Read Chapters 7 & 8 and the information included in Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson and The Master and the Mistress. Once all reading is complete, respond to the following items: Why do you think the accusations made by Callender were ignored during Jefferson’s lifetime and later by historians? Why do you think Madison Hemings’ assertions were ignored? Why do you think Callender’s claims failed to hurt Jefferson politically? Do you think a similar scandal would hurt an American president or elected leader today? Why or why not? Based on Madison Hemings’ family history, how common was racial intermixing in 18th and 19th century Virginia? According to Eric Foner, how and why has the work of Annette Gordon-Reed fueled a controversy over the Hemings-Jefferson relationship? Should his relationship with Sally Hemings influence how we view Jefferson and his place in American history? If no, why not? If yes, how should they influence how we view him? You are required to submit an initial posting (200 words minimum) that addresses the items above. You are also expected to respond to the posting of at least one other student (100 words minimum). Your response should address why you agree/disagree with their posting, support it with new evidence to bring a new perspective to the topic.  Below is the peer’s post. I am not much of a history buff, so this is the first time that I have read that Thomas Jefferson fathered children with one of his African American slaves. I read the assigned chapters before reading the discussion board assignments and I am certainly confused. Jefferson seemed to have a negative view of African Americans stating that they were not as intelligent as white Americans and that they could not live peacefully together. He called for African Americans to be colonized back in Africa to protect the integrity of the United States. I think that people likely ignored Callenders’ accusations because he was viewed as a criminal seeking to blackmail the president in exchange for a powerful position. His words were likely to be dismissed as lies because of the position he was in. I think this is why Callenders’ accusations did not harm the presidents’ reputation. As we have seen in more recent presidencies, we hold presidents to a high moral standard. Clinton was ostracized because of his sexual scandal; however, the view of interracial marriage and childbearing has changed immensely. A president would not be scandalized today for fathering biracial children. The fact that the children were born out of wedlock may be seen as an issue, but again times are changing and people may be less likely to judge a person based on that situation. If it could be proven however that the relationship between Jefferson and Hemings was coerced or non-consensual in any way it would certainly be seen as Immoral (and even criminal) and would be a huge scandal. We cannot say for sure if the relationship between Hemings and Jefferson was consensual, so we cannot base our assumption on that ideal. If one was to assess Madison Hemings’ family tree it would seem as if interracial relationships (at least sexual relationships) were very common during the 18th and 19th century in Virginia. One cannot say whether those relationships were consensual or not but racial intermixing appears to be common in Hemings’ family history. I believe the discovery of this relationship should change our perception of Thomas Jefferson. I am unsure of how much it should actually change his reputation, but it at least shows that he was dishonest, and thus how can we trust everything he thought and did. It is also hard to know what he actually believed in since he appeared to live two quite different lives. His public and private lives do not seem to match.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.