SALEM STATE COLLEGE

History of World Civilization I
Fall Session 2009

Professor Thomas M. Page

Email: questions@professorpage.info

History of World Civilization I Courses:

Section 15: TTh 11:00-12:15 Room Central Residence Hall Room 129

Office Hours: Room SB 123 TTh 1:00-2:00 PM or By Appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION

HIS 101 History of World Civilization I

Provides an understanding of the history of civilization from ancient times until 1650, stressing and interpreting social, cultural, intellectual, economic, and political developments in Europe and Asia. This course provides the matrix for all other courses in the curriculum. It aids students to put human knowledge into perspective. The content for this course is entirely web based and is delivered through the course management system of WebCT. Class sessions are designed to focus on student discussion and debate.

GOALS FOR WORLD HISTORY I

1. Students will develop an understanding of the historical origins of many of the world’s 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 I

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.

TEXT BOOK

Historical content for this course is available through Salem State College's course management system WebCT. When a student registers for the above listed course they will gain automatic access to Professor Page's WebCt World History I course content. Each chapter is divided into: Learning Goals and Objectives, Readings-Film-Lectures, Time Line of Art History, and Assessment. Student assignments will be posted each week on your WebCt 'home page' in a folder entitled 'student to do list'.

BASIS FOR EVALUATION

Each Student will be evaluated from several perspectives: class attendance, class participation, and exams. Examiniations will be posted within each Chapter within the folder entitled 'Assessment' which will be in the form of quizzes, essay assignments, and discussion boards. A student's performance with these 'assessment assignments' will constitute 50% of the final grade. Any assessment assignment that is not completed on time, without written consent from Professor Page, will be awarded a grade of zero. The remainng 50% of a student's final grade will be awarded on the basis of class participation. Class participation is defined by a student effort to introduce a topic for discussion, respond to topics under consideration, ask questions about assigned readings/audios/lecture material in order to gain clarification or entice student response for debate. A record of student participation will be made note of during and after each class session. Credit will also be given to students who respond with ideas, questions, and comments outside of class time via email. The heavy emphasis towards oral communiation is intended to develop skills of communication and debate that are critical for continued academic and professional development.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance will be noted at each class meeting. Attendance and class participation are part of your total evaluation and you are responsible for all assingnments, whether in class or not. In this course, lectures, discussions, questions and student clarifications as to topics under discussion constitute a large portion of a students final grade therefore it is important that students attend every class. . If you miss more than three (3) classes, it could significantly lower your grade. If a student is to be absent due to an extended illness or any other unanticipated circumstance, please contact me as soon as possible.

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? In the event a student were to submit any written work where plagiarism is identified, the student will receive an 'F' for that assignment.

No electronic equipment will be used during class time unless specifically requested by Professor Page. All cell phones are to be shut off during the class period. Any student who is found to be using their lap top for any use other than what has been assigned will be asked to leave the class.

It is expected that both students and Professors demonstrate respect, professionalism, and politeness 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.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Within Professor Page's WebCT site on World History I one will see a section on 'Student Resources' which contains links to a myriad of sites that students will need during the course of the semester.