User Name
and Password:
You must use a
user
name and password after the first week of class. Without these
words you will not be able to access the course materials.
The format of your username and password are clearly posted on the main page
of your course. If you still need assistance with your username and password
please go to this page and read the instructions:
http://www.bcconline.com/orient/password.htm, to receive further
assistance.
In the box below
please explain your understanding of user names and passwords, including how
you expect to receive your user name and password for this class:
Instructor's Information:
E-mail:
jgradzikowski@bcconline.com
Cell: (760) 717-3580
Office Hours: Mon , Tues, and Wed 7-8pm to Mon, Tues, & Wed 2 -3
pm
In the box below explain how you would contact
your instructor.
Introduction:
History 1A is a survey course on-line which will cover the
history of world civilizations from the fifth millennium B. C. to 1500 A. D. We
will be studying the history of world civilizations from a number of
perspectives, including the development of cities, the rise of empires and the
development of bureaucracy and administration, the role of religion and
philosophy in world history, the development of class structures and gender
roles and the development of the various cultures of the ancient world.
Increasingly, history students have begun approaching the human past from a
global perspective. As world trade, electronic media, environmental issues, and
geo-politics increasingly compel us to confront global events, the need for
world history becomes paramount for any educated individual.
World Civilizations – Points of Emphasis
Even though our subject is large and we will approach
different civilized cultures in different ways, there are some themes that merit
consistent attention.
1. Connections. First, we
will try to identify connections between cultures and civilizations, looking for
exchanges that resulted from trade, travel, and conquest.
2. Seminal Philosophies and Religions.
Second, we will explore core philosophies and religions of
different cultures, concentrating especially on those values that have endured
into our present age.
3. Structures (Social, Political, Economic).
Third, we will compare and analyze economic, social and political structures
that have shaped civilizations.
As we consider these three developments, we will constantly
compare one civilization or culture with another.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Political, cultural and philosophical development of Western
civilization from the origins of civilization to the Renaissance.
GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this on-line course, the student will be
able to:
1. Identify the major features of a civilization after
examining the emergence of civilizations in different world cultures.
2. Describe the dominant patterns of interactions between
civilizations in trade, cultural exchange and dominance, technology transfer,
travel, migration, colonization and military conflict.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental cultural values
as reflected in seminal religions and philosophies such as Judaism and
Christianity, and Islam, and other enduring value systems.
4. Identify the relationships between modern cultural
developments and ancient core philosophies and religions.
5. Explain social relationships and structures in different
cultural settings.
6. Compare daily life in different cultural and geographic
settings.
7. Explain and describe economic development in specific
settings.
8. Recognize important connections between developments in
past civilizations and events in the contemporary world.
1. Analyze the
motivations, personalities, achievements and failures of major historical
personages from the origins of civilization to the Renaissance.
Assessment
method: Essay exams, short papers, research projects
2. Review and
discuss important historical problems and decide on possible solutions and
alternatives from the origins of civilization to the Renaissance.
Assessment
method: Essay exams, short papers, research projects
3. Evaluate the
lessons of history from the origins of civilization to the Renaissance, and
how they serve to instruct and inspire future generations. Instruct by
providing examples of what to avoid and what to emulate. Inspire by giving
models of achievement and virtue.
Assessment
method: Essay exams, short papers, research papers
In the box below, type the objective and SLO that
interests you the most as well as one reason why you took this course.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
Read the required material and participate in discussion
questions /answers with at least one other student.
Not all chapters have discussion questions assigned. The
additional readings within the specific chapters (on –line) should supplemental
not replace the required readings in the text book. The discussion questions
are based primarily on the text book.
No quizzes are assigned during the course
Research paper of your choice but must be within the
historical content of the major themes covered in the 14th chapters;
normally 5 pages in length, not to exceed half a page up or down and must
include proper citing of sources as references (MLA OR APA format is acceptable.
TEXTBOOK (REQUIRED)
Lerner, E. Robert, Fifteenth Edition. Western Civilizations
.W.W. Norton & Company. New York. London. 2005.
ISBN: 0-393-92493-9.
In the box below please type, I have my textbook
or I will have it by the end of the first week of class.
Email Updates
One of the primary methods
of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of extracting
student names and email addresses from our registration system. The purpose of
extracting this information is two fold. The information will be used by the
instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to provide information
necessary for the students' academic success. The information will also be used
to send emails to the students from the college administration. The emails sent
by the college administration will consist of links to course surveys which will
be used to improve our online courses, important announcements for students, and
links to college surveys, which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on
the college by the California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college
will not use this information to advertise any products and will not share
student email addresses with any other organization.
In the box below type the following information:
As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address is
up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can seriously
impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I consent to
receive email communication from my instructor and from the college
administration. This consent will remain in force until it is revoked in writing
or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon submitting the syllabus,
I agree to enter the registration system, check my email address and change it
if necessary. I understand a tutorial is available to assist me with this
procedure. I also understand I can contact 760-252-2411 x7236 to receive
additional assistance if I encounter any difficulties when attempting to change
my email address.
Course Schedule:
Lessons
Week One:
Introduction: World Civilizations-Points of
Emphasis
Chapter 1, The Origins of Western Civilizations
Week Two:
Chapter 2 Gods and Empires in the Ancient
Near East, 1700-500, B.C.E.
Chapter 3 The Greek Experiment
Week Three:
Chapter 4 The Expansion of Greece
Chapter 5 Roman Civilization
Week Four:
Chapter 6 Christianity and the
Transformation of the Roman World
Chapter 7 Rome’s Three Heirs: The
Byzantine, Islamic, and the Early Medieval Worlds
Midterm Exam
Week Five:
Chapter 8 The Expansion of Europe:
Economy, Society, and Politics in the High Middle Ages, 1000-1300
Chapter 9 The High Middle Ages: Religious
and Intellectual Developments, 1000-1300
Week Six:
Chapter 10 The Latter Middle Ages,
1300-1500
Chapter 11 Commerce, Conquest, and
Colonization 1300-1600
Week Seven:
Chapter 12 The Civilization of the
Renaissance, 1350-1550
Chapter 13 Reformations of Religion
Research Paper is due.
Week Eight:
Chapter 14 Religious Wars and State Building,
1540-1660
Preparation for the FINAL EXAM.
Week Nine
Final Exam
In the box below type, I understand and agree to
abide by the course schedule listed above.
Course Focus
In studying these aspects of world civilizations, we will
concentrate on critical, organized thinking. In the past, perhaps, you took
history courses that tested your ability to memorize or to reconstruct
information accurately. Now, we will ask you to master a higher order of
thinking, to answer questions that explain the how and they why of events. In
examinations and projects, these answers will take the form of essays, with
clear introductory paragraphs and body paragraphs that carry important evidence
(the names and dates we talked of earlier). You should end these essays with the
most important part, the conclusion, where you share your own final thoughts
about the question.
In reading through your essay examinations, I will
consistently check to see if you have addressed four important questions: 1.
Does the essay answer the question? 2. Are general statements supported by
specific evidence (examples, names, dates, pieces of legislation, etc.)? 3. Is
the essay clearly organized (is there an introduction, clear body paragraphs,
and a conclusion)? 4. Is the essay thoughtful an analytical?
Methods of evaluation are:
a) Midterm Exam 30% (take-home )
b) Research Paper 30%
c) Final Exam 30% (Proctored)
d) Discussion Questions 10%
In the box below type, I understand and agree
to abide by the methods of evaluation listed above.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:
The underlying teaching/learning philosophy of this class is
that students are ACTIVELY responsible for their own success and the
development of their own potential as scholars and as human beings. The
instructor does not "give" grades, rather, the student earns whichever grade
he/she receives.
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Plagiarism is claiming as your own a paper,
report, article, outline or speech which in whole or in part was prepared by
someone other than yourself. Plagiarism can result in failure of the course.
The instructor assumes that registration in
this class reflects a motivating value to the student. Students are expected
to understand their own unique and most productive learning styles and
maintain motivation in order to integrate the material covered in the
readings and in class or discussions and to be able to recall this material.
In the box below type, I understand what
plagiarism is and know that committing plagiarism will result in failure of
the course.
STANDARDS FOR PARTICIPATION:
Instructors have the authority to establish
standards for in classes. It is each student’s responsibility to meet these
requirements or the instructor may lower the grade or drop him/her from the
course.
If the student misses more than 10% of all
class assignments for any reason, he or she may be dropped by the
instructor. Remember, it is the student’s responsibility to drop a class,
not the instructor’s. If the student does not drop, but remains on class
roll, a grade of F may result.
It is suggested that each student on campus
or online employ effective time management skills and protect the time
schedule necessary to ACE this course. You may find it helpful to construct
a "master" time schedule for the forthcoming semester (include study
periods) and share it with your family and friends so that they will know in
advance of the semester what to expect of you. There are no make-ups. Be
sure to schedule the midterm and the final in your personal scheduler. Do
not plan to move, get married, go on vacation or any other such activity
during this class unless you are a great time manager. Only hospital
emergencies which are documented and/or verifiable TDY will allow you to
make up work or perform an extra project. The midterms and the final are a
substantial portion of your grade.
In the box below type, I understand the
standards for participation and agree to abide by them.
STANDARDS FOR WRITTEN WORK:
Written reports, presentations, quizzes and
class exercises will be executed with proper grammar in accordance with
standards expected at Barstow College. Points will be deducted for incorrect
spelling and improper grammar.
In the box below type, I understand the
standards for written work and agree to abide by them.
ON-LINE INSTRUCTIONS:
YOU MUST FILL OUT THIS SYLLABUS IF YOU
INTEND TO TAKE THE COURSE!
It is your responsibility to make sure the
instructor has the all the contact information stated at the top of this
syllabus by the start of classes!! It is your responsibility to email the
instructor if you have any problems or do not understand this syllabus.
It is your responsibility to confirm your
enrollment either via the Internet at
https://bcregweb.barstow.edu or
by calling (760)252-2411 x7236 if you are having problems accessing the
course material. After you have confirmed your enrollment go to
http://www.bcconline.com/orient/
and read the password link. Following this procedure will ensure you are
helped in the fastest manner possible.
By enrolling for this class, the assumption
is that you possess the necessary skills to read at the college level, to
enter and perform research on the internet, to email using proper email
etiquette and to post to the discussions.
When emailing your instructor:
jgradzikowski@bcconline.com,
include your full name. Send all email with the name of the course in the
subject line and Lesson No. or the words: problem, question or comment. Many
times I receive email with no name in the body of the email. Sign all email
with your name as registered at school, or else you will not receive a reply
and your assignment will not be graded.
You must explain the problem in the subject
line, i.e., HIST 1A -- Lesson Two -- need help. Email without an appropriate
subject line will be deleted and will not be read. With the current high
incidence of viruses and unsolicited email I automatically delete all email
without appropriate subject lines.
Remember I do not answer email on the
weekends, so 48 hours response time does not include Fridays, Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays. If an email stating problem, help, or question in the
subject line is sent on Monday through Thursday you can expect a response
within 24-48 hours. If an email stating problem, help, or question in the
subject line is sent on the weekends there will be a longer turn around
time, but the email will be answered by Tuesday of the following week.
Email assignments will have a one week
turnaround time, and you should not expect an answer to a successfully
submitted and completed assignment before the end of the one week turnaround
time period. Receiving graded assignments or answers to your questions
before the above stated timelines have passed does not guarantee that you
will receive replies that quickly in the future.
Online classes are NOT conducted via
instantaneous transmission. Just as I am giving you time to complete your
work, I am to be given time to reply to your assignments. In addition, the
above stated timelines apply to ALL students and ALL responses to your
questions and concerns.
I appreciate your understanding of the above
stated timelines and will respond to ALL questions and concerns about this
class within the timeframes stated above.
A posting place at the top of the discussion
page indicates the instructor’s message board to you. Be sure to check this
each week so that you don’t miss messages and clarifications; remember that
sometimes no instructor posting will have been made. Students are not to
post in the instructor's posting area. Should you have a concern with your
class please email me your question. It is not appropriate for students to
post their concerns in the instructor's posting area. Students who post in
the instructor's posting area will receive a warning and their posting will
be deleted unanswered. Students who ignore the warning and post again to
the instructor's posting area will be dropped from the class.
At the conclusion of the class students may
find out their grades by calling (760) 252-6868 (local or out of state) and
(877) 336-6868 (toll free within California). You may also find out your
grade by going on the Internet at
https://bcregweb.barstow.edu. I do not email or post student grades and
will not respond to inquiries about grades at the conclusion of the course.
In the box below type, I understand and
agree to abide by the online instructions written above.
IMPORTANT:
You will not officially start this course
until after you have completed the orientation sessions at
http://www.bcconline.com/orient/.
No work should be completed until AFTER the you have reviewed the
orientation area. The orientation area will answer many frequently asked
questions about online instruction and also provides tutorials on common
problems students encounter while doing online courses. If you are
experiencing technical difficulties and/or need to learn how to use our
courseware you should first check the orientation area to see if it answers
your technical question. If your technical question is not answered on the
website you may then email the
webmaster@bcconline.com with your question.
If your question pertains to class materials
you should email
jgradzikowski@bcconline.com. The webmaster cannot answer course related
questions, and your teacher does not answer technical questions. Remember
that you must state your full name, problem, question or concern and your
class name in the subject line when asking a question.
In the box below, I understand I must fill
out the syllabus in order to complete this course and that completing the
online orientation before beginning my course work is mandatory. I realize
that I should email the instructor with any class related questions. I also
understand that I should first check the orientation area for answers to my
technical questions and can email the
webmaster@bcconline.com my
technical questions ONLY after checking the orientation area for the answer
to my question first.
SYLLABUS DISCLAIMER
A syllabus is not a contract between the
instructor and the student, but rather a guide to course procedures on
attendance, requirements, grading, and objectives. The instructor reserves
the right to amend the syllabus when emergency circumstances dictate.
Students will be duly notified.
In the box below, I understand a syllabus
is a general guideline for students to use in planning their time for a
particular class. The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to
the syllabus with reasonable time allowances for students to adjust to the
changes.
Disability Statement:
If you have a disability which may impact your success in this
course, you may contact the Office of Student Support (OSS) to arrange any
reasonable accommodations and supports to which you are entitled. It is the
responsibility of the student to initiate these procedures. The OSS department
can be contacted by calling 760-252-2411 x7225 or 760-252-6759 TTY/TDD or
emailing
oss@bcconline.com.
In the box below type: I understand that if I have or suspect I
have a disability I can contact the OSS program at the number or email address
listed above and request reasonable accommodations. Further I realize it is my
responsibility to contact the OSS department.
