SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
History of World Civilization II
Spring Semester 2012
Professor Thomas M. Page
Email: tpage@salemstate.edu
History of World Civilization II Courses:
Section 20
TU 9:25-10:40 AM
Section 21
TH 9:25-10:40 AM
COURSE DESCRIPTION
HST 102 History of World Civilization II
This course introduces you to the major themes of the world's civilizations from the Age of Discovery to present times. Designed for the non-specialist, the course will let you examine the world's rich and diverse past from an historian's perspective, and help you relate the past to modern life. The world has seen many changes in the modern era, so the course will not be able to cover everything in detail! This course has been designed to optimize student discussion and debate. It is strongly encouraged that students come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings and audio/video presentations.
GOALS FOR WORLD HISTORY II
1. Students will develop an understanding of the historical origins of many of the worlds diverse cultural and intellectual traditions and the relationships and points of exchange among them.
2. Students will acquire and develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
3. Students will develop effective written and oral communication skills.
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR WORLD HISTORY II
1. Through lectures, discussions and readings in world history, students will develop an understanding of the dynamic of cause and effect and historical change over time.
2. Through class discussions and other critical assessments of readings students will demonstrate analytical skills necessary to navigate different interpretations of world historical events.
3. Through written assignments and discussion students will learn to analyze primary source documents using historical techniques and insights.
4. Through class discussions, readings, and writing assignments students will examine and question the historical construction of civilization, culture, class, religion, nation, gender, race, ethnicity and globalization.
5. Through written assignments, discussions and presentations, students will strengthen communication and comprehension skills.
6. Through written assignments and discussion students will learn, compare and contrast important characteristics of the modern world’s diverse cultural traditions and the gradual integration of those cultures into an interconnected world, including resistance movements and marginalized groups.
7. Through course assignments, students will learn to critique, evaluate, and cite print, electronic and multimedia sources.
WEB BASED COURSE RESOURCES
Historical content for this course is available through Salem State University's course management system 'Canvas', referred to as 'my webcourse'. When a student registers for the above listed course they will gain automatic access to Professor Page's World History II course content. Each chapter is presented with; Chapter Objectives, Time Line, Maps, Readings, Video Presentation Links, Lecture Presentations, Primary Sources, and Web Links. The 'Ca lender' tool within 'Canvas' will provide the students with a daily description of 'Class Activities' and 'Class Preparation' information. This 'ca lender' is organized for the purposes of facilitating time management and the completion of all assigned readings on an on-time basis. This course will utilize the Web 2.0 applications of 'Googledocs' and 'Voice Thread' to facilitate the skills of critical reading, critical thinking, and community cooperative learning.
BASIS FOR EVALUATION
Each Student will be evaluated from several perspectives: class attendance, class participation, and exams. Fifty per cent (50%) of a student's grade will be awarded on the basis of class attendance, student participation which will include completion of all assigned electronic note journals. The remaining fifty per cent (50%) will be awarded as a result of student performance over the entire process of the semester in the assigned essay assignments. Students will be provided a grading rubric for each essay assignment and an electronic grading rubric assessing thier electronic note journals. These rubrics will provide a point of reference for student meetings when discussing strategies for student improvement. A considerable emphasis on oral and written communication skills is directed toward enhancing student academic performance and professional development.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance will be noted at each class meeting. Attendance and class participation are part of your total evaluation and students are responsible for all assignments, whether in class or not. In this course, lectures, discussions, questions and interpretations are central and you must be there for these aspects of the course. If you miss more than three (3) classes, it could significantly lower your grade. If this occurs, it would be advisable to meet with me, particularly if withdrawal from the course becomes advisable.
OTHER MATTERS
First off, please feel free to contact me whenever the need arises: visit my office, leave a message on my voice mail or my e-mail, or call me at home. Also, the Learning Center is located on the fourth floor of the library, and offers a variety of services, including reading and study skills services, tutoring, and counseling.
Plagiarism is a very serious concern at Salem State College. In order to alleviate any issues regarding plagiarism every student is required to read and review the following material: What Is Plagiarism? No student will be allowed to submit an essay for evaluation until they have completed the review section entitled How Much Have You Learned About Plagiarism?
It is expected that both students and Professors demonstrate respect, professionalism, and mutual respect for others while in the classroom environment.
Salem State College is committed to nondiscrimination of Handicapped persons as specified in section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students who qualify as handicapped persons under the definition of this act should notify the instructor at the beginning of course so that reasonable modifications may be made when necessary.
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