Western Civilization I Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Phone

Office Location

Office Hours

 HOW TO CONTACT ME:

--Write to me via the "MESSAGES" Tool from the top menu toolbar on the Course Webpage  (Please DO NOT use Outlook as this may delay a response). NOTE: I will not respond to emails sent from non-Amarillo College email address.

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

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

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

Prerequisite: 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:

West in the World  Custom Edition with Connect Plus Access Code
Authors:  Sherman and Salisbury
Publishers:  McGraw-Hill (5th Edition, 2014)
ISBN:  9781308367112

 

Where to purchase textbooks:  Amarillo College Bookstore (http://www.actx.edu/bookstore/
*NOTE:  Students should purchase the book at the AC Bookstore to ensure they purchase the correct textbooks and editions which comes packaged with the Connect Plus Access Code for the McGraw-Hill Study Materials used in this course. Please remember that each student is responsible for purchasing the CORRECT Textbook 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.  Students also have access to significant Virtual help from the Textbook publisher’s web site and often may use an E-Book instead of the more traditional printed version.  See AC

Student Performance

\ Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

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    \
  1. \ Create an argument through the use of historical evidence.
  2. \
  3. \ Analyze and interpret primary and secondary sources.
  4. \
  5. \ Analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, and cultural forces on this period of western history.
  6. \
\

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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 disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.  The student must also visit with the professor to discuss any special demands.

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 prior to the below date. Students are now REQUIRED to contact their Professor and get Approval before Dropping any class.. 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 APRIL 21, 2016.

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, discussion and/or assignment.  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
  • recycling work from a previous or current course, whether your own work or another student’s work.

Review the plagiarism link located on the "Course Info - Start HERE!" 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 assignments, 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 AC 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."   Encyclopedias and general "History" websites also fall into this category because they are too superficial to use as "source material" for research necessary for use in any College Course. Using as “sources” such non-academic web sites like Wikipedia, Yahoo, Encyclopedias, or even general History websites (like History.com) among others with similar designs and intent will result in a reduction in points appropriate to the infraction on submitted Assignment.  Use solid academic sources, and if in doubt, ask the Professor to be certain that you avoid penalties.

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 lessons (15 chapters) chronologically before the end of the semester as well as participate in Discussions.  (See Course Schedule for reading below).

 

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.  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. Students should then 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 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 several grades (see below), then I DO NOT allow any Make-Up assignments -- for any reason so do not ask.  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 reset quizzes, 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.

Again, there is NO extra credit offered--so Please Do Not Ask.  This Syllabus is much like a Contract between the student and professor and alterations are not allowed.  Experience has demonstrated that Make-Up work is often just more to do for an already swamped student, so I have chosen to use the Drop score option to relieve the pressure and prevent students from trying to do extra work while still keeping up with up-coming work that is still due on time.  Remember, each student is being allowed several drop scores to assist those who must miss a Quiz or a Discussion because of outside obligations.  So there is no Extra Credit allowed.

Students MUST submit all Assignments and Quizzes electronically per the appropriate Instructions on the Course Website and no Assignments will be accepted in any other form as mandated by College and Course Syllabus rules.

 

Assignments:

  1. The first component of a student's grade are Graded Chapter Quizzes and students must take the fifteen (15) chapter quizzes covering the eleven (11) modules/lessons.  Depending on scheduling needs, students will take either one or two chapter quizzes per testing cycle.  The goal is to allow for 15 Graded Chapter Quizzes so that student’s may drop their 5-lowest Quiz scores. Each individual quiz will be composed of twenty (20) questions in various formats, including (but are not limited to) multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, true/false, maps, and more. Graded Quizzes begin at 12:00 p.m. Noon and close at 11:55 p.m. (just before Midnight) on the dates listed on the Course Schedule (see below). This allows students a total of 84 hours over a four (4) day window in which to take each quiz after it is posted and recall that each quiz is timed.  You will be able to access each individual quiz TWICE and you will have forty (40) minutes to take and complete each quiz attempt within a Testing Cycle.  That means, for any testing period which has two (2) Graded Chapter Quizzes scheduled, students must allow for eighty (80) minutes of time during the Testing Window, or 40-minutes for the first Graded Quiz, and then some time later, another 40-minutes for the second Graded Quiz set for that period. Once you open a specific Quiz, you must complete it within 40-minutes.  The Blackboard Program times all Quizzes so each student must prepare for TWO (2) Test attempts for a specific Quiz in case of some technical issue, or if they score poorly and wish to try improving their grade using a second effort within a Testing Cycle, and Blackboard will keep only the highest score.  There are NO make-ups.  Each quiz is worth 20 points and the student will be able to drop five (the 5 lowest scores) of the 15 chapter quizzes.  The top ten (10) quizzes at 20 points each will be totaled for your Quiz grades, but remember there are other graded course requirements.  (Total 200 points or approximately 77% of Final Course Grade.)
     
  2. The second component of a student's grade is Discussion Questions scheduled on the Calendar throughout the Course, generally at the end of several modules.  Each student will answer the Question posed by the Professor, and will have some choice from which to select.  These are posted on the Discussion TAB and each answer should be a minimum of 250-500 words in length in a thoughtful and in-depth response.  Rules for answering Discussion Questions are listed under the Discussion Rules Link (see the Course Info TAB then look under Course Policies). Discussion Forums, including the student posts are open for one week, usually from Fridays beginning at 12:00 p.m. Noon to the following Friday until 11:59 p.m. Midnight.  You will have 6-Days in which to first, post your answer the question you selected, then each student must post two, shorter Commentaries (a minimum of 100-150 words in length) on the answers that two (2) of their classmates have posted to the Question they opted to write about.  So be clear, there are actually 3-Parts to this assignment.  The first is your own answer to a question posted by the Professor and selected by you, totaling about 500-words, then two shorter responses or commentaries totaling about 150 words each that you post regarding what two of your classmates had to say about the Question they chose to write upon.  However there are two (2) separate due dates so Do Not Panic, and remember that you have almost one week to complete all three (3) parts of this Assignment.  Be careful, however, to be sure that you submit your Answer to the Question you opted to write about No Later Than the First Due Date on the Course Schedule thus allowing at least 24 hours for the replies from your classmates ensuring each student will have time for thoughtful responses to what others wrote, and to what you posted as your answer.  Waiting until the last minute is unfair to those who need time to compose in-depth postings, so treat your classmates as you wish to be treated. The three (3) Discussion Forums during the Course are worth thirty (30) points each and students will be able to drop ONE (1), obviously it will be the lowest score.  The points will be awarded as follows: twenty (20) points for a quality answer to the Discussion Question itself; and then Five (5) points for each reply to your classmate’s posts for a total of ten (10) points. The responses to your fellow students' answers must be insightful commentaries that show you have read and considered what they have argued in their answer to the question being posed. Your highest two (2) Discussion Forum posts will thus total sixty (60) points toward your Final Course grade. (Total 60 points or 19% of Final 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 250/310 for a grade of 80 or a B for the course. Approximate percentages are given to assist students who prefer to determine their grade through that method. To view your Grades, click on the "Check Your Grade HERE" TAB on the Course Webpage.  Manually calculate your Grade or Current Average using the Course Syllabus and/or see the "Graded Quizzes TAB -- How to Calculate Your Current Average" Link for assistance.

Final Grade based on Total Points:

  • A    260-234 points
  • B    233-208 points
  • C    207-182 points
  • D    181-156 points
  • F    155 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 all Discussions Forums should be thoughtful and critical with supporting facts and appropriate citations. 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 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 is found in the Discussion postings that are done by each student posted on the Course Schedule.  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 meetings are required. This course is conducted entirely online in a Traditional 16-Week Semester.

Attendance Policy: Regular log-ins are required not only for satisfactory achievement in the Course, but to meet the attendance criteria established for those accepting Financial Aid.  Be certain that you know---and follow the rules for such attendance as stated in your Financial Aid package.  Students must log into the course daily, or at a 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 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 is found in the Discussion postings that are done by each student posted on the Course Schedule.  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.

 

Students MUST submit all Assignments and Quizzes electronically per the appropriate Instructions on the Course Website and no Assignments will be accepted in any other form as mandated by College and Course Syllabus rules.

Calendar

HIST 2311 (16 wks)  --  Course Schedule   --   Spring 2016


QUIZZES:  Unless otherwise noted, Quizzes open at 1200 or 12:00 p.m. Noon on the first date listed.  All Quizzes and Assignments are Due before 2355 or 11:55 p.m. (just prior to Midnight) CT on the final date listed.   All dates refer to the 2016 Calendar Year and all times refer to the appropriate seasonal CT (Central Time).  

Discussion Board:  Unless otherwise noted, all Discussions are Due before 2359 or 11:59 p.m. (just prior to Midnight) CT on the date listed. For rules governing late postings, see the Discussion Rules and/or FAQs.

 

NOTE:  Students MUST submit all Assignments and Quizzes electronically per the appropriate Instructions on the Course Website and no Assignments will be accepted in any other form as mandated by College and Course Syllabus rules.

 

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 contact the AC Help Desk (AskAC) immediately explaining the difficulty, and copy your Professor as well.  Remember, most Assignments have at least one Drop option available if a technical issue occurs; however, some do not and if a Due Date is imminent, resolving the problem is critical.  The AskAC Help Desk is available by E-mail, telephone, or in person during most working hours (AskAC Contact Information and Hours:  http://www.actx.edu/contact/) but plan ahead! A Link to the AskAC Help Desk is also provided on the left-hand menu of the Course Webpage.
 

Date

Lesson &
General Topics Covered

Reading Assignment

Quiz(zes)

Available on "Graded Quizzes" TAB

Discussion Board

Available on "Discussions" TAB



1/19/16

Introduction to Course

Purchase correct Textbooks (confirm with the Course Syllabus).

Familiarize yourself with the Course Syllabus, Policies, Welcome Page, and other areas of the Course Webpage. 

Become familiar with ACConnect (Blackboard).

Register with McGraw-Hill Resources on the "Course Materials" TAB using your purchased Access Code.

Graded Quizzes Available on the "Graded Quizzes" TAB

Practice Quizzes and Other Study Materials Available on the "Course Materials" TAB

Locate Questions & Post Entries on the "Discussions" TAB

NOTE the TWO Separate Due Dates Below on Discussion Board Forums.

 

1/24

Lesson I

Faith, Fortune, and Fame: European Expansion, 1450-1700

NOTE on Chapter Numbering:  The reading assignments for this course are found in the AC Custom Edition of the West in the World authored by Sherman, et. al. and assignments begin with Chapter 12 in the textbook---if you purchased it from the AC College Bookstore.  Unfortunately, the Publisher failed to re-number the Chapters in the Table of Contents for the books sent to the AC Bookstore to correspond to our shortened version of this "new' Textbook. If you bought your book from some other source, then the Chapter numbers may not correspond those I have listed for THIS class---but I promise that if you ordered the correct version of the book then all of the material is in there.  I selected a Custom book which deleted earlier Chapters from the original that were unnecessary for our course---and thus saved you about 1/3rd of the cost of the Full version.   So do not be confused if you see a different Chapter Number in the Table of Contents than you do when looking at the material I assign in the book itself.  Each Chapter does have the correct Number that will match-up with the Reading Assignments placed in the Syllabus and in the Course Schedule---so you should not have any trouble if you use one of those as your guide during this semester.  Just be WARNED that the Chapters found in the Table of Contents are not numbered correctly---although the Title of the Chapters will be the same. I apologize for this minor hiccup and never hesitate to ask if you need clarification.  To help you I listed the actual number as found at the start of each Chapter FIRST and then followed it with the numeral from the Table of Contents in parentheses to assist you with each week's reading assignment.  For example, the Table of Contents lists our first reading assignment as coming from Chapter 4 titled, "Faith, Fortune, and Fame: European Expansion, 1450-1700."  The AC Custom edition, however, numbered that Chapter on Page 16 as Chapter 12 rather than Chapter 4 as does the Table of Contents.  This shows that it is not terribly confusing since the actual Chapters are correctly numbered and will match the assigned readings---but just watch out for that Table of Contents issue.   

Textbook (Textbook refers to West in the World  by Sherman - Salisbury)

Textbook, Chapter 12 (4) - begins on page 16

1/29 - 2/1
(1 quiz)

Post Your Introduction
on the "Intro" Discussion Board Forum
Opens 1/19
Closes 2/1

1/31

Lesson II

The Struggle for Survival and Sovereignty: Europe's Social and Political Order, 1600-1715

A New World of Reason and Reform: The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, 1600-1800

Textbook, Chapters 13 & 14 (5 & 6)
- begins on pages 48 & 82

2/5 - 2/8
(2 quizzes)

Disc. 1
Opens 2/5
Answers DUE 2/11
Replies DUE 2/12

2/7

Lesson III

Competing for Power and Wealth: The Old Regime, 1715-1789

Textbook, Chapter 15 (7) - begins on page 108

2/12 - 2/15
(1 quiz)

 

2/14

Break

Take a break from reading.

 

 

2/21

Lesson IV
 

Overturning the Political and Social Order: The French Revolution and Napoleon, 1789-1815
 

Factories, Cities, and Families in the Industrial Age: The Industrial Revolution, 1780-1850

 

Textbook, Chapters 16 & 17 (8 & 9)
- begins on pages 144 & 174

2/26 - 2/29
(2 quizzes)

Disc. 2
Opens 2/26
Answers DUE 3/3
Replies DUE 3/4  

2/28

Lesson V

Coping with Change: Ideology, Politics, and Revolution, 1815-1850
 

Nationalism and Statebuilding: Unifying Nations, 1850-1870

 

Textbook, Chapters 18 & 19 (10 & 11)
- begins on pages 204 & 234

3/4 - 3/7
(2 quizzes)

 

3/6 - 3/18

Spring Break

Spring Break

 

 

3/20

Lesson VI

Mass Politics and Imperial Domination: Democracy and the New Imperialism, 1870-1914
 

Modern Life and the Culture of Progress: Western Society, 1850-1914

 

Textbook, Chapters 20 & 21 (12 & 13)
- begins on pages 254 & 282

3/25 - 3/28
(2 quizzes)

 

3/27

Lesson VII

Descending Into the Twentieth Century: World War and Revolution, 1914-1920

Textbook, Chapter 22 (14) - begins on page 312

4/1 - 4/4
(1 quiz)

Disc. 3
Opens 4/1
Answers DUE 4/7
Replies DUE 4/8

4/3

Lesson VIII

Darkening Decades: Recovery, Dictators, and Depression, 1920-1939

Textbook, Chapter 23 (15) - begins on page 342

4/8 - 4/11
(1 quiz)

 

4/10

Break

Take a break from reading.

 

 

4/17

Lesson IX

Into the Fire Again: World War II, 1939-1945

Textbook, Chapter 24 (16) - begins on page 368

4/22 - 4/25
(1 quiz)

 

4/21

Last Day to Drop

Students are now REQUIRED to contact their Professor and get approval before Dropping any class.

 

 

4/24

Lesson X

Superpower Struggles and Global Transformations: The Cold War, 1945-1980s

Textbook, Chapter 25 (17) - begins on page 394

4/29 - 5/2
(1 quiz)

 

5/1

Lesson XI

Into the Twenty-First Century: The Present in Perspective

Textbook, Chapter 26 (18) - begins on page 430

5/6 - 5/9
(1 quiz)

 

 

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 70 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 discussions.

 

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 a NEW 8-week fast-paced 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 — even more in an 8-week session. The student should block out time in a day planner three (3) times a week in a traditional 16-week session (5-6 times a week in the 8-week session) 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.

 

Go to the Course Webpage on AC Connect and select the "Course Info - Start HERE!" TAB:
--Print out and keep a copy of the Course Syllabus for the semester handy,
--Print out the Course Schedule on the "Course Schedule" TAB and post somewhere prominent.
--Review and be familiar with ALL Course Policies located 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.

 

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM