History of the United States II 1865 to the Present

[lina]

I was planning to take this test in June , but I didn't study enough. All I read is the REA book. The problem is that I studied on and off for almost two months, but I don't remember anything. The worse part is that I also have to write two essays if I can pass the multiple test first, according to our school policy.

I really need some serious suggestion from you guys. How could turn History looks more interesting to me? Honestly, I hate History so much, If I took the regular class, I think it would be my GPA killer. And I don't want this stupid subject to ruin my GPA. I just want to pass the test.

Any advice or help will be really appreciated. I am so desperate now.

By the way, last time I took American Government and I made 46 which was four points short. But it shows on my transcript that I got 3 credits. What does that mean?

[Ruddigore]

I really need some serious suggestion from you guys. How could turn History looks more interesting to me? Honestly, I hate History so much, If I took the regular class, I think it would be my GPA killer. And I don't want this stupid subject to ruin my GPA. I just want to pass the test.

Any advice or help will be really appreciated. I am so desperate now.

Stupid subject? Ahem. I love history...just though I'd throw that out there.

Anyway, using IC, REA, and Wikipedia (for enforcement on the unfamiliar materials) should be enough for you to get a respectable score. It was for me! (Of course, I did have some prior knowledge...)

I hope the test goes well and that this ... subject keeps you awake until then.

[lina]

Stupid subject? Ahem. I love history...just though I'd throw that out there.

Anyway, using IC, REA, and Wikipedia (for enforcement on the unfamiliar materials) should be enough for you to get a respectable score. It was for me! (Of course, I did have some prior knowledge...)

I hope the test goes well and that this ... subject keeps you awake until then.

I am sorry that if my calling History "stupid" make you uncomfortable. What I meant is that I don't find it interesting at all.

Thanks for you kind advice though. But I don't like using IC, it just doesn't work for me. Do you think I need to read textbook ?

P.S. I don't have any prior knowledge. Because I am an international student.

[bkbarden]

I am sorry that if my calling History "stupid" make you uncomfortable. What I meant is that I don't find it interesting at all.

Thanks for you kind advice though. But I don't like using IC, it just doesn't work for me. Do you think I need to read textbook ?

P.S. I don't have any prior knowledge. Because I am an international student.

Um... if you don't like history, I do NOT recommend a textbook. I love history, but I have found that the vast majority of textbooks (on any subject) make me want to run away and hide.

How do you learn best? I'm guessing if you're having a really hard time with this subject, it's because you haven't found a way to make it interesting. I would recommend Google to find some fun history resources... there are games, movies, documentaries, books, etc, all online.

Also, have you found anything remotely fascinating in your studies so far? A particular event, a person, etc? If so, go look it up and learn more! Don't be stuck on learning all the boring facts. Go read a story that interests you, watch a movie that will teach you something while you're having fun! Don't MAKE history boring. Just because it can be doesn't mean it has to be.

Try some of these links...
ushistory.org
Freedom: A History of US. Tools & Activities. Games | PBS (just because we're 'grown-up' doesn't mean we can't enjoy games!)
44 Presidents Rap: An Educational Music Song About President Barack Obama That Lists All US Presidents In Order
Have Fun with History - Free streaming history videos & activities

And if you really feel you need a textbook, the most interesting one I have ever found is America: A Narrative History.
Amazon.com: America: A Narrative History (6th Edition, Volume One): George Brown Tindall, David E. Shi: Books

I hope this helps and that you can find a way to get through this and get the credit you need! And maybe have a little fun along the way. (Or at least not want to die in the process).

EDIT: Just thought of something... do you HAVE to take US History? If you're an international student, perhaps Western Civilization or another history would be more enjoyable or easier for you. A thought...

[lina]

Um... if you don't like history, I do NOT recommend a textbook. I love history, but I have found that the vast majority of textbooks (on any subject) make me want to run away and hide.

How do you learn best? I'm guessing if you're having a really hard time with this subject, it's because you haven't found a way to make it interesting. I would recommend Google to find some fun history resources... there are games, movies, documentaries, books, etc, all online.

Also, have you found anything remotely fascinating in your studies so far? A particular event, a person, etc? If so, go look it up and learn more! Don't be stuck on learning all the boring facts. Go read a story that interests you, watch a movie that will teach you something while you're having fun! Don't MAKE history boring. Just because it can be doesn't mean it has to be.

Try some of these links...
ushistory.org
Freedom: A History of US. Tools & Activities. Games | PBS (just because we're 'grown-up' doesn't mean we can't enjoy games!)
44 Presidents Rap: An Educational Music Song About President Barack Obama That Lists All US Presidents In Order
Have Fun with History - Free streaming history videos & activities

And if you really feel you need a textbook, the most interesting one I have ever found is America: A Narrative History.
Amazon.com: America: A Narrative History (6th Edition, Volume One): George Brown Tindall, David E. Shi: Books

I hope this helps and that you can find a way to get through this and get the credit you need! And maybe have a little fun along the way. (Or at least not want to die in the process).

EDIT: Just thought of something... do you HAVE to take US History? If you're an international student, perhaps Western Civilization or another history would be more enjoyable or easier for you. A thought...

WOW. hilarious Thank you so much for your advice. Those are awesome websites! I agree with you that I have to find the subject interesting even though it is not. Now I am reading Cliff Notes which I also find it helpful to the test. I do have to take American History as well as Western Civilization.

Again, I really appreciate that you contribute your time on offering me some thoughts. It does encourage me a lot to get serious start on preparing the test. Thanks million. YOU ARE AWESOME!

[lina]

p.s.

The rap music sounds great. VERY INTERESTING!I was just having trouble to put all the president into chronological order. Now I guess problem solved.

[bkbarden]

SO glad that some of it is helping! Even as someone who loves history, there is so much information to learn! Good luck and God bless as you study... I'm sure you'll do great!

Don't you love that song? I highly recommend knowing the order of the Presidents. It really helps remind you WHAT events took place, WHEN and sometimes WHY.

[Ruddigore]

I am sorry that if my calling History "stupid" make you uncomfortable. What I meant is that I don't find it interesting at all.

Thanks for you kind advice though. But I don't like using IC, it just doesn't work for me. Do you think I need to read textbook ?

Uncomfortable, no. Wistful and a bit sad, yes.

Anyway, I agree with bkbarden that reading a textbook probably isn't your ticket to enjoying history. You are much more likely to get through it if you use some of the resources she recommended plus reading a more...engaging history book. I loved "A History of the American People" by Paul Johnson, but that's probably a bit more detailed than you were wanting.

No comment on a rap song for the presidents. I loved president trivia when I was 8 years old and just decided that I would memorize them all. That was certainly a part of my "prior knowledge."

Hope the test goes well for you.

[bkbarden]

No comment on a rap song for the presidents. I loved president trivia when I was 8 years old and just decided that I would memorize them all. That was certainly a part of my "prior knowledge."

hehe... I'm not usually a rap person at all and I didn't use it to memorize the presidents, but I thought it was fun when I found it a few months ago. It's been in the back of my mind as a resource to recommend for others and I guess it came in handy this time!