SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY

History of World Civilization II

Spring Semester 2011

Professor Thomas M. Page

Email: tpage@salemstate.edu

 

 

History of World Civilization II Courses:

Hybrid

Section 28 - T 8:00-9:15PM Sullivan Building Room 101

 

 

 

 

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


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 COURSE RESOURCES

Historical content for this course is available through Salem State University's course management system WebCT, 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 I course content. Each chapter is presented with; Chapter Objectives, Time Line, Maps, Readings, Video Presentation Links, Lecture Presentations, Primary Sources, and Web Links. The 'Calender' tool within WebCt will provide the students with a daily description of 'Class Activities' and 'Class Preparation' information. This 'calender' 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 grade will be awarded on the basis of class attendance and student participation, the completion of writing assignments posted in 'Googledocs as well as audio responses within 'VoiceThread' discussions. 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 their efforts in Discussion Boards and 'VoiceThread' discussions. In addition, a grading rubric will be provided for each essay assignment. These rubrics will provide a point of reference for student meetings when discussing strategies for student improvement. A considerable emphasis on oral and written communiation 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? 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:

| Home |Course Orientation and Syllabus |Student Resources|