“A gentle first college course.” For students who enjoy history or want to start dual enrollment with a strong humanities course, HST 109: United States to 1865 is an excellent first choice at Arizona State University. This three-credit college course explores the growth of the United States from the colonial era through the Civil War, covering the people, events, and ideas that shaped the early republic.
What the course covers
The course begins with the peoples and cultures of Native America and continues through the Revolutionary War, the early American republic, and the Civil War. Students learn not only the historical facts but also how historians interpret evidence, compare perspectives, and make choices about how history is written.
Topics include:
- Indigenous cultures and the impact of colonization
- The Atlantic world and the slave trade
- Revolutionary America and the fight for independence
- The creation of a new nation and its institutions
- The rise of reform, westward expansion, and immigration
- The Civil War and its legacy
By the end, students gain a broad overview of American history before 1865 while also learning to think critically about historical evidence and perspective.
What the work looks like
The course is organized into seven modules. Each includes open-book quizzes, a discussion activity, and a skills practice exercise. The biggest project is a four-part Museum Rooms Project where students design virtual exhibits on different themes in American history. Instead of writing long research papers, students create slideshow-style presentations, writing short explanatory paragraphs for each slide.
Grading is divided among:
- Museum Rooms Project: 40%
- Discussions: 20%
- Quizzes: 20%
- Skills practice: 20%
Quizzes can be taken more than once, and the highest score is kept. This structure makes the course less stressful and more supportive for first-time dual enrollment students.
This course is worth 3 college credits & 1 high school history credit.
Parent feedback
Families in our community describe HST 109 as a very gentle introduction to college coursework. One parent explained that her son took it as his very first freshman course and enjoyed it. She noted that there are no research papers, the quizzes are multiple choice and open book, and the museum project feels approachable once students learn the format.
Another parent commented that the videos are engaging but not always the source of quiz questions, which primarily come from the readings. This flexibility means students can review the text or search the digital book when preparing for quizzes.
Overall, parents appreciate the course’s balance: structured enough to build accountability, but not overwhelming for a teen’s first college class.
Why HST 109 is a great first course
HST 109 gives students a chance to practice college-level reading, writing, and critical thinking without the pressure of long research papers or heavily weighted exams. The assignments are clear, the grading system is forgiving, and the museum project provides a creative way to demonstrate learning. It’s a strong option for teens who want to begin with history or simply want a supportive first step into dual enrollment.
How to get started with HS4CC Academy
When you join the new HS4CC Academy program starting November 1, 2025, your membership includes one free ASU course. Families can choose HST 109 as their free course, or for only $299 in our new discount program, making it an easy and cost-effective way to start.
Want to hear from those who have taken this course? Our ASU Facebook group is the best way to connect with our community, read reviews on all courses, and give you first access to the HS4CC Academy program on November 1st! JOIN HERE
