Western Civilization I Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

HIST-2311-001 Western Civilization I

Prerequisites

RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

A survey of the social, political, economic, cultural, religious and intellectual history of Europe and the Mediterranean world from human origins to the 17th century. Themes that should be addressed in Western Civilization I include the cultural legacies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, Islamic civilizations and Europe through the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformations.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required Books:

The West Volume 2 by Levack
Publishers:  Pearson, NEW 4th Edition
Packaged ISBN: #9780205942336
(This packaged ISBN is for both textbooks and access code and is available through the AC Bookstore)

Sources of the West, Volume 2, 8/e  by Kishlansky
Publishers:  Pearson, 8th Edition
See above packaged ISBN

MyHistoryLab (Web Access Code), Pearso
This is part of the package of textbooks purchased at the AC Bookstore.

Where to purchase textbooks:  Amarillo College Bookstore (http://www.actx.edu/bookstore/) 
*NOTE:  The textbook package was specifically created for this class by Pearson for Amarillo College to provide a discount to students.  Students should purchase the book at the AC Bookstore to ensure they purchase the correct textbooks and editions which comes packaged with the MyHistoryLab Access code for use on the Pearson web site used in this course.  Please remember that each student is responsible for purchasing the CORRECT Textbook/Readers for this course.  It is very easy in the hectic early days of a new term to glance at a card in the bookstore and select the wrong books.  It is also possible for a student to get conflicting advice from others, including bookstore personnel who mean well, but may be misinformed about the correct books for the proper Professor.  So be sure to go online, print-out-a-copy of the Syllabus and bring it with you when buying your books.  If in doubt, buy what is listed on the Syllabus, then sort out any issues later.  The Syllabus is the final word on which book is correct, so read it carefully and buy accordingly.

Supplies

\ Regular access to a computer with Internet is necessary.  See AC Distance Education web site for computer hardware and software guidelines.

\ Computer Requirements: 

Student Performance

\ Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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1. \ Create an argument through the use of historical evidence.
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2. \ Analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources.
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3. \ Analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, and cultural forces on this period of western history.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Disability Statement:   Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Accessibility Services (Student Services Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.  The student must also visit with the professor to discuss any special demands.

 

Disability Statement:   Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Accessibility Services (Student Services Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.  The student must also visit with the professor to discuss any special demands.

Disability Statement:   Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Accessibility Services (Student Services Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.  The student must also visit with the professor to discuss any special demands.

Disability Statement:   Any student, who because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (SSC 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:  Student records are confidential under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.  Therefore, the student’s progress within this class cannot be discussed with parents, friends, or guardians without written permission from the student.  The student (not a parent, friends, or the professor) is responsible for contacting the professor if the student is concerned about their progress in the class, absent for an extended period due to illness, surgery, or other circumstances, or any other extenuating situations which may arise during the course of the semester. The student is responsible for following and understanding their rights and responsibilities as listed in the student handbook at on the AC Webpage.

STUDY GROUPS:  Student-led study groups are encouraged.  The professor will provide, if requested, a secure-web forum for each individual study group.  But, never forget that I am also available to you and will gladly help during my Office Hours or Appointments.

CHEATING:  Occasionally a few students will attempt to cheat on one of the examinations.  Students caught cheating in any way or using materials other than those allowed will have their examinations rejected and, at minimum, receive a grade of F (0 points) for that examination.  Additionally such students may receive a grade of F for the course and may be suspended from the College (penalties which become a permanent part of a penalized student’s record and cannot be eliminated by the repeat-option).

WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE:  It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from a course. Failure to withdraw may result in a grade of “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated withdrawals that are submitted on or before NOVEMBER 20, 2013.

 

 

Etiquette:  The study of history is important and deserves respect from both the professor and from students. Everyone has an obligation to cultivate an environment for learning that enhances the ability to pursue the shared interest in history. Respect for one another and for the ideas and values of others are essential for a strong environment for learning history. Respectful students bring a strong work ethic to the course. They are expected to log-on to the class regularly, be prepared for class, and be attentive to discussions and online chats. A shared respect for one another is essential to the academic integrity and a comfortable learning environment. Everyone must do their part to maintain an environment of openness and civility that encourages and honors the intellectual achievement. If you need to review the standard Net Etiquette rules, see the Net Etiquette for more information.

 

Instructor's policy on Academic Dishonesty:  Occasionally a few students will attempt to cheat or plagiarize.  Students caught will receive a grade of F (0 points) for that examination and/or essay.  Additionally such students may receive a grade of F for the course and may be suspended from the College (penalties which become a permanent part of a penalized student's record and cannot be eliminated by the repeat-option).  If you are unsure about the definition of plagiarism, see the links available to students or visit with your instructor.

 

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

• downloading a free or purchased paper

• copying an article from the web or electronic database

• translating a foreign web article into English

• copy a paper from a local source

• cobbling -- cutting and pasting to create a paper from several sources (including web sites) even if properly cited

• excessive quoting (more than 20% even if properly cited)

• quoting less than all the words copied

• changing some words but copying whole phrases

• paraphrasing without attribution

• summarizing without attribution

• faking a citation

Review the plagiarism link located on the "Getting Started" tab located in this course.

 

Choosing Good Sources for Historical Research:  Students often search for additional information about historical events to supplement their understanding of the material in preparation for essays, discussions, and even quizzes.  To correctly interpret historical issues, students must have accurate knowledge of the facts. Students can also consult secondary sources such as the work of other historians  Students are, however, STRONGLY cautioned to choose these extra sources, particularly internet sites, with care.  Websites, such as Wikipedia or Yahoo, DO NOT necessarily contain reliable facts, documentation, or interpretations, and therefore, should not be used in a college course.  Websites like Wikipedia even post disclaimers informing users that their material may or may not be valid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Disclaimers).  Students should, instead, choose sources from the WBU Virtual Library such a History Cooperative, JSTOR, or other refereed journals. For websites, learners should select sites where the author can be identified as a scholar, historian, or other knowledgeable person.  Such examples would include websites ending in .edu or .org.  Websites helpful to students in this course already examined by the professor are available via the "Web Resources" link through the course. See "Using Wikipedia -- "Danger Will Robinson" handout located on the "Syllabus" page or this recent CNN article, "Use with caution:  The perils of Wikipedia." 
 

Review behavior guidelines in the AC student handbook.

Review Net Etiquette rules before taking an online course.

Grading Criteria

Students will be expected to work through 11 chapters units chronologically before the end of the semester. Within each unit, the student is required to read the corresponding textbook pages as well as view the Internet resources.

Computer Requirements: 

Regular log-on is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to keep track of their assignments. Students must have regular access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection to enroll in this course.  Technical problems are not an excuse to miss a posted quiz or other due date.  Students should plan ahead to have access to a back-up computer at a family member's home, friend's location, local school, or local city library. When technical problems occur, students need to send an e-mail to the Help Desk explaining the difficulty, and copy your instructor as well.  If you cannot use e-mail, call the Help Line and not your instructor to explain the difficulty.  You may also leave a summary of your trouble and response on your instructor's voice-mail.

Make-up Policy:
Since you are given the chance to drop the lowest two grades from the Tests, then I DO NOT allow any Make-Up assignments.  The second reason for not granting Make-Ups is that they tend to be more work for an already over-stressed student, and by allowing the Drop option instead, I feel that everyone benefits while still protecting your opportunity to succeed in this class. So, the rule is -- there are NO make-up exams or assignments under any circumstances.  A missed quiz or discussion will simply become a dropped score -- no exceptions and there is NO extra credit offered.  Therefore, it is imperative that students keep track of due dates for assignments.

 

 

Assignments:

1. Students must take each of the eleven (11) quizzes at the end of each unit.  Each quiz will be composed of twenty (20) questions in various formats. Question formats include (but are not limited to) multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, true/false, maps, and more.  Exams are scheduled on the calendar and begin on Fridays at 12:00 p.m. Noon and close on Mondays at 11:55 p.m. (just before midnight).  This gives students 84 hours over a four (4) day window in which to take each quiz after it is posted and the quiz will be timed.   You will only be able to access the quiz once and you will have sixty (60) minutes to take and complete the quiz.   You cannot view the exam and then return later to complete. There are NO make-ups.  Each quiz is worth 20 points and the student will be able to drop three (the lowest 3 scores) of the 11 quizzes.  (Total of 160 points or approximately 55% of total course grade.)
    
2. The second component of a student's grade are discussion questions scheduled on the calendar throughout the semester, generally at the end of two modules.  Each student will answer the discussion question posted on the discussion link in approximately 250-500 words in length. Students must respond in a thoughtful and in-depth way.  Rules for answering discussion questions are located in the Discussion Rules. Discussion questions are scheduled from Fridays beginning at 12:00 p.m. Noon to the next Friday until 11:59 p.m. Midnight.  You will have one week in which to answer each question, however there are two (2) due dates.  Answers are due 24 hours prior to the replies to ensure thoughtful responses from students for others to respond to.   The five (5) discussion questions are worth twenty (20) points each and students will be able to drop one (the lowest score) of the 5 discussions.  The points will be awarded with fifteen (15) points for a quality answer to the discussion questions and 2.5 points for each reply for a total of five (5) points for replying twice to your fellow students' answers with insightful comments.  (Total 80 points or approximately 28% of total course grade.) 
    
3. The third component of your grade will be the Capstone Reflective Essay worth 100 points.   The Capstone Reflective Essay is a written response to one of the Ethical Dilemma questions you will find on the Course Homepage.  These are being instituted in several so-called Gate-Keeper classes like History this semester, but will become College-wide within a short time.  They are to be between 350-500 words in length, and you may select the question that interests you the most.  You are required to submit your Essay Online no later than 2355 (11:55pm) on Thursday night 5 December.  You may turn it in anytime after 21 November 2013, but no later than 5 December.  Your essay should follow the Rubric (rules/format) found on the Course Homepage and be double-spaced.  No citations are necessary since this is your view of an ethical dilemma that was faced by a real person from the period of History you studied during the Semester.  The goal is to have each student explore and apply what they have learned during the term to an actual event, and then express their personal response to it.   (Total 50 points or 17% of course grade.)

Method of determining course grade:

Course grade will be determined by the student's total accumulated points divided by the total possible points available.  For example, if the student has accumulated a total of 250 points from all assignments (after drops), then the student's course grade would be 250/290 for a grade of 86 or a B for the course. Approximate percentages are given to assist students who prefer to determine their grade through that method.

Final Grade based on Total Available Points (290 points):

• A    290-261 points
• B    260-232 points
• C    231-203 points
• D    202-174 points
• F    173 or less points

Remember, there are NO make-up exams or assignments so if you miss a posted assignment, that grade will become your dropped score or a zero. There is NO extra credit offered.

Answers to any short answer questions, essays, or discussions should be thoughtful and critical with supporting facts. Opinions without documentary evidence will not receive a passing grade. YOU MUST SUPPORT YOUR STANCE WITH FACTS FROM YOUR READINGS.  

NOTE:  Online students play by a slightly different set of rules than classroom based students.  Because your Professors have no opportunity to meet you face-to-face, nor to conduct any real discussions with the class as a group, you pay a penalty when it comes to the final class averages.  Unlike those who are in a regular course, day-in and day-out for 15 weeks and who can participate in the give-and-take of the academic process, there is no room for leeway when it comes to averaging a student's grade.  The nearest thing to classroom participation/discussion are found in the Discussion postings that are done by each student posted on the Calendar of Assignments.  These are student led learning tools, but they also give your Professor a glimpse into how well you are learning the material, and substitute for the in-class debates found in the normal lecture format.  So the Trade-Off for flexibility and not driving to class each week is that you must participate in these Discussions in order to give your Professor the best opportunity to assess your overall performance in the class.  Failure to do these has often made the difference between a student earning an "A" instead of the "B" they got, and did not want.  So please remember to take full advantage of both the learning process and the assessment tool provided by these Discussion posts. 

 

 

NOTE:  Online students play by a slightly different set of rules than classroom based students.  Because your Professors have no opportunity to meet you face-to-face, nor to conduct any real discussions with the class as a group, you pay a penalty when it comes to the final class averages.  Unlike those who are in a regular course, day-in and day-out for 15 weeks and who can participate in the give-and-take of the academic process, there is no room for leeway when it comes to averaging a student's grade.  The nearest thing to classroom participation/discussion are found in the Discussion postings that are done by each student posted on the Calendar of Assignments.  These are student led learning tools, but they also give your Professor a glimpse into how well you are learning the material, and substitute for the in-class debates found in the normal lecture format.  So the Trade-Off for flexibility and not driving to class each week is that you must participate in these Discussions in order to give your Professor the best opportunity to assess your overall performance in the class.  Failure to do these has often made the difference between a student earning an "A" instead of the "B" they got, and did not want.  So please remember to take full advantage of both the learning process and the assessment tool provided by these Discussion posts. 

 

NOTE:  Online students play by a slightly different set of rules than classroom based students.  Because your Professors have no opportunity to meet you face-to-face, nor to conduct any real discussions with the class as a group, you pay a penalty when it comes to the final class averages.  Unlike those who are in a regular course, day-in and day-out for 15 weeks and who can participate in the give-and-take of the academic process, there is no room for leeway when it comes to averaging a student's grade.  The nearest thing to classroom participation/discussion are found in the Discussion postings that are done by each student posted on the Calendar of Assignments.  These are student led learning tools, but they also give your Professor a glimpse into how well you are learning the material, and substitute for the in-class debates found in the normal lecture format.  So the Trade-Off for flexibility and not driving to class each week is that you must participate in these Discussions in order to give your Professor the best opportunity to assess your overall performance in the class.  Failure to do these has often made the difference between a student earning an "A" instead of the "B" they got, and did not want.  So please remember to take full advantage of both the learning process and the assessment tool provided by these Discussion posts. 

 

Attendance

NO on-campus meeting required.  This course is conducted entirely online.

 

Attendance Policy: Regular log-on is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Students must log into the course daily, or at minimum of every 48 hours. This requirement is based upon the student's need to be informed on many issues that can arise, including changes in their course, any AC Online announcement posted for the entire class, and in order to stay in contact with their Professor, who may feel that important information is not being understood by the students enrolled in the course, with AC Online, or AC.  Experience has demonstrated the important role played by the announcements in assisting students in successfully completing the class.  So, remember to check the Homepage on a regular basis.
 
 It is the responsibility of each student to keep track of their assignments. Students must have daily access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection to enroll in, and to succeed in this course.  Technical problems with a Student’s computer or Internet provider are not valid excuses to miss Assignments, Exams, or other Due Dates.  Students should plan ahead to have access to a back-up computer at a family member's home, friend's location, local school, or local city library. If a technical problem does occur, students should immediately send an e-mail to the AC Help Desk (AskAC), where specialists in this technology can provide assistance.  You must also send a note to your Professor via the Course E-mail explaining the difficulty and the Date, Time and Steps taken to solve the issue.  Should the problem not be addressed by the Help Desk, they will provide the Professor with a detailed report of ALL actions taken and the Professor will then decide if the Student can be allowed to complete the work in another fashion. If you cannot use e-mail, telephone your Professor as a last resort to explain the problem.  Remember, however, that this is an Online course, and traditional telephone messages may take longer to be returned since they are outside of the normal communication chain.  If you reach your Professor's voice-mail, leave a message explaining the trouble and contact information where you can be reached.  Expect an e-mail response via the Course E-mail as the primary means of return contact, not a telephone call, since students are enrolled from around the world, and may, in fact, be on Active Duty in a military combat zone, or live in Alaska or Hawaii and so on.  This makes telephone communication problematic to say the least.  If necessary, a Chat Room can be created as a temporary method to discuss material that is too complex for a standard e-mail.

Online students play by a slightly different set of rules than classroom based students.  Because your Professors have no opportunity to meet you face-to-face, nor to conduct any real discussions with the class as a group, you pay a penalty when it comes to the final class averages.  Unlike those who are in a regular course, day-in and day-out for 15 weeks and who can participate in the give-and-take of the academic process, there is no room for leeway when it comes to averaging a student's grade.  The nearest thing to classroom participation/discussion are found in the Discussion postings that are done by each student posted on the Calendar of Assignments.  These are student led learning tools, but they also give your Professor a glimpse into how well you are learning the material, and substitute for the in-class debates found in the normal lecture format.  So the Trade-Off for flexibility and not driving to class each week is that you must participate in these Discussions in order to give your Professor the best opportunity to assess your overall performance in the class.  Failure to do these has often made the difference between a student earning an "A" instead of the "B" they got, and did not want.  So please remember to take full advantage of both the learning process and the assessment tool provided by these Discussion posts. 

NOTE:  Contact the professor immediately if you have a family emergency such as an unexpected major illness or family death, are on active duty in the military serving in a war zone, or have any other justifiable reason why you are unable to meet the due dates.  However, change of military assignments or TDYs, changing work schedules, or other occurrences caused by a busy life are not acceptable excuses for missing assignment due dates.  Plan ahead.

 

Log-on and Meeting Times: Students should purchase textbooks and receive them prior to the first day of class. In addition, students need to log in on or before the first day of class through AC Connect Course Webpage:  Students can access the associated course webpage on the Internet through the AC Connect Server at https://acconnect.actx.edu or through the AC Homepage http://www.actx.edu/  to begin the course. This class is conducted completely online and does NOT require proctors for exams. All quizzes and assignments are submitted online through the course website.

 

  

 

Calendar

HIST 2311   ♦  Course Schedule   ♦   Fall 2013

QUIZZES:  Unless otherwise noted, quizzes open at 12:00 p.m. Noon on the first date listed.  All quizzes and assignments are due before 11:55 p.m. (just prior to Midnight) CT on the final date listed.   All dates refer to the 2013 calendar year and all times refer to the appropriate seasonal CT (Central Time).   Discussion Board:  Unless otherwise noted, all discussions are due before 11:55 p.m. (just prior to Midnight) CT on the date listed. For rules governing late postings, see the Discussion Rules and/or FAQs. Computer Problems and Assignments:  Students must have regular access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection to enroll in this course.  I repeat, these are minimum requirements for all students in every online course.  Technical problems are not an excuse to miss a posted Quiz or other Due Date.  Students should plan ahead to have all work submitted earlier than the last Due Date in the event of a computer malfunction, and everyone should also have access to a back-up computer at a family member's home, friend's location, local school, or local city library so they may still meet all assignment dates.  This is one of the trade-offs for the convenience of a Virtual class.  When technical problems occur, students need to send an e-mail to the AC Help Desk (AskAC) explaining the difficulty, and copy your Professor as well.  If you cannot use e-mail, call the Help Line and not your Instructor to explain the difficulty.  You should only then leave a summary of your trouble and response on your Professor’s e-mail.  I will then contact the Help Desk for a summary of their efforts to diagnose and fix the issue.

Date Lesson & General Topics Covered Reading Assignment Quiz(zes) Discussion Board Capstone Reflective Essay 8/26/13 Introduction to Course Read Welcome Page; Syllabus; and explore the course website. Purchase your textbooks. Become familiar with AC Online and set up your MyHistoryLab log-in.   Post Your Intro on "Call Dr J" Opens 8/26 Closes 9/6   9/1 Lesson I 18th Century Society & Culture The West, Chapters 19 Sources of the West, Essays (or Chapters) 92, 93 (Voltaire, Rousseau) 9/6 - 9/9 (1 quiz)     9/8 Lesson II The Age of the French Revolution The West, Chapter 20 Sources, Essays 100-102 (de Sieyes, Gouges, Burke) 9/13 - 9/16 (1 quiz) Disc. 1 Opens 9/13 Answers DUE 9/19 Replies DUE 9/20   9/15 Lesson III The Industrial Revolution The West, Chapter 21 Sources, Essays 106 (Chadwick) 9/20 - 9/23 (1 quiz)     9/22 Break Take a break from reading.         9/29 Lesson IV Ideological Conflicts & National Unification The West, Chapter 22 Sources, Essays 111-113; 115-116 (Mill, Proudhon, Charter, Marx/Engels, Alexander II) 10/4 - 10/7 (1 quiz) Disc. 2 Opens 10/4 Answers DUE 10/10 Replies DUE 10/11   10/6 Lesson V The Coming of Mass Politics The West, Chapter 23 Sources, Essays 122 (Pankhurst) 10/11 - 10/14 (1 quiz)     10/13 Lesson VI The West & the World The West, Chapter 24 Sources, Essays 123, 124. & 127 (Hobson, Rhodes, Kipling) 10/18 - 10/21 (1 quiz) Disc. 3 Opens 10/18 Answers DUE 10/24 Replies DUE 10/25   10/20 Lesson VII The First World War The West, Chapter 25 Sources, Essays 129-132 (Somme, Junger, Wilson, Lenin) 10/25 - 10/28 (1 quiz)     10/27 Break Take a break from reading.         11/3 Lesson VIII Reconstruction, Reaction & Continuing Revolution - 1920s & 1930s The West, Chapter 26 Sources, Essays 133, 135, & 136 (Keynes, Mussolini, Hitler) 11/8 - 11/11 (1 quiz) Disc. 4 Opens 11/8 Answers DUE 11/14 Replies DUE 11/15   11/10 Lesson IX World War II The West, Chapter 27 Sources, Essays 137, 140; 149 (Holocaust, Eichmann, United Nations) 11/15 - 11/18 (1 quiz) Disc. 5 Opens 11/15 Answers DUE 11/21 Replies DUE 11/22   11/20 Last Day to Drop Please visit with professor or advisor before dropping the course.     Opens 21 November for Submissions 11/17 Lesson X Redefining the West After World War II The West, Chapter 28 Sources, Essays 145, 146 (Churchill, Khrushchev) 11/22 - 11/25 (1 quiz)     11/24 Break Thanksgiving Holiday Break       12/1 Lesson XI The West in the Contemporary Era The West, Chapter 29 Sources, Essays 147-148 (Gorbachev, Fukuyama) 12/6 - 12/9 (1 quiz)   DUE no later than 5 December

 

Additional Information

This is a REQUIRED course for History or Social Science majors including those in Education majors in fields transferring to 4 year Universities.   For the non-major, the course will count and transfer as a Humanity or Elective.

By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all of the listed learning objectives with a minimum of 60 percent competency level based on the completion of the course examinations and assignments.

“Western Civilization” is both a Humanities elective and/or a required history course for history majors at both the Community College and University level. The class is designed to provide an introduction to critical thinking about the past for non-history majors and serve as a foundation for those students choosing to major or minor in history. It is designed to meet two basic needs. First, the non-history major will gain a basic knowledge-base of the history, culture, society, economics and politics of Western Civilization. Second, the history major will receive a good, general background for the study of Western Civilization thus preparing them to continue exploring the subject with a solid understanding of the major developments which shaped events from the late eighteenth century until the tragic dawn of the new Millennium.  The class will stress the development of analytical and writing skills as well as fostering independent thinking.

The course introduces the events, ideas, and developments that have shaped Western Civilization from 1750 to the present. It will focus on key issues such as political, economic, social, cultural, and religious events in Western Civilization.  Geography plays an important role in understanding the basis of this course, and will be emphasized accordingly.

 

• Assess the extent to which certain features commonly imputed to Western Civilization (e.g. rationalism, capitalism, liberalism, technology) are indeed characteristic of the West.
• Describe and explain the historical origins and development of the key features that are judged to be intrinsic to Western Civilization.
• Explain the meaning of “modernity,” and trace the major paths by which Western societies, politics, economics, and cultures became “modern.”
• Describe the internal contradictions that are also characteristic of modern Western Civilization (in politics, economics, society, and culture), and explain how they shaped major events and players of the “modern age.”
• Identify the features of the Enlightenment, explaining its impact on Human Civilization, the West in particular, and why it had such effects.
• Explain what is meant by the “Age of Revolution,” describing its major components, and explaining the primary causes and effects upon the West.
• Describe the development of Western political and economic control over peoples around the globe, explaining how and why such control changed over time.
• Define nineteenth-century versions of ideology, liberalism and nationalism, and explain how they are related.
• Identify the importance of science in the evolution of Western Civilization.
• Explain the major causes of World War I, assessing the significance of that war on Western Civilization.
• Assess the causes, goals, and achievements of the Russian Revolution, explaining its place in the history of the West.
• Explain the reasons for the rise of totalitarianism after World War I.
• Identify the causes and results of the “Great Depression” from the perspective of Western Civilization.
• Explain the meaning of World War II for the West, its relationship to the Cold War, and especially its relationship to the post-WWII decolonization movements.
• Identify the events that led to the current era of “globalization.”
• Develop questions regarding bias, perspective, authenticity, and the significance of primary and secondary sources of historical knowledge, paying special attention to the role of the “electronic age” in the availability of such primary sources to future generations of scholars.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills by successfully identifying the various causes of a major event in the history of Western Civilization, and analyzing the relative importance of the various causes.
• Improve the ability to write analytical essays.

 

Teaching & Learning Strategy:  The class is approached as an on-line instruction tool to learn about Western Civilization history. The course is designed to be completed during either a traditional 16-week Fall/Spring term or an 8 week Summer session. A student should expect to schedule, on average, approximately 6-8 hours per week to accomplish the assignments required in this course and plan on reading 75-100 pages per week. It is recommended for the student to block out time in your day planner three times a week (4-5 times a week in the summer) for completing reading, reviewing Internet sources, and course work, just as you would do if you were on campus.  The seemingly vast reading load is the result of not attending classroom lectures where material is distilled by the Professor.  Instead, the student is given the assignments, and should read them first and ask any questions raised by the topics that each student as an individual needs guidance to follow.

The course is structured with readings that correspond to content material posted online. Additional readings from Internet sites are assigned to support your historical understanding.

Students should be sure to view and/or print off the class calendar to keep track of the required posting dates for exams and discussion questions. In addition, students should regularly check their email for notices about any changes in the course or content materials. Participation in this course is crucial to success.

Since this course is offered as an online class, individualized learning is the key. Your ability to read the textbook and additional material and learn on your own to identify major theses and link material together into a comprehensive understanding of the Western World is crucial. The professor is available by phone, email, or in person to discuss in-depth any material you do not understand but the burden of learning falls upon the individual student.

 

Be sure to review all course policies located on the "Getting Started" tab including the Wikipedia and Plagiarism Handouts.

 

Copyright of Course:  Courses and course presentations/materials shall not be reproduced, distributed, re-used, or revised without prior knowledge and consent of the professor. Copyright of courses and course presentations are owned by the professor just as in the case of traditional course materials such as books or articles.

 

 

**Changes or adjustments in course material, course calendar, or other parts of this syllabus may be made during the semester if circumstances warrant.

 

Copyright of Course:

Courses and course presentations/materials shall not be reproduced, distributed, re-used, or revised without prior knowledge and consent of the professor. Copyright of courses and course presentations are owned by the professor just as in the case of traditional course materials such as books or articles.

 

**Changes or adjustments in course material, course calendar, or other parts of this syllabus may be made during the semester if circumstances warrant.

 

 

 

 

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM