History 1050: World History to the 16th Century
University of North Texas, Fall Semester 2012
Department of History
Instructor: Dr. Walter Roberts
Office: Wooten Hall 227
Office Hours: M-TH 3-5 PM; or by appointment
Office Phone: 940-565-2489
E-Mail:
Grader: Kate Fischer
Office: Wooten Hall 261
Office Hours: Monday 2-5 PM; or by appointment
Office Phone: 940-565-4678
E-Mail:
Course Description and Objectives
As citizens of an increasingly global society, it is imperative that we have a basic understanding of the social, political, economic, and religious developments that have shaped the world as we know it today. This course is meant to provide you with an overview of the events and ideas that shaped world history until ca. 1500. More than a dry recitation of facts and dates, however, this course is designed to encourage you to examine critically the issues put forth and to ultimately form your own educated opinions about them. We will do this by supplementing the basic textbook with lectures, discussions, readings from selected primary sources (in translation), and the occasional audio/video presentations.
Student Learning Outcomes
1) Identify the basic events and chronology of world history to ca. 1500 CE.
2) Place the developments of early world history into a wider context; that is, how do the developments of pre-1500 world history inform our understanding of modern society?
3) Explain the difference between primary and secondary historical sources.
4) Be able to formulate an analytical argument about historical issues for the pre-modern period using analysis of primary and secondary sources.
5) Be able to assess critically primary sources on pre-modern world history.
Required Texts
The following is available for purchase at the campus bookstore
World History: Concise Version of Spodek’s World History, Vol. 1. History 1050, Dr. Walter Roberts (Pearson Custom Library)
Grading and Evaluation
4 Exams (25% each)
The value for all grades in this course will be based on a standard collegiate scale: A=90-100%; B=80-89%; C=70-79%; D=60-69%; F=59% or lower.
Exams
The four exams will be in-class green book tests, given on the dates noted below, consisting of identifications and essay questions. All exams are in our regular classroom. These exams are not cumulative and each will be 25% of your final course grade.
Attendance and Class Conduct Policy
There is no formal attendance policy for this class. With that being said, a crucial aspect of your learning in this course is attending class and participating. It is imperative that you do the readings, come to class, and participate in our discussions. Much on the exams comes from the lectures, discussion, and the readings. You cannot simply skim the textbook while skipping class and hope to do well. There will normally be no allowance for missed exams. If missing an exam is unavoidable due to extenuating circumstances (definition decided by me, not you!), the student must give reasonable prior notification and documentation for the reason they are missing the exam. In such cases the student must arrange with me to make up the work in question within 2 weeks of the original date of the exam. There will be no extensions given for the final exam. Students that are habitually late to class, regularly exit class early, or otherwise disrupt class will be subject to being administratively dropped from the course. The list of disruptive behaviors includes, but is certainly not limited to: sleeping; cell phone use or cell phone ringer going off; texting; chatting with your peers while I’m lecturing or another of your peers has the floor; surfing the web; doing other coursework. I also reserve the right to ask you to leave the class if I deem such disruptive behavior to be especially egregious. In short, I will treat you as adults as long as you show me and your peers the same courtesy.
University of North Texas Code of Student Conduct
This code is in effect for all aspects of this course. Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with according to University policy. If you are unclear about the Code of Student Conduct, please refer to section 18.11 of the University Policy Manual found on the University’s website or come see me.
Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at www.unt.edu/oda. You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.
Course Web Page
This course has its own Web page on the Blackboard site. This web page will contain the syllabus, assignment guidelines, and other supplemental course materials. It is important that you check the Web page on a regular basis to get your assignments and access material that will make this course more manageable.
Class Schedule (Order of topics and assignments subject to change)
Part 1
Mesopotamian Civilizations
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Greece
Readings: Custom Reader, Chapters 1-3
Part 2
Ancient Rome
Imperial China
Ancient India
Readings: Custom Reader, Chapters 4-7
Part 3
Judaism
Christianity
Islam
Readings: Custom Reader, Chapters 8-9
Part 4
Medieval Europe
The Renaissance
Readings: Custom Reader, Chapters 10-11
IMPORTANT DATES (due dates of assignments and mid-term subject to change)
September 3: Labor Day (No Class)
September 28: Exam 1
October 26: Exam 2
November 7: Last day to drop the course
November 16: Exam 3
November 23: Thanksgiving Break (No Class)
December 10: Final Exam, 8-10 AM
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