SALEM STATE COLLEGE

History of World Civilization II

Spring Semester 2010

Professor Thomas M. Page

Email: tpage@salemstate.edu

History of World Civilization II Courses:

Section 29 Hybrid Course Tuesday 8:00-9:15 AM Sullivan Building 109

Section 43 MWF 1:30-2:20 PM Sullivan Building 109

Section 52 WF 11:00-12:15 PM Sullivan Building 206

COURSE DESCRIPTION

HIS 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

After completing this course, you should understand and be able to comment accurately on the following themes:

1. The roots of the modern world. How the events of the past four hundred years have shaped present-day America and the world.

2. The expansion of Western Civilization and its interaction with the rest of the world.

3. The importance of non-Western traditions in shaping the modern world.

4. The life and importance of the common people of the past  

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 CONTENT

Historical content for this course is available through Salem State College's course management system WebCT. When a student registers for any of the above listed courses, they will gain automatic access to Professor Page's WebCt World History II course content. Each 'Chapter' of content is presented in web page format using hypertext markup language (HTML). This technology allows students to easily navigate internet based content such as: timelines, maps, readings, video presentations, associative links, and primary documents relevant to each Chapter. Each chapter will contain a posted 'student to do list' which provides a week by week 'action plan' on material that students are expected to cover as well as activities for each class session.

BASIS FOR EVALUATION

Each Student will be evaluated from several perspectives: class attendance, class participation, and exams. Examinations will be offered periodically in the form electronic discussion board as well as short and long essay assignments. A student's performance with these '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 remaining 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 communication 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 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? 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 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.

HELPFUL LINKS:

Within your 'webcourse' each chapter presentation will provide a 'header' with the following information:

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