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History 151 Sec 1 World Civilization I Spring 2009
BB 100
MWF 10:00-10:50
Aaron W. Miller
Office hours: MW 1 :00-2:00 or by appointment
awmiller@bsu.edu
(765) 285-8719
Burkhardt Bldg. 229
You are welcome to give me a call whenever necessary, but email is probably the best way to get in touch with me.
Prospectus
This University Core Curriculum course will explore human history with a particular emphasis on the beginnings of the
planet through the earl modern period. Throughout this semester, we will look at the historical ramifications when one
culture comes into contact with another. This class will focus on the major players in history, the sequence of major
historical events, as well as the causes and effects of human history. Although the standard themes of history such as
war, politics, and religion are an important component to this class, we will also focus on the physical elements that drive
human history. This includes food, agriculture, illness, and the environment.
In addition to increasing your historical knowledge, hopefully this class will enhance your critical thinking skills of not
only the past, but also the present. It is my goal for you to think about history in a broader context with new tools to
understand the past.
In addition, I hope that at least one historical issue really grabs your attention. I hope that you are excited by this
historical event, person, or idea, and want to do more reading or research about it.
Assignments
MIDTERM EXAM I 25% MIDTERM EXAM II 25% FINAL EXAM 25%
IN CLASS QUIZZES (I will drop the lowest quiz score; these might be from the reading or from the lectures. I might
give one whenever.) 25%
Grading Scale 90-100% A 80-89% B 70-79% C 60-69% D
Less than 59% F
Class Policies
If you personally require something to assist your success in this course, please do not hesitate to ask. I will
accommodate any special needs or challenges you may have and
are happy to use the services of the Learning Center and BSU Disabled Student Development.
Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated under any circumstances. It is not fair to students that work hard to earn
their grades. If you need help understanding these concepts or their consequences, please consult the Ball State
University student handbook.
Also, remember:
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Please be respectful of yourself and others in this learning community.
•
Please turn all cell phones off before coming to class.
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Do not sleep in class. If this is your choice, do not come to class. If you sleep in class, I will ask you to leave.
This will not reflect well in your class participation grade.
Do not read unrelated material in class. This includes the newspaper, magazines or surfing the internet, etc. I will
ask you to leave. This will not reflect well in your class participation grade.
Do not pack up early to leave; it is extremely distracting. Class may go slightly over or end slightly early.
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I reserve the right to change the syllabus if necessary.
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I am happy to discuss your grade. However, please wait 24 hours after I hand back an assignment before
broaching the subject.
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Lastly, enjoy the class.
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Books
Jerry H. Bentley, Herbert F. Ziegler & Heather E. Streets. Traditions & Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past,
Volume 1: From the Beginning to 1500
I will also ~and out brief additional reading assignments.
Course Schedule
WEEK r: Introduction and What Is History?lBefore History/ Early Societies in Southwest Asia and the IndoEuropeans/Early African Societies and the Bantu Migrations
Jan 12:
Jan 14:
Jan 16:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 1,2,3
WEEK II: Early Societies in South Asia, East Asia, and the Americas Jan 19: No Class
Jan 21:
Jan 23:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 4,5, 6
WEEK III: The Empires of Persia Jan 26:
Jan 28:
Jan 30:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 7
WEEK IV: The Unification of China Feb 2:
Feb 4:
Feb 6:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 8
WEEK V: State, Society, and the Quest for Salvation in India Feb 9:
Feb 11:
Feb 13:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 9
WEEK VI: The Greeks Feb 16:
Feb 18:
Feb 20: MIDTERM EXAM I
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 10
WEEK VII: The Romans Feb 23:
Feb 25:
Feb 27:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 11
WEEK VIII: Cross Cultural Exchange and the Silk Road March 2:
March 4:
March 6:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 12
WEEK IX
March 9: No Class March 11: No Class
March 13: No Class
WEEK X: The Byzantines March 16:
March 18:
March 20:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 13
WEEK XI: Islam March 23:
March 25:
March 27:
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READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 14
WEEK XII: Return of Empire in East Asia and India March 30:
April 1:
April 3:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 15,16
WEEK XIII: The Foundations of Christian Society April 6:
April 8:
April 10: MIDTERM EXAM II
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 17
WEEK XIV Nomadic Empires, States of Sub-Saharan Africa April 13:
April 15:
April 17:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 18, 19
WEEK XV: Western Europe High Middle Ages April 20:
April 22:
April 24:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 20
WEEK XVI: The Americas and Cross-Cultural Interaction April 27:
April 29:
May 1:
READINGS: Traditions and Encounters Chapter 21 and 22
Final Exam
B2: Tuesday, May 59:45-11:15 pm