History B1 – World History
From the Origins of Human Civilizations to 1500 CE
Fall 2010 – Bakersfield College
COURSE SYLLABUS
Professor: Deanna Heikkinen
Email:
Website: http://www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/dheikkinen
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
Hansen, Valerie and Kenneth R. Curtis. Voyages in World History. Vol 1. Boston: Wadsworth, 2010. ISBN: 978-0-618-077236.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Survey of the historical development of different world societies’ major economic, intellectual, political, religious, cultural and social ideas and institutions from Paleolithic humanity to the Early Modern Era. Recommended: Eligibility for English 1 and Reading Level 5 or 6. Hours: 54 lect. CCS: Liberal Arts and Sciences. Transferable: CSU and private colleges.
COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This course has seven objectives. Upon completion of the course the student will be able to explain the historical factors, which influenced the development of the early world. He/she will have an understanding of the world from several cultural perspectives. The student will be proficient in evaluating historical evidence using both primary and secondary sources. In addition, a comprehension of how to compare and contrast historical and cultural topics and issues across space, both geographical and temporal will be attained. Furthermore the student will be able to assess causes and form hierarchies of causation and create models and mnemonics to better understand large and complex issues. Finally, the student will demonstrate capability in researching historical topics and clearly articulate opinions, provide substantive supportive evidence, and demonstrate reasoning.
COURSE ORGANIZATION
This course is organized into three parts. The first provides a brief précis of hunting and gathering to the early civilizations. This brief introduction is followed by a consideration of the classical period. After which, a section on the postclassical period will be examined.
Evaluation of student performance in this course is based on four criteria:
• Participation (15 @ 10 points each = 150 points)
Each week, a discussion topic will be posted in the class discussion section of ETUDES. In order to get all of your participation points, you will need to post commentary at least once a week. These discussions are a place for scholarly commentary, so keep to the topic. Also, you need to be respectful of all posts, meaning that you should not be demeaning or put down any one’s ideas or comments. If you do not agree with something written, simply state that you do not agree and the reasons why. Scholarly debate is welcomed and encouraged in this class. These points are equivalent to attendance and participation points in a traditional classroom. Please use proper grammar and spell check your work.
• Weekly Quizzes (14 @ 25 points each = 350 points)
Each week, a 25-question quiz will be given. These quizzes will consist of objective questions from the readings.
• Analytical Essay (1 @ 100 points = 100 points)
One 6-8 page analytical essays will be written on an assigned topic. This response will be based on one of several topics presented which are based on the readings you just finished. Please see section below on required format and expectations for this paper.
· Midterm and Final Exams (2 @ 150 points = 300 points)
The midterm and final exams will consist of 100 objective questions, which may include true/false, multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, and short answer. There will also be an essay portion worth 50 points. The essay should be in proper format and be comprised of a well developed argument or comprehensive answer to the question. Use the traditional five paragraph essay, where you have a clear thesis with three points. Each of these points should be expanded on in a paragraph. The last paragraph is your conclusion where you write a summary of your argument/analysis, but do not include any new information. Please see section below on answering an essay on an exam.
900 Total Points possible
810-900 A
720-809 B
630-719 C
540-629 D
539 and below F
COURSE SCHEDULE
Week Ending / Chapter Reading Assignment/Assignments Due
Due Date
8/23/10 Introduction to Class
8/29/10 Writing Module
Plagiarism Contract
Introduction Discussion
8/30/10 1. The Peopling of the New World
9/4/10 Chapter 1 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 1 Due
9/6/10 2. The First Complex Societies in the Eastern Mediterranean
9/11/10 Chapter 2 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 2 Due
9/13/10 3. Ancient India and the Rise of Buddhism
9/18/10 Chapter 3 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 3 Due
9/20/10 4. Blueprint for Empire: China
9/25/10 Chapter 4 Quiz Due
Discussion Week 4 Due
9/27/10 5. The Americas and the Islands of the Pacific
10/2/10 Chapter 5 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 5 Due
10/4/10 6. New Empires in Iran and Greece
10/9/10 Chapter 6 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 6 Due
10/1110 7. The Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity
10/16/10 Chapter 7 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 7 Due
10/18/10 8. Hindu and Buddhist States and Societies in Asia
9. Islamic Empires in Western Asia
10/23/10 Chapter 8/9 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 8/9 Due
10/27/10 MIDTERM EXAM DUE
10/25/10 10. The Multiple Centers of Europe
10/30/10 Chapter 10 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 10 Due
11/1/10 11. Expanding Trade Networks in Africa and India
11/6/10 Chapter 11 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 11 Due
11/8/10 12. China’s Commercial Revolution
13. Europe’s Commercial Revolution
11/13/10 Chapter 12/13 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 12/13 Due
11/15/10 14. The Mongols and their Successors
11/20/10 Chapter 14Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 14 Due
11/22/10 15. Maritime Expansion in the Atlantic World
11/27/10 Chapter 15 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 15 Due
12/1/10 Analytical Essay Due
11/29/10 16. Maritime Expansion in Afro-Eurasia
12/4/10 Chapter 16 Quiz Due
Discussion Chapter 16 Due
12/10/10 FINAL EXAM DUE
COURSE INFORMATION
Analytical essay (1@100 points)
The analytical essays should be six to eight (6-8) double-spaced typewritten pages, not including references, in 12 point Times New Roman font with 1" margins on all sides.
NOTE: 6-8 pages is not at the top of the sixth page, but rather it should be at least three quarters of the sixth page or on to the seventh or eighth page – NOT including references or title page.
The paper should be written in a proper essay format with a thesis statement that is supported throughout the rest of the paper. The first paragraph is an introduction and should include your thesis statement. The subsequent paragraphs should provide your argument. The last paragraph is your conclusion that does not introduce any new material, but summarizes your paper.
A minimum number of three sources are required for each paper, these may include your textbook and any book or scholarly journal article relevant to the topic. However, you must use at least one primary sources from the modules in ETUDES and/or from the following websites:
1. Internet Ancient History Sourcebook includes Ancient, Classical, Late Antiquity, and Early Christian time periods. http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/asbook.html
2. Internet Medieval Sourcebook http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook.html
(The Internet History Sourcebooks Project is located at the History Department of Fordham University, New York.)
Proper citation is expected (see citation techniques below).
Papers will be graded on content, writing style, use of proper citation, and the degree of critical thought. Please see the writing section in the modules and the syllabus for more information on writing do’s and do not’s.
NOTE: To be considered valid, all outside sources, especially internet websites MUST be approved in advance by the instructor. Wikipedia is NOT a scholarly source and may NOT be used.
Proper Citation Techniques
You are required to cite references in writing your papers. Use of these references should follow the techniques outlined below. Footnotes and citations using the Chicago Manual of Style are required. If you get a fact from a textbook, book, or a journal article, you must list the author, date, and page in the footnote. You will cite your references to give credit to persons whose ideas or facts you use. All quotes must have a citation, otherwise it is plagiarism (see section on plagiarism below). Remember, always cite the primary reference—If you take a specific point from one of the course textbooks, and that point is cited as being derived from a work by another author, look in the bibliography of the textbook for that original citation. In the text, use the following style: Chicago Manual style. See Writing Module in ETUDES for more information and style guide.
General Writing Instructions
With regard to organization, make sure that your paper has an introduction that presents your main argument in a clear manner. The body of your paper should support the ideas proposed in the introduction. The conclusion should serve to wrap up your paper, not present new ideas not previously discussed throughout the paper. The introduction and conclusion should speak to each other.
Generally speaking, you ought to choose one verb tense and stick to it consistently.
Please note the common errors listed here, you will be graded down for the misuse of grammar and spelling:
· “Alot” is not a word.
· An “effect” is the result or consequence of some action. It is a noun. To “affect” something is to bring about such a consequence. It is a verb. Please do not use them interchangeably.
· “It’s” = “It is,” rather than denoting the possessive nature of “it.”
· Apostrophes denote possession, not plurality.
· Make sure that your sentences contain agreement. (If you are referring to a singular subject, make sure your verb form reflects that. Likewise, if you are discussing a plural set of subjects, make sure your verb form reflects their plurality.)
· Be aware of the difference between “there,” “they’re,” and “their,” “are” and “our,” “its” and “it’s” (see above), “to,” “two,” and “too,” and “woman” and “women.”
· Recognize the difference between “apart” (separate) and “a part.”
Remember to proofread your work. You should not turn in your first draft as a final paper. Write out your response to an assigned topic. Then proofread for grammar, spelling, and clarity, and to make sure that you have addressed the question thoroughly.
In keeping with scholarly writing convention and because we do not know the authors of our readings personally, please refer to them by last name rather than first name.
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is a very serious offense. Bakersfield College will not accept or tolerate instances of academic fraud or plagiarism among its students or faculty. Using published or unpublished material without citing the source is plagiarism. You may use someone else's material if you enclose it in quotation marks and precisely reference its source. However, direct quotations should be kept to an absolute minimum. Simply paraphrasing someone else's materials by minimal rearrangement of the wording is also plagiarism. It is an equally serious offense if you write a paper for someone else, copy someone else's work, or allow someone to copy your work. In all cases, such acts are considered cheating and such acts will automatically result in a grade of F for the course.
ACCOMODATIONS STATEMENT
Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disabled Student Programs & Services (661-395-4334), FACE 16, as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
EMAIL AND EMAIL ETIQUETTE
Make sure you check your email and the ETUDES course website frequently.
Sign off with your full name and state which class you are in (CRN number)
Use an appropriate and polite tone;
Do not tell me to reply ASAP or make other demands;
Do a spell check on your communication;
Use upper and lowercase letters as appropriate in any formal academic written communication.
I will reply to emails as quickly as possible, and with every effort to do so within 48 hours during weekdays.