SUFFOLK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 

COURSE OUTLINE

 

INSTRUCTOR:                                                  COURSE: Western Civilization I

DEPT: Social Sciences                                                CATALOG: HS11 Section

SEMESTER:                                                                 DAY/TIME:

 

 

Required Readings:

 

Contact Information:

 

Objectives of the Course:

The student will be able to:

á       describe the roots of Western Civilization and indicate how an understanding of past events and historic processes helps to better comprehend present society

á       demonstrate a Òhistorical awarenessÓ by citing specific examples of how human behavior changes through time, such as attitudes toward family, government, environment and cultures

á       identify the basic links and interactions between Western and non-Western civilizations such as ancient Mesopotamia and European cultures, Islamic and Byzantine civilizations, and European colonialism in the Western hemisphere

á       evaluate the importance of key issues in history such as the roles of men and women, the significance of technology, the importance of role models, the diffusion and impact of religion, and the power of reason

á       show the value of historical research by becoming acquainted with primary and secondary materials

á       practice her/his writing, thinking, and comprehension skills through tests and reading and writing assignments

 

Procedures for accomplishing these objectives:

á       Lectures               

á       Class participation

á       Writing assignments

á       Reading assignments

á       Exams

 

 

 

 

Student requirements for completion of the course:

Three exams will be given at regular intervals throughout the semester.  They will cover both lecture and reading material and will consist of multiple choice questions, essays, and identification terms. While it is anticipated that all students will be present to take the exam when given, I will allow for one make-up which will be given on the last day of class.  The make-up will be permissible only with my prior permission or with proper documentation (i.e., doctorÕs note, court appearance ticket).

 

You are required to turn in a typed reaction paper for each of three assigned articles or primary sources. Each reaction paper should be approximately 2 -3 pages in length and must answer the assigned questions. Full credit will be given to students whose papers demonstrate satisfactory reading, writing, and comprehension skills.  In addition, each paper must be turned in with a signed statement of integrity.  Please be aware that I will not accept late reaction papers (even if you are absent from class on the date the paper is due).  In an emergency you may e-mail me your reaction paper on or before the date it is due.

 

Ten per cent of your grade will be based upon your attendance and participation. I not only welcome your questions, your thoughts and your enthusiasm, your participation and attendance will earn points towards your final grade.  If you have less than 4 absences, you will earn 5 points.  If you have less than 4 absences and share your thoughts, your questions and your perspectives with the class, you will earn a maximum of 10 points.

 

 

Attendance Policy: 

All students are expected to attend every class session, and are responsible for all that transpires in class whether or not they are in attendance.  I consider more than four absences to be excessive, and excessive absences may lead to failure in the course or being dropped from the roster unless you speak to me and I allow for extenuating circumstances.  Also, if you stop attending class but do not officially drop the course I will assign you an ÒFÓ not a ÒWÓ at the end of the semester.  Furthermore, college policy states, ÒA student may withdraw from a course and be guaranteed a W any time up to the mid-semester date...After the mid-semester date, the designation awarded shall be at the discretion of the instructor.Ó The last date to withdraw from the class and be guaranteed aÓWÓ is Monday, March 20th.  Please be aware that I will ordinarily grant a ÒWÓ only until the end of the 12th week of classes.

 

Plagiarism Policy:

The collegeÕs policy on plagiarism can be found on page 67 of the student handbook.  Please be aware that plagiarism can result in your failure of this course.  You will be asked to sign a statement of integrity and attach it to each paper you hand in for this course.

 

 

Course outline:

The following is a general timeline for class lectures, exams and written assignments.  Any changes to it will be announced in class.

 

Week 1                                    Introduction

                                                Perry: Chapter 1

 

Week 2                                    Perry: Chapter 2

                                                First Civilizations

 

Week 3                                    Perry: Chapter 3

The Greek City-State  

                       

Week 4                                    Perry: Chapter 4 &5

                                                Myth to Reason and

                                                The Hellenistic Age

                                                Exam I: Chapters 1-5

 

Week 5                                    Perry: Chapter 6                                             

                                                The Roman Republic                                      

                                               

Week 6                                    Perry: Chapter 7

                                                The Roman Empire

 

Week 7                                    Perry: Chapter 8

                                                Early Christianity

                                                                                                           

Week 8                                    Perry: Chapter 9

                                                The Heirs of Rome

 

Week 9                                    Perry: Chapter 10

                                                The High Middle Ages

                                                Exam II: Chapters 6-10

 

Week 10                                  Perry: Chapter 11

                                                The Christian Synthesis

 

Week 11                                  Perry: Chapter 12

                                                Late Middle Ages

                                                                                                           

Week 12                                  Perry: Chapter 13                               

                                                  The Renaissance

 

Week 13                                  Perry: Chapter 14

                                                The Reformation

                                                           

Week 14                                  Perry: Chapter 15                                           

                                                European Expansion                                      

                                                                                               

Week 15                                  Exam III: Chapters 11-15