HIS 132: WESTERN CIVILIZATION FROM 1555
ONLINE COURSE SYLLABUS
FL 2014
Credit Hours:4
Semester:FL 2014
SectionHIS 131.DL
Instructor:Larissa Nemoianu
Office:JM 145
Phone:517-796-8542
Office Hours:Mondays / 10:00 / AM / - / 11:00 / AM
1:00 / PM / - / 3:00 / PM
Tuesdays / 12:00 / PM / - / 2:00 / PM
Wednesdays / 10:00 / AM / - / 11:00 / AM
1:00 / PM / - / 3:00 / PM
Thursdays / 12:00 / PM / - / 2:00 / PM
Other hours by appointment
Required:
Textbook: Western Civilization, A Brief History, 10th Edition, volume II
Marvin Perry Baruch College, City University of New York
The book site on the Internet has free material to help you with each chapter.
You will need as a good dictionary!
This, together with History 131, constitutes the basic history course, as well as an introduction to the humanities.
History 132 is a continuation of history 131 emphasizing the development of new political areas, economic and social theories, the evolution of the modern states, and efforts to control international tensions.
Course Goals
History 132 is a study of the development of Western institutions, ideas and cultures from about 1555 to the present.
The future is inescapably tied to the past and questions our society faces and will face in the future arerooted in our past. Our attitudes on such issues as political democracy, social justice, economic opportunity, equality and the environment have all been shaped by our society's previous experiences. In this course we will study how these attitudes and beliefs evolved in the last 400 years.
Ultimately, history in large part is a study and an attempt to understand those links from what we "were" to what we "are" and to what we "hope to be."
History is not one-dimensional. Instead, it has ties along both chronological and societal lines. A particular historical event is not only influenced by those events which happen concurrently, but also by those which precede it.
This course has two major goals:
A.First, we will study history as a process through which our society came to be as it is today. Our society in 2012 is the product of a diverse and complex past and a fuller understanding of that past will give us greater insight and perspective into the historical roots of the problems that challenges us. One historian has written: "A nation's attitudes towards its own history is like a window into its own soul and the men and women of such a nation cannot be expected to meet the obligations of the present if they refuse to exhibit honesty, charity, open-mindedness and a free and growing intelligence towards the past that makes them what they are."
B.The second goal of this course is to challenge you to develop your critical reading and writing skills. We will introduce you to sets of complex historical problems and ask you to order, evaluate, analyze and conceptualize the material in order to gain greater understanding of the particular problem with all of its ramifications.
This course will contribute to the following Associate Degree Outcomes:
ADO 5:Understanding human behavior and social systems
Students will learn to:
* Recognize factors that determine and govern human behavior, and distinguish between individual and external factors.
* Understand the methods of analysis and interpretation used by historians to explain events and the role of personality in history.
* Understands the connection between the economic, social, and political systems in the entire human history (specific to a certain historical period.)
* Understand different social and political systems and the limitation of each.
* Characterize the evolution of the western civilization by analyzing the combination of influences, such as various traditions, environmental conditions, and opportunities.
ADO 7: Critical thinking
Students will learn to:
*ask challenging questions
* evaluate the difference between subjective and objective information in primary and secondary sources
* understand different factors affecting the development of different civilization (geography, outside influences, etc)
*Understand and present events from international perspective and to explain interdependency of all peoples and nations
* differentiate between cause and effect
* understand the role of personality and the masses in history
In conclusion, as a result of successfully completing HIS 132 you will be able to realize that the study of history is part of understanding ourselves, our culture, and the relationship between cultures, for all human have been shaped by institutions and values inherited from the past.
Course Structure
While this course is an "introductory" course in Western modern history covering the period from about 1555 to 1990, it is not a "survey" course in the sense that we will not attempt to discuss every fact or cover every event in these 400 years. Rather, we will approach this period of history through a discussion of four themes.
I.The Age of Power: The evolution of social, economic, cultural and political life in Early Europe
II.Rationalism, Enlightenment, and Revolution: The Creation of Modern Europe
III.Industry, Ideology Nation-building, and Imperialism: The Nineteenth Century
- Western Civilization in Crisis, The Total War and Recovery and Globalization: Twentieth Century
In all four themes we will focus (in part at least) on issues of political democracy, social justice and equality.
To achieve your goals for this class, knowledge, understanding, credits, and grades you must study the topics assigned and you will be expected to participate in class discussion with questions, comments, and opinions. Asking questions reflects the effort you have put forth in studying the material. Your questions will be answer by me, or by one of your colleagues.
My evaluation of your work will be based on your effort and on your abilities demonstrated throughout the class.The class calendar, my methods of teaching, the evaluation criteria, could change depending on the class effort and direction
THIS IS NOT A SELF-PACED CLASS.
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
Each student will spend at least 12 hours per week preparing for class.
- Read the "Learning Goals" at the beginning of each chapter. (The goals summarize the key points in the course and provide a guide for studying the information for the examination questions.)
- Read the outlines and power points for each chapter
- Read the textbook chapter at least twice. The first time scan the chapter topics reading the major points, and then the second time, concentrate on trying to understand the information, which will require asking yourself questions about what you are reading.
- Paraphrase the definitions for each term and concept.
- Answer discussion questions
- Take the examinations.
- Submit the 4 written assignments
Learn to become an Active Reader. Don't just read and answer questions. It's important that you take notes while you are reading. If you have a question about something you've read, write it down. Go back through the material and find the answer. You might even have questions about concepts in the chapters that aren't answered to your satisfaction. Post those on the bulletin board to get feedback from the other class members.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
Various learning activities will be used to accomplish the course goals. Text and computer online readings are used to introduce materials, methods, and concepts.
- Read the outlines and the chapters in the textbook.
- Participate in class discussion.
- Write four assignments.
- Take examinations.
GRADING POLICY
You are responsible to check your grades weekly; if the grades are not posted, or if you see a mistake, call or email me immediately.
The grade you earn in the course will be based on the average grade you receive on all graded work.
EVALUATION
Students can accumulate 500 points:
400 from the exams
60 from the assignment
40 points from class discussions
Grading Scale:
4.0 / 450 to 5003.5 / 425 to 449
3.0 / 400 to 424
2.5 / 350 to 399
2.0 / 300 to 349
1.5 / 250 to 299
1.0 / 200 to 249
0.5 / 150 to 199
0.0 / under 150
The grades are not negotiable: each student is responsible for the grades he/she earns and for checking weekly on JetNet the posted points.
The grades are based on points not on percentages.
If a student find a mistake, or think that he/she did not get credit for a discussion etc, should contact me immediately.
EXAMINATIONS
You have6 exams are worth 80 points each. The exam with the lowest grade will be dropped.
The exams are made up of multiple-choices questions
The exams are online and are not open book; no books and notes are allowed. They can be taken any day of the week they are scheduled. The last day is the Sunday of the scheduled week, at 11:59 PM,The exams can be taken before the scheduled week, but not after the deadline.
If you have a problem with your computer, go to one of the computer labs.
No make- up exam is allowed. If you miss an exam, for any reason, it will be the one exam I will drop.
Exams Schedule
Exams / Dates(The exams are open from 09/16; you can take the exams before the scheduled week but not after.)
Exam 1: Introduction notes chapter 10 and 11 / 09/29 to 10/05
Exam 2, chapters 12 and 13 / 10/06 to10/20
Exam 3, chapters 14 and 15 / 10/20 to 11/26
Exam 4, chapters 16 and 17 / 11/03 to 11/09
Exam 5, chapters 23 and 24 / 11/17 to 1123
Exam 6, chapters, 25 and 26 / 12/08 to 12/14
Rules for the class discussions
- Participate in five online discussions at least three times on each posted topic. Each individual is required to thoughtfully comment (start a new message in the “Discussion” section of JetNet) on the subject. You must post your statement in the first three days of discussion week (Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday) for 5 points. If you post later your statement will be graded as a reply.
- React to the opinions of one colleague for 3 points and to the second other student for 2 more points. The replies must be on the discussion subject.
- Your comments to your colleagues' statements should be more than "I agree", "I disagree"; "Good job!", or something similar.
- Your statements and your replies are not to be personal opinion. If you start with "I think" I will not read the rest of the posting. You must bring arguments to support your position. The postings should be in your own words, not copied from the textbook or other sources.
- If you post your statement and replies on the same day, you will not get credit for your statement.
- Discussion posted after the due date are not graded.
These arethe topics and the discussion board will be open at the discussion starting date:
1.Discussion 1: Was nationalism transformed by the state? Explain.
Starting date: 10/13
End date:10/19 at 11:55 PPM
2. Discussion 2: How was imperialism reflected in the popular culture of Europe? Give examples.
Starting date: 10/27
End date:11/02 at 11:55 PPM
3. Discussion 3: Was democracy facing collapse in the wake of the Great War? Explain.
Starting date: 11/17
End date:11/23at 11:55 PPM
4. Discussion 4: What impact did the Chinese Revolution have on the Cold War? Explain and give examples.
Starting date: 12/01
End date:12/07 at 11:55 PPM
Written assignments: there are4 written assignments for this class. Each assignment is worth 15 points.
For each assignment: you will read the document (chosen by me), complete the worksheet for the document, and upload the worksheet in the assignment folder.
I posted a worksheet form under the class syllabus. You will have to save this form on your computer, answer the questions, and upload the completed worksheet on your class site on JetNet.
I will not grade the assignment if you use a different format from the one I posted
Example:
Assignment 1:
Step 1: read the document
Step 2: answer the questions
Step 3: upload your worksheet under the assignment on your JetNet class site.
For assignment 1 you must upload (as rtf or word file) under Assignment 1 in week 2.
You can upload earlier than the beginning of the week, but not after the due date.
pla·gia·rize:
transitive senses: to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own: use (another's production) without crediting the source
intransitive senses: to commit literary theft: present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source
The documents for the assignments are on the week 0 of your class site as well at the end of this syllabus.
You copy the answer sheet and upload on the assignments site.
The assignments are:
Assignment 1: read and complete the worksheet for:Isaac Newton, Principia (1687)
The assignment should be uploaded by September28, at 11: 55 PM
Assignment 2: read and complete the worksheet forOtto von Bismarck, Letter on the Capture of Napoleon III (1870)
The assignment should be uploaded by October 19, at 11:55 PM.
Assignment 3:read and complete the worksheet for Treaty of Versailles, June 28, 1919, excerpts
The assignment should be uploaded by November 16, at 11:55 PM
Assignment 4: read and complete the worksheet forThe Marshall Plan (1947)
The assignment should be uploaded by December 7, at 11:55 PM
Late assignments will be penalized with 2 points deducted for every late day.
Academic dishonesty (plagiarism* or cheating) will result in a course grade of 0.0.
If you use information from outside sources (and you will have to do it) you must tell what sources you used, even if you used your own words!!!
The evaluation of your assignments and your contributions to the class discussions of the material is a discretionary matter.It is my judgment callwhether or not your assignment responses and comments on the material reflect sufficient effort and insight.
I will check my e-mail every day, including the weekend, so please e-mail me with any questions or concerns. If you do not get an answer from me in 24 hours it will be because I am sick or I have problems with my computer.
"I" (INCOMPLETE) GRADE POLICY:
Policy Summary:
This policy defines and establishes the use of an Incomplete Grade “I” course designation in specific instances. A form is attached that must be used when implementing an “I” designation.
Policy Statement:
Extenuating circumstances sometimes prevent otherwise successful students from completing a course by the end of a semester. Use of the Incomplete Grade designation allows students extra time to finish a course. The instructor and student should work together to determine when the work is to be completed. All work is to be completed no later than the end of the next full-length semester. The instructor will designate the grade earned if the student fails to complete the course objectives within the designated time period.
I – Incomplete: The incomplete grade is designed for students with extenuating circumstances to allow them to complete the course requirements after the semester or session has ended. Students may receive an “I” if, in the opinion of the instructor, their work is sufficient in quality, but is lacking in quantity to meet the objectives specified in the course syllabus. The course objectives are to be satisfactorily completed during the next full-length semester or within a shorter period of time as determined by the instructor. If the student does not complete the course within the designated time period, the Registrar will replace the “I” grade with the earned grade as assigned by the instructor.
The grade of “I” is not awarded to students who did not attend, or seldom attended, or to those who simply are not pleased with their final grades. Students receiving an “I” submit only the remaining work that had not been completed at the end of the semester. Students do not redo work that had already been graded.
WITHDRAWAL/DROP POLICY:
It is important to note that if you decide for whatever reason, that you do not want to complete this course, you must officially withdraw by completing a withdrawal form (which can be obtained in the Student Center) on or before the official withdrawal deadline. After that date, your grade will be determined by the grades you've earned. In some cases, this could mean a 0.0 final grade.
VERRY IMPORTANT DATES
Drop Dates
Refund/Drop Date with no W : 9/29/2014
Drop with a W : 9/30/2014
Last day to Withdraw : 12/6/2014
GRADES
All faculties are required to report each student’s progress through the HQV grade process:
·H indicates the student is not doing acceptable work and needs Help to be successful.
· Q indicates the student has not attended and the instructor believes they have unofficially withdrawn (Quit). As a result of a “Q” grade, the student will be dropped from the class.
· V indicates the instructor Verifies that the student is attending.
GRD 1 is due 9/27/2014
GRD 2 is due 10/13/2014
GRD3 is due 11/08/2014
Good Luck!
Tentative Class Schedule
Tentative class schedule
The instructor can change the schedule, format of the class discussion and/or format of the exams at any time during the semester in order to accommodate the class needs.
Week nr. / Dates / Studying / Exams, Assignment and Discussions.1 / 09/22
To
09/28 / Notes: Introduction to historical terms and concepts. The foundation of western history
10. Intellectual Transformation: The Scientific Revolution and the Age of Enlightenment. / Assignment 1: Isaac Newton, Principia (1687)
Due date: September 28 at 11: 55 PM
2 / 09/29
To
10/05 / 11. The Era of the French Revolution: Affirmation of Liberty and Equality. / Exam 1: ch. 10 and 11
Due date: October 5 at 11:55 PM
3 / 10/06
To
10/12 / 12. The Industrial Revolution: The Transformation of Society.
13. Thought and Culture in the Early Nineteenth Century / Exam 2: ch. 12 and 13
Due date: October 12 at 11:55 PM
4 / 10/13
To
10/19 / 14. Surge of Liberalism and Nationalism: Revolution, Counterrevolution, and Unification.
/ Assignment 2: Otto von Bismarck, Letter on the Capture of Napoleon III (1870)
Due date: October 19 at 11: 55 PM
Discussion 1: Was nationalism transformed by the state? Explain.
Starting date: October 13
End date: October 19 at 11: 55 PM
5 / 10/20
To
10/26 / 15. Thought and Culture in the Mid-Nineteenth Century: Realism, Positivism, Darwinism, and Social Criticism. / Exam 3: ch. 14 and 15
Due date: October 26 at 11:55 PM
6 / 10/27
To
11/02 / 16. Europe in the Late Nineteenth Century: Modernization, Nationalism, Imperialism. / Discussion 2: How was imperialism reflected in the popular culture of Europe? Give examples.
Starting date: October 27
End date: November 2 at 11: 55 PM
7 / 11/03
To
11/09 / 17. Modern Consciousness: New Views of Nature, Human Nature, and the Arts. / Exam 4: ch. 16 and 17
Due date: November 9 at 11:55 PM
8 / 11/10
To
11/16 / 18. World War I: The West in Despair.
/ Assignment 3: Treaty of Versailles, June 28, 1919, excerpts
Due date: November 16 at 11: 55 PM
9 / 11/17
To
11/23 / 19. An Era of Totalitarianism.
/ Exam 5: ch. 18 and 19
Due date: November 23 at 11:55 PM
Discussion 3: Was democracy facing collapse in the wake of the Great War? Explain.
Starting: November 17
End date: November 23 at 11: 55 PM
10 / 11/24
To
11/30 / 20. World War II: Western Civilization in the Balance.
11 / 12/01
To
12/07 / 21. Europe After World War II: Recovery and Realignment, 1945-1989.
/ Assignment 4: The Marshall Plan (1947)
Due date: December 7 at 11:55 PM
Discussion 4; What impact did the Chinese Revolution have on the Cold War? Explain and give examples.
Starting on December 1
End date: December 7 at 11: 55 PM
12 / 12/08
To
12/14 / 22. The Troubled Present / Exam 6: ch. 20, 21 and 22
Due date: December 14 at 11:55 PM
Documents for assignments