial Wars in North America

Unit 6: Indian Removal Act and Westward Expansion

Unit 7: Reservations and Forced Assimilation

Unit 8: Current Issues and Challenges Among First Peoples in the U.S.

Term Type Enrollment Opens Enrollment Ends Random Draw Date Enrollment Drop Date Course Starts Course Ends # of Seats Course Fee Potential Additional Costs
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 01/17/2025 01/03/2025 05/23/2025 100 $350
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 01/24/2025 01/10/2025 05/30/2025 100 $350
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 01/31/2025 01/17/2025 06/06/2025 100 $350
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 02/07/2025 01/24/2025 06/13/2025 100 $350
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 02/14/2025 01/31/2025 06/20/2025 100 $350
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 02/21/2025 02/07/2025 06/20/2025 100 $350
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 02/28/2025 02/14/2025 06/20/2025 100 $350
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 03/07/2025 02/21/2025 06/20/2025 100 $350
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 03/14/2025 02/28/2025 06/20/2025 100 $350
Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025 07/01/2024 03/21/2025 03/07/2025 06/20/2025 100 $350
Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025 04/01/2025 06/06/2025 05/23/2025 08/01/2025 100 $350
Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025 04/01/2025 06/13/2025 05/30/2025 08/08/2025 100 $350
Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025 04/01/2025 06/20/2025 06/06/2025 08/15/2025 100 $350
Drop Policy Completion Policy Term Type Enrollment Opens Enrollment Ends
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Semester 03/29/2024 03/14/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025
Students have 14 days from the enrollment start date to drop the course and receive a full refund. No refunds are given after 14 days. Drop dates are calculated and what is posted is the last possible drop date for enrollments created within the enrollment window. Students may access their course from their enrollment start date to their enrollment end date. A completion is a 60% final score or higher. Accelerated 01/02/2025 06/27/2025
Students can use email or the private message system within the Student Learning Portal to access highly qualified teachers when they need instructor assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside the learning management system. The Instructor Info area of their course may describe additional communication options.
School Year Enrollment Count Pass Count Completion Rate Notes
23-24 32 31 96.88%

Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube.

Please review the Michigan Virtual Technology Requirements: https://michiganvirtual.org/about/support/knowledge-base/technical-requirements/