Course Policies for History 2311

Western Civilization I

Fall Semester 2010

Course information:

Western Civilization I

Section number 002 course synonym 18024

Meeting times:  Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:35 am to 11:55 am 

Place:  Room 2118, Northridge Campus

Instructor information:

Professor:  Dr. Melissa Bonafont

Office:  Room 2125, Northridge Campus

Office Hours:  Mondays & Wednesdays 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Fridays, 9:00 am to 11:00 a.m.

I am also available for conferences outside of these hours by appointment.

Phone:  223-4033

Email:  mbonafon@austincc.edu

Course description:  Development of ancient, medieval, and early modern civilizations to 1660.

Required textsavailable at the Northridge bookstore and on reserve at the Northridge library:

Mark Kishlansky, Civilization in the West, Volume I:  To 1715 (7^th edition).  ISBN# 0-205-55685-X.

Mark Kishlansky, editor, Sources of the West:  Readings in Western Civilization, Volume I:  From the Beginning to 1715 (7^th edition).  ISBN# 0-205-56839-4.

Instructional Methodology:  lecture and discussion.          

Course Rationale:  Please reference the history department website at http://www.austincc.edu/history

Common Course Objectives:  Please reference the history department website at http://www.austincc.edu/history

Grading

You will take four tests.  Please refer to your course schedule for the dates each test will be given.  Tests are closed-book, closed notes.  They consist of a multiple choice portion and an analytical essay (both are described below).   

Multiple choice exams 25 points ea. X 4  =100 points

Total                                                            = 140 points

126 points and above =A

112 to 125                    =B

98 to 111                      =C

84 to 97                        =D

83 and below               =F

Multiple choice exams (4 @ 25 points each = 100 points)

Each of the four exams consists of 25 objective multiple choice questions which will test your mastery of the unit’s learning objectives (described below).  Each question is worth one point.  You will need a #2 pencil and a green scantron form for the multiple choice portion of the exam.  There will be no retesting option available for multiple choice tests.

Essays (4 @ 10 points each = 40 points)

Essays will ask you to use material from the unit to make a historical argument.

Essay questions are handed out at least one class period before each exam, and are written in class on the day of the test.  You may use pen or pencil for the essay portion of the exam, and I will supply the paper. 

I will assign a grade according to the degree of mastery of the unit’s material and clarity and persuasiveness of the essay.  An exceptional essay would receive nine to ten points, an above average essay eight, and a satisfactory essay seven points.  Below average essays would receive six points, and failing essays would receive five to zero points.  There will be no rewrite option available for essay tests.

In grading the essays, I will be considering:

1. Does the essay answer all parts of the question fully? 
2. Does it reflect mastery of the unit’s learning objectives presented in our course materials, from both readings and lectures? 
3. Does the essay reflect mastery of the relevant assigned primary sources?
4. Does it reflect independent thought about the topics under consideration? 
5. Does the essay offer an informed analysis, rather than uninformed personal opinions?
6. Are examples from the unit’s material, including relevant primary sources, used to prove points and back up generalizations? 
7. Is the discussion specific, rather than vague? 
8. Is the essay clearly written? 
9. Is the structure in essay format, with complete sentences and paragraphs, rather than outline or “laundry list” format?
10. Is it free of excessive spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors?

Learning Objectives:  your study guide

For each of the course’s four units you will receive a learning objectives handout.  This is your study guide for the unit’s multiple choice test.  You’ll also need to demonstrate mastery of the learning objectives in the essay portion of the exam.  The answers you’re looking for can be found by combining the information from both class time and from the textbooks.  Careful, active reading of the assigned chapters in the textbook and assigned documents is essential.  Equally crucial is active learning in class, including note taking during lectures, discussions, and media presentations.  

Making Up a Missed Test

I will excuse you from testing in class for documentable emergencies such as severe illness or death in the family.  You must be able to provide a document proving an emergency situation kept you from class.  I will not excuse you from testing with the class for reasons like having another test the same day, you forgot, or were unprepared.  All excused absences for tests must be approved by me before the day of the test or, given a documented emergency situation, as soon after the day as possible.  You will not be given an excused absence if you contact me later in the week.  Without an excused absence you will be able to take a make-up test, but your maximum point total will be 70% of the points for each section of the exam.  Make-ups  for tests 1-3 must be completed within one week of the scheduled test date; for test #4, by the last scheduled day our class meets for the semester.  If you fail to take a test or make it up within the allowed period, your score for that test will be a zero.

Petitioning to Change a Test Date

You may petition to change a test date if it conflicts with your schedule.  All petitions must be made during office hours, or by appointment, at least one week before the scheduled test date.  We will arrange a date for you to take a make-up test in the Testing Center. 

Testing Center Policy

Any make-up tests will take place in the Testing Center, Northridge Campus room 3237.  You will need an ACC ID.  Please refer to the Testing Center’s website at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

Please be aware that the Northridge Testing Center is a busy facility with limited seats, and that during peak periods wait times can run two to four hours.  It is your responsibility to complete your make-up test by the deadline.

Extra Credit

You can earn up to 10 extra credit points.  All extra credit must meet the submission criteria described in your extra credit handout, and must be turned in by the deadline listed in your course schedule.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is expected and essential for success in the course.  Excessive unexplained absences will sabotage your chances of success.  To facilitate your successful completion of the course, the following attendance policy will be in effect:

For a class that meets 5 times a week, you will be permitted 3 absences.

For a class that meets 2 times a week, you will be permitted 4 absences.

More than this number of unexcused absences may result in your being withdrawn from the course.  If you exceed the allowed number of absences after the last date for withdrawal, your final grade for the course will be lowered according to the following formula:  for every two absences beyond the allowed limit, your final grade for the course will be lowered by one full letter grade.

Withdrawal

A student exceeding the above number of unexcused absences may be withdrawn from the course.  If you stop attending class, however, it is your responsibility to ensure you are officially withdrawn from the course.  Please fill out a withdrawal form and submit it to the office of Admissions and Records (Northridge Room 1101) by the “last day to withdraw” deadline listed in the ACC academic calendar.  You do not need my signature to withdraw from the course.

Incompletes

In cases of documented emergencies, an incomplete contract may be negotiated when students have completed a minimum of 80% of the course.  Students must meet with me to negotiate the incomplete contract before the last scheduled class meeting.  The work must be made up by the last day of classes for the following semester, or the grade will revert to that specified in the contract.

Student Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes.  Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.  The OSD office at Northridge is found in room 1111 and can be reached at 223-4726. 

I will need your OSD Accommodation Request Form during the first week of classes so we can make sure arrangements are made for the semester.  Please drop in during scheduled office hours or make an appointment so that we can review your accommodations.

Freedom of Expression

Our classroom will be a civil space for learning and discussion of course material so that students develop an accurate understanding of the historical record. Please understand that our studies of the past will sometimes involve contentious or controversial subject matter.  It is also important to understand that the development of historical understanding, as well as broader critical thinking skills, comes through debate and exchange, through listening and intellectual exploration.  We will value and respect the rights, opinions, and legitimate contributions of everyone who is a part of our learning community.  Please practice maturity, civility, and respect for diversity in your classroom interactions.

Disruptive and Inappropriate Behavior

Disruptive behavior includes disrespect or hostility toward your classmates or your professor, chatting in class, needless interruptions, and arriving late or leaving early. Also disruptive and inappropriate to the setting of a small classroom:  text messaging, visiting websites unrelated to course content, leaving for and returning from snacks or bathroom breaks, passing notes, napping, and working on other projects or reading assignments.  Disruptive behavior will not be allowed, and may cause you to be withdrawn from the course.

Lateness

You are expected to be on time for class.  Late arrival disrupts class and affects your ability to learn.  Every two late attendances will count as one absence, and students with excessive absences may be withdrawn from the course (see attendance policy, above).  Class will begin at the starting time listed in the campus course schedule.  I will take attendance in the first minute of class.  If you enter the class after your name is called on the roll call, it is your responsibility to report your attendance after class.

Scholastic Dishonesty

A student caught cheating (including plagiarizing) on any assignment in this course will receive an F in the course, and I will initiate discipline proceedings with the Campus Dean of Student Services.

Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work.  Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework. 

Privacy Policy

The federal government requires that student privacy be preserved, according to FERPA (the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) legislation.  Thus, the posting of grades, even by the last four digits of the social security number, is forbidden.  All communication will remain between the instructor and the student, and the instructor will not be able to share details of the student’s performance with parents, spouse, etc.

Mark Kishlansky, Civilization in the West, Volume I:  To 1715 (7^th edition).  ISBN# 0-205-55685-X.

Mark Kishlansky, editor, Sources of the West:  Readings in Western Civilization, Volume I:  From the Beginning to 1715 (7^th edition).  ISBN# 0-205-56839-4.

History 2311—Western Civilization I

Course Schedule Fall 2010

Required texts-- available for purchase at the ACC Northridge bookstore and on reserve at the ACC Northridge library: 

Mark Kishlansky, Civilization in the West, Volume I:  To 1715 (7^th edition).  ISBN# 0-205-55685-X.

Mark Kishlansky, editor, Sources of the West:  Readings in Western Civilization, Volume I:  From the Beginning to 1715 (7^th edition).  ISBN# 0-205-56839-4.

UNIT 1—The Near East and Greece

August 24 & 26

Of Cities and Civilizations:  What is “Western Civ”?

            read:  Civilization in the West, pages 2-3.

                        Sources of the West document #2, The Creation Epic.

August 31 & September 2

Mesopotamia and Egypt

            read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 1.

Sources of the West, #1 The Epic of Gilgamesh, #5 Code of Hammurabi, #6 The Book of the Dead, #3 The Book of Genesis.

September 7, 9, & 14

The Greek Legacy

            read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 2 & 3.

Sources of the West: #4 Hesiod’s Work and Days, #9 through #16 Homer, Sappho, Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch.

TEST #1  THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16

UNIT 2—Rome and its Heirs

September 21 & 23 

Rome, from Republic to Empire

read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 4 & 5

Sources of the West, #17 through #22.

Polybius, Cicero, Virgil, Juvenal, Plutarch, Suetonius.

September 28 & 30

Imperial Rome and Early Christianity

            read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 6

Sources of the West, #23 The Sermon on the Mount and #24 St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans; #25 Tacitus’ Germania, #26 Eusebius’ In Praise of Constantine.

October 5 & 7

Byzantium and Islam

            Read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 7

Sources of the West, #33 through #38

Justinian, Procopius, Koran, Psellus, Al-Qalanisi, Ishaq.

TEST #2 TUESDAY OCTOBER 12

UNIT 3—Medieval Worlds

October 14, 19, 21

The Medieval West

            read:  Civilization in the West, chapters 8 & 9

Sources of the West,  # 30 Gregory of Tours’ History of the Franks, # 31 Bede’s The Ecclesiastical History of England, #32 Einhard’s The Life of Charlemagne # 39 Feudal Documents, #43 Magna Carta, and pick an unassigned document of your choice from numbers 40-49 to read/discuss.

October 26 & 28

The Medieval World in Crisis

            read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 10

Sources of the West, #46 Dante’s Divine Comedy, #50 Witchcraft Documents

November 2 & 4

Renaissance

            read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 11

                        Sources of the West, #54 Machiavelli’s The Prince.

TEST #3 TUESDAY NOVEMBER 9

UNIT 4—Early Modern Europe

November 11 & 16

New Monarchs, New Worlds

            read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 12

Sources of the West, pick an unassigned document of your choice from numbers 57-62.

November 18 & 23 (no class Thursday November 25—Thanksgiving holiday)

The Reformation

            Read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 13

   Sources of the West, #55 Erasmus’ In Praise of Folly, # 63 Luther The Freedom of a Christian and Of Marriage and Celibacy , # 64 Calvin Institutes of the Christian Religion and Catechism., #65 Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises, #66 Life of St. Teresa.

November 30 & December 2

DEADLINE FOR EXTRA CREDIT:  THURSDAY DECEMBER 2 IN CLASS

The Age of Religious Wars

            read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 14

Sources of the West, # 68 Peasants of Swabia/Luther, #74 Henry IV, Edict of Nantes, #76, Simplicissimus.

December 7

Change and Continuity in Everyday Life

            read:  Civilization in the West, chapter 15

TEST #4 THURSDAY DECEMBER 9

Unit 1 Learning Objectives

Kishlansky chapters 1, 2, 3, assigned documents, and lectures

Introduction

1. Understand how the concept of “Western civilization” has been defined.  What institutions and values are “Western”?  How is “Western civilization” a controversial concept?
2. Understand the historical context for the creation of Western civilization courses in the United States.

Chapter 1:  “The First Civilizations” and Lectures

1. Understand what Otzi can tell us about life in prehistoric Europe.
2. Understand how to identify dates and centuries using the B.C.E./C.E. and B.C./A.D. systems.
3. Describe the emergence of sedentarization and agriculture, and their significance.
4. Describe the features of a culture which lead it to be categorized as a “civilization.”
5. Describe the emergence of Mesopotamian civilization.
6. Characterize life in a Mesopotamian city:  urban life, hierarchy, technology.
7. Describe Mesopotamian religion.
8. Describe the significance of King Sargon and his daughter Enheduanna.
9. Describe Hammurabi’s code.
10. Describe kingship and the state in Egypt.  How did religion reinforce social and political organization?
11.   Discuss religion and kingship during and after the Amarna Period.
12.   Describe the significance of Hatshepsut’s and Akhenaten’s reigns.
13.   Describe the development of Hebrew monotheism, and its significance.

Chapter 2:  “Early Greece, 2500-500 B.C.E.” and Lectures

1. Contrast Minoan and Mycenaean Greek civilizations.
2.   Describe the Greek “Dark Age” and the theories offered to explain its coming.
3.   Discuss the significance of the Iliad and theOdyssey to Greek culture.
4.   Understand the significance of the polis to Western civilization, and describe the factors contributing to its development.
5.   Describe the nature and roles of religion and myth in Greek culture.
6.   Describe the Ionian philosophers and their significance.
7.   Describe the role of athletic competition in Greek culture.
8.   Contrast the economies and cultures of Athens and Sparta.
9.   Describe Solon’s and Cleisthenes’ reforms and their roles in building Athenian democracy.  Understand the significance of Athenian democracy.

Chapter 3:  “Classical and Hellenistic Greece, 500-100 B.C.E.” and Lectures

1. What happened at Marathon in 490 B.C.E. and why was it significant?
2.   Describe the Delian League and understand Athens’ dominance.
3.   Describe the status of slaves, metics, and women in Athens.
4. Describe the structure of the Athenian political system—the elected and allotted offices, the popular assembly (ekklesia), the law courts, Council of 500 (boule), Archons, and Generals.
5.   Understand the debates about whether Athens was a “true” democracy.
6.   Describe the influence of demagogues in Athens.
7.   Identify Pericles and his significance for Athenian democracy.
8.   Identify the opponents in the Peloponnesian War.  What was the ultimate impact on Athens?
9.   Describe the Sophists.
10.   Describe Socrates, his method, and his significance.
11.   Why are the writings of Herodotus significant?  Of Thucydides?
12.   Describe Plato’s contribution to philosophy and to politics.
13.   Describe “Aristotelian empiricism.”
14.   Understand the significance of Philip II and Alexander (the Great) of Macedon.
15.   Describe the characteristics of the Hellenistic world.  What political and social changes occurred?
16.   Describe the new currents in Hellenistic philosophy—the Cynics, Epicureans, and Stoics.