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HISTORY |
World Civilization II
Fall 2003
Syllabus for HIST 122
Terrence Delaney, professor
Phone: 383-5248
E-mail: use WebCT
account
Office hours: Room 5, TR
The overall aim of this course is to develop an understanding
of the history of the major world cultures by examining the major themes and
movements that were occurring during this period. It is hoped that each student
will gain a sense of where people have come from and what that could possibly
mean for the future. As the world moves
towards a deeply integrated globalization, it is even more important to
understand how different people are, and how similar they are. Many historians and experts are still
debating the ramifications of the most recent move towards globalization. All, however, are in agreement that the only
way to be successful within its context, is to understand as much as possible
what it is all about.
History is the “explanation of change over time,” as
one of my professors defined it. The
study of history is an important component of a sound liberal arts
education. Here is one answer to the
question, why study history? Another purpose of this course, and one I
feel is equally important as those above, is that everyone involved has an
enjoyable time. For this to happen it is necessary that everyone participate in
the class. Please, ASK QUESTIONS. This is a way for all of us to learn.
The question is always asked: What can you do with history? An objective of this class is not only a knowledge of history, but to help the student develop a methodology of examining evidence and learning to report on it in a clear and concise manner. In the future you may have a boss who will ask you for a three-page report on a project you are in the middle of. You will have to examine the files, going through the data and finding the significance. This is what a historian does. So in a way, just about everyone can use historical methodologies on their job.
Course Description
This course is a
continuation of the survey of world cultures from the Age of Discovery to the
present. Consideration is given to major
institutions and ideas, the formation of empires and modern nation states, as
well as the important political, social, and economic forces of the time,
especially as to their influence on modern times.
Required Texts
The following books are available in the bookstore:
The Earth and Its Peoples:
Volume Two
Things Fall Apart
A reading list for the
semester can be found by following the link.
During the course of the semester you will want to look
through a variety of sources to get a feel for what is going on in the
world. At one time Americans prided
themselves on their knowledge of the “outside world.” In the past few years we have shown ourselves
to be not only quite ignorant of the rest of the world, but more than happy to
be so. By perusing the following sources
on a regular basis (but not limiting yourself to just these sources), you can
build up your knowledge base that will expand your view of the world, and
collect material that will be helpful for this courses final assignment. To aid in this endeavor you will find helpful
material that includes: The New York Times
(especially the International section), the
Atlantic Monthly (their section on the Twenty-first Century
is well done), CNN World News, The Washington Post’s World
Section, and the International Herald Tribune.
Method of Evaluation
1)
Exams- There will be a total of three examinations. Material for examination purposes will come
from a combination of lecture, video presentations, discussions, and your
readings. The exams will consist of two
take-home essays. No outside sources
will be needed to pass this course. The
first two exams will be worth 35 percent of your final grade. The final exam, wider in scope and longer in
length, will be worth 40 percent of your final grade.
2)
Objective tests- At the WebCT
there are objective tests for each chapter.
These tests are time and date sensitive.
Make sure you complete them ontime. This part of the course will constitute
fifteen percent of your final grade.
3) Good Citizenship- The social component of learning is an important part of the process. For that to happen, you must come to class and be ready to participate. Any absences beyond three will count against you. Class participation is also an important component of this. It is important to be prepared to take part in discussion and then be an active member of your group and class when the time comes. Periodic quizzes may be used to gauge how well a student is doing. This section will constitute ten percent of your final grade.
Grading
|
Grade |
Equivalent |
Quality
Points |
|
A |
95-100 |
4.0 |
|
A- |
90-93 |
3.7 |
|
B+ |
87-89 |
3.3 |
|
B |
83-86 |
3.0 |
|
B- |
80-82 |
2.7 |
|
C+ |
77-79 |
2.3 |
|
C |
73-76 |
2.0 |
|
C- |
70-72 |
1.7 |
|
D+ |
67-69 |
1.3 |
|
D |
63-66 |
1.0 |
|
F |
0-62 |
0.0 |
Civility in the Classroom
Ideally a classroom is
a place of learning. In an ideal setting
all opinions are heard and respected, although you may disagree. In this class we want to create as safe an
environment to learn as possible. To
achieve this everyone must be willing to follow guidelines established by the
class. Anybody diverging from these
guidelines, or disrespecting anyone in the class, will not be tolerated.
College Withdrawal Policy
A student who finds it
necessary to discontinue a course MUST complete a withdrawal form obtained from
the Registrars Office. Students may
withdraw from class anytime during the first thirteen weeks of the semester
without being in good standing or obtaining prior permission of the instructor. Students, who fail to properly withdraw, and
discontinue coming to class, will be assigned an “F” grade. Eligibility for refund of tuition is based
upon date of withdrawal when received by the registrar. Verbal withdrawals will not be accepted.
Learning Disabilities Statement
If you have a question regarding a disability
that may affect your progress in this course please contact one of the
college’s Disability Service Providers as soon as possible. Chris Scarborough (892-5751) generally works
with students who have learning disabilities or ADHD. Judy Hilburger
(892-5744) generally works with students who have physical, visual, hearing,
medical, mobility, and psychiatric disabilities. Matt Liscum (383-5240) also works with
students who have disabilities. Your
cooperation is appreciated.