ANCIENT MEDIEVAL WESTERN CIVILIZATION
SYLLABUS
Fall2013 Sixteen-Week Session
HISTORY 1053
Section 101, Call Number 11542
Instructor: Kate Wilder Reeves
Course Objectives / Grading Procedures / Review Sheet 2Testing / Review Sheet 3
Study Procedures / Review Sheet 1 / Review Sheet 4
E-Mail Address:
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE:
Division: Liberal ArtsOffice: MC 505
Phone Number: 595-7119, 7118
General Information & Help Line: 595-7282 or TCC Service Desk: 595-2000
Instructors Office Hours: I am not on campus except during class time, so you must reach me through the email address given above. If you leave a message for me at the Academic Services Office, I will not receive it unless I happen to go by Metro campus on other business. Email me for the best and fastest response.
COURSE PREREQUISITE: none
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E-MAIL SYSTEM:
Please rely on the MyTCCor TCCNET email system to reach me at all times. It’s the fastest way to get a response to your questions from me. I check emails daily. If you are new to the email system, please set yourself up as soon as possible to enable communication between us.
What will myOffice 365 Student E-mail Address be?
The format for the new Office 365 Student e-mail addresses will be .
Tip: Take your current MyTCC or TCCNET user name and add @tulsacc.edu to the end of it.
Example: MyTCC/TCCNET Username = george_washington Office 365 Office 365 e-mail address =
Note: Some students with common names have a number at the end of their MyTCC or TCCNET user name. This number will also be part of the Office365 e-mail address.
How do I access the Office 365 E-mail System?
The Office 365 website is will be accessible starting January 7th, 2013.
What is the username/password for the Office 365 E-mail System?
To login to the Office 365 e-mail system, the user name is your new TCC Office 365 e-mail address. (Example: ). The password is your TCCNET password. This is the password you use to access the TCCNETcomputer network (labs, library, etc).The following link will walk you through Logging into the Office 365 E-mail System.
If you have not logged into TCCNET on campus before, you will need to follow the instructions for new users at If you need assistance with your TCCNET password, please contact Client Services at (918) 595-2000.
Will I be able to receive e-mail from the faculty teaching my courses?
Yes. The new e-mail addresses will be loaded into Blackboard and faculty will send e-mail through Blackboard to your new Office 365 e-mail address.
Will I still have access to the MyTCC e-mail system?
Current students will have continue to have access to the MyTCC e-mail system until March 31st, 2013 The MyTCC e-mail system will be taken down on March 31st2013. New students will no longer be assigned a MyTCC e-mail address, they will receive the Office 365 e-mail address.
TEXTBOOK AND OTHER MATERIALS:
Textbook: Civilization in the West, Vol. I, Kishlansky, Geary, and OBrien, latest edition.
I strongly suggest you also rely on the online Glossaries, which correspond to the chapters in the textbook, Civilization in the West. Look for the Glossaries under the Online Menu.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
A survey of the background for development of civilization in the West including the Near East, Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages..
COURSE OBJECTIVES:Back to Top
The primary objectives in this course are for the student to demonstrate critical thinking skills in historical reasoning and to make apparent effective communication.
The process of critical thinking within historical reasoning will be applied to this course in Western Civilization. There are some fundamental steps in this process. The student should be able to:
1. Describe the basic event, person, or idea. You need to demonstrate your knowledge of the historical fact or facts by explaining what happened or what was stated.
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2. Explain the causal aspects of these historical facts. In this part of the reasoning process, you will need to explain or demonstrate the important cause or causes of the event or idea, for example, explaining why an event occurred or why something was stated.
3. Describe the impact or the effect/s of the historical event or idea on the historical situation, for example explaining what effect or effects happened because of the event or idea.
4. Express knowledge of different historical interpretations and make apparent an evaluation of those views.
5. Draw an appropriate inference or generalization about a given topic in the early Western Civilization era.
APPROACH TO THIS CLASS:
It is important that you approach the class with a successful attitude. If you choose to do well in the course, you will commit to the kind of behavior that will produce a positive outcome. I want and expect you to be a success in the class.
There are some simple study methods that are explained in the section on study procedures. It is essential that you follow these techniques on a daily basis. If you thoroughly apply the procedures to the review sheet items, and in developing your essays, you should do well on the examinations. The review sheets, study procedures, and in class discussions have been created to help you become a success in this class. Good Luck!
TESTING:Back to Top
The course is broken into foursections. Each exam will cover one section and be worth 100 points. Each examination is composed of thirty-five (35) objective questions (two points each) and two (2) essay questions (15 points each).
Note: There are no other assignments for this course. The assigned readings, participation in class discussion, and four exams are the only requirements for this course.
TESTING SCHEDULE:
See Reading Assignment and Testing Calendar attached.
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STUDY PROCEDURES: Back to Top
A. Review Sheet Topics: The terms for each test are found at the end of this syllabus or under the Study Terms & Essays Button. (See the buttons on the left of the Announcements page.) Each term is defined for you in the Glossaries. The textbook is optional but is suggested in order to understand an overview of the historical era. If you have a textbook, read the appropriate chapters. Use the index to find each term further defined in the textbook.
With each of the review sheet items, it is essential that you write out the following components of each one in your own words on note cards or in a spiral notebook.
Events, People, Dates:
1. The basic facts of the event or person (what aspect of it or who was the person and what did they do).
2. An understanding of why the event happened or why the person acted in such a way (their motivation).
3. The impact or effect of the event or the actions of the person.
Ideas and Concepts:
Write out a thorough definition or explanation of the idea or concept.
B. Essays: As you are working through the text and the glossaries, find the material that is relevant to the essay questions and write out, at home, practice essays for each one of them. Information pertaining to the essays can be found in the syllabus, the glossaries, and the helpful web sites.
As you write your practice essays, it is important to follow the essay writing guidelines outlined below.
1. An introductory paragraph that places the essay material in historical context and explains how you plan to answer the various parts of the question.
defines appropriate terms and utilizes specific evidence and examples).
3. A conclusion in which you state a general idea or ideas that you consider to be the most significant in the essay.
STUDY TIPS:How to get started studying for each test:
1. Print out each Review Sheet Terms and Essay Questions so that when you read the material the first time you will know what to concentrate on.
2. Do an initial reading of assigned Chapter and all of the parts of the assigned Glossary to get an overall sense of the history.
3. Follow the study suggestions in the syllabus for each term and write each term (in your own words) out on a separate card.
4. Attack the essays as suggested in the syllabus. Develop an outline and memorize it. When you take the test in class, write your memorized outline on the test to help you remember the information that you wish to discuss.
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TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR THE ESSAY QUESTIONS:
1. Before you start studying, see which essay questions are going to be asked so that you can begin formulating your answers as you are reading the text and glossaries.
2. Begin to prepare a detailed outline as you read about your essay question.
3. From that outline develop and write your essay at home.
4. When you get your test in the testing center, from memory write your outline on the test. Include as many details as possible so that when writing the details can refresh your memory.
5. Over prepare. If you study more instead of less, you will more likely remember more information and do much better on the test.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY:
If you do not take any tests, you will receive an AW at the end of the semester. After Test I, if I have not heard from you, I may give you an AW at that point. You may drop a class by going through a simple procedure in the counseling offices at whatever campus is more convenient for you. Last day for 100% refund is August 19 or first day the class meets. Last day to change from credit to audit is September 27, 2013.
ONLINE ANNOUNCEMENTS:
In a timely manner, (usually at least one or two a week) Announcements will be posted. Please read these immediately. Check email messages and Announcements daily, however.
GRADING SYSTEM:Back to Top
Each exam will be graded on a 100-point scale with:
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
0 - 59 = F
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Semester grades will be assigned according to a 400-point scale (four exams).
400 – 360A
359 – 319B
318 – 278C
287 -- 247D
206 – 000F
Note: Test grades will also be posted on the Student Grade Book in Blackboard. Please view my comments about your essays after each test.
Here is a sample of how you see your scores.
Your perfect scores are: 70 (multiple choice); 30 (essays 15; 15;)
The first score represents the multiple-choice score out of 70;
followed by each of the two essays that are worth 15 points each or up to 30 points;
COMMUNICATIONS:
Email: All TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address (ex:
). All communications to you about TCC and course
assignments will be sent to your MyTCC email address; and you must use MyTCC email to send email to, and receive email from,
the instructor regarding this course. I will not respond to home or outside email addresses.
Inclement Weather: TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency
situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices to radio and television stations.
This information is also posted on the TCC website (
GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS: General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates gain skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a common foundation for their higher education and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General Education goals are: Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs, and perspectives during classroom or online discussion encourages the free exchange of ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other. Use of laptops for note taking is permissible, unless it becomes disruptive for me or other student or is used inappropriately (surfing). Cell phone, pagers, etc. are strictly prohibited. They must be turned off and put away during class time.
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ATTENDANCE: I expect each of you to be present in every class. Your grade will be affected by multiple absences (more than three). Missing classes repeatedly could drop your final grade by a letter grade at that point.
I don’t believe in excused absences, but if you cannot come to class, I expect to be notified by you by email, no later than two hours before class meets to mitigate your absence.
SYLLABUS CHANGES: Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students will be notified of any changes to the syllabus in writing.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENTS: Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC Catalog, the TCC Student Policies & Resources Handbook, and semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the TCC website:
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College to create inclusive learning environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center (EAC) at or call (918) 595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others about one’s own work or about the work of another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community College system. Tulsa Community College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic dishonesty a faculty member may:
- Require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a substitute assignment or test;
- Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;
- Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively withdraw the student from the class;
- Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester. Faculty may request that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by submitting such a request to the Dean of Student Services.
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TOBACCO FREE COLLEGE: Tulsa Community College is a Tobacco Free college in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 2012-01 and Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1-1523 which prohibits smoking or the use of any tobacco products in all public places, in any indoor workplace, and all vehicles owned by the State of Oklahoma and all of its agencies and instrumentalities. This Order includes property leased, rented, or owned by TCC including, but not limited to, all grounds, buildings, facilities, and parking lots. Tulsa Community College’s policy includes a tobacco free environment on all campus and off-campus locations conducting TCC credit or non-credit classes. The TCC Campus Police is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Tobacco-Free Environment Policy. Violations of the policy may be addressed through issuance of campus or state citations.
REVIEW SHEET for EXAM I Back to Top
I. List of important topics, ideas, people, events, dates, law, science, and engineering: (i.e. make sure you write out all aspects of all items: the what, the why and the impact of each term.)
The human species or race
Interpretations of cave murals
The effect of the end of the last ice age on human adaptation and way of life
Early villages and innovations
Reasons for Imperialism in the Egyptian New Kingdom or the Empire
Religious revolution of Akhenaton
Egyptian Medicine
New class system during the Egyptian New Kingdom or the Empire
The role of women in ancient Egypt
Invention of writing in Sumer
The importance of the Ziggurat in Sumeria and Mesopotamia
The Code of Hammurabi
The different peoples who founded empires in Mesopotamia
The migration of the Hebrews from Mesopotamia
The Northern Hebrew Kingdom
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Values in the Book of Deuteronomy
Religious doctrines about the end of time
The Zoroastrian Gods and religious views
The social and military system in Sparta and its difference from Athens
The reforms of Solon (i.e. in Athens)
Cleisthenes reforms and constitution
The results of the Greek war with Persia
The causes of the Peloponnesian War
The role of women in Athens
The views of Protagoras the Sophist
Socrates' method of reasoning
Plato's theory of forms
Plato's political philosophy
Aristotle's emphasis on the use of the senses and science
Aristotle's metaphysical views and his idea of co substance
Aristotle's ethical and political philosophies
The conquests of the Macedonians (i.e. Philip and Alexander)
The meaning of the word Hellenistic
The historical theory of Polybius
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II. Essay Questions:Make thorough outlines, at home, of each of the following 3 essays. Make sure your outlines include:
1. An introduction paragraph that explains how you plan to answer the various parts of the question.
2. The body of the essay (that gives thorough explanations, carefully defines appropriate terms and utilizes specific evidence and examples).
3. A conclusion in which you state a general idea or ideas that you consider to be the most significant in the essay.
(Note: no outlines or notes can be used in the testing center.)
I. Discuss the following elements of the Hebrew religion:
1. Explain the concept of Monotheism and give some examples from other religions.
2. Describe the basic teachings or doctrines of the prophets.
3. Explain why the notion of free will for the followers of Yahweh is prominent.
II. Discuss the following ideas from Greek philosophy:
1. Explain the basic teachings of the Sophist philosopher Protagoras.
2. Explain Plato's realm of ideas and give an example.
3. Contrast these two views and give your evaluation as to which view is more effective.
III. Discuss Egyptian civilization in the following areas:
1. Explain the role of the middle class during the period of the Middle Kingdom.
2. Discuss the process of expansion during the period of the Empire.