Heartland Community College
Master Course Syllabus
Division: Social and Business Sciences
Course Prefix and number: HIST 101-01
Course Title: Western Civilization to 1500
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS: 3
LECTURE HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
Days and times the course meets: 8:00-9:15 am Tuesday and Thursday
Classroom: ICB 2301
CATALOG DESCRIPTION (Include specific prerequisites):
This course covers the main stream of Western civilization from the first millennium B.C. to
1500. The course considers religious, economic, and cultural trends and developments as well as
the major political events of the period. The focus of the course is on Europe but the great
Middle Eastern civilizations and cultural contributions are considered as they impact Europe and
help shape the West. Special attention is given to individuals and their contributions as well as to
the rise of nations.
TEXTBOOK(S):
Spielvogel, Jackson (2011) Western Civilization, Volume I: To 1715, Wadsworth. Print.
Gregory, Candace, Documents of Western Civilization, Volume II: To 1715. Belmont, CA:
Thompson-Wadsworth, 2006. Print.
Instructor Information:
Instructor name: George Mueller
Phone number to contact instructor: Home Phone 309-531-3702
Instructor e-mail address, if one: George.Mueller@heartland.edu
Location of instructor’s office: ICB 2001 (Normal Campus)
Hours and days of instructor’s office hours: By student request
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
HIST 101 fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Social and Behavioral Sciences required
for the A.A. or A.S. degree. This course should transfer as part of the General Education Core
Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois colleges and
universities participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an academic advisor for
transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page at
www.itransfer.org for more information.
.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes):
Course Outcomes
Essential
Competencies
Range of Assessment
Methods
Distinguish between primary and
secondary sources as the foundation of
modern historical scholarship from the
first millennium B.C. to 1500.
PS1
exams, quizzes, research
paper, group projects
Interpret primary sources critically by
analyzing their historical contexts.
CT3
exams, quizzes, research
paper, group projects
Formulate historical interpretations, both CO4
in discussion and in writing, and defend
them critically with reference to primary
and secondary sources.
exams, quizzes, research
paper, group projects, oral
reports
Incorporate into historical interpretations, CT3
both in discussion and in writing, an
understanding of historical causation
reflecting a) knowledge of important
figures and events and their
chronological relationship to each other
and b) an awareness of the contingent
relationships.
Demonstrate orally and in writing an
DI3
understanding and appreciation of diverse
cultures and shared humanity.
exams, quizzes, research
paper, group projects, oral
report
exams, quizzes, research
paper, group projects, oral
reports
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
The Civilization of the Ancient Near East
Hellenic Civilization
The Roman World
The Byzantine Recovery and the Challenge of Islam
Charlemagne and the Carolinian Empire
The High Middle Ages
The Crusades
The Late Middle Ages
The Renaissance
Philosophy
Academic Discipline:
History is one of the few disciplines outside of mathematics and the sciences with more than a century
or two of established academic worth. The study of history is essential to any understanding of the
complexity of human society and human aspirations. The process of learning of the inter-relationship of
politics, economics, religion, art, technology and culture increases the learner’s ability to comprehend
the subtle and not so subtle ways in which our present has been shaped by current events.
Student Learning:
As with anything in life, you will get as much from the study of history as you are willing to put into it.
Learning is what you do. No one can do it for you. You must read and think and write about the past
and present. Appreciation of the difference between the two is part of the discipline of history. You
must always try to approach your assignments with effort and an opened mind because only then will
you be able to take pride in your endeavors and in the knowledge that will always be yours.
Instructor’s Role:
I will be here to instruct you about the past, the present and to help you find place in it. You will hear
lectures, be told stories and be asked to respond to events. I will encourage you, offer assistance to you
and, of course, evaluate your performance. I will be available to discuss history, to answer your
questions and to point you in the direction of sources for you to use to find answers.
Methods of Instruction:
The teaching of history involves lectures, discussions, readings, significant amounts of writing and
occasional group discussions or activities. Your role as students is to read, come to class prepared to
debate the issues of the day, to question the decisions of the past and the judgments of historians. You
will be expected to take notes, to ask and answer questions, and to develop ideas about the course
material. I will assume that you can read the text and that you will ask questions if you find either
readings or lectures confusing or contradictory. You will be expected to summarize, analyze and
integrate the information form readings, lectures and discussions into written form for the exams and
papers. The emphasis on academic skills will prepare you for both further academic work and for the
workplace.
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
Philosophy of Grades
The Heartland Community College grading philosophy grows out of our vision of
educational excellence. This common philosophy provides a framework for each academic division
and instructor as they establish their own individual course grading system, evaluation methods, and
course policies using the shared general rubrics for letter grades given below.
Letter grades serve as a vehicle to promote meaningful evaluation of student achievement, to
inform students of academic progress, and, as necessary, to improve student performance, habits, and
practices. Using a letter grade as a prerequisite for subsequent courses means we believe that the
grade was assigned through a conscious judgment about a student’s readiness to proceed to more
advanced study.
At Heartland, students’ academic achievement is measured by their mastery of course
objectives and content. We challenge students to meet these recognized standards of achievement
and we assign grades based on their success in doing so. Simply stated, we believe that the
responsibility for academic achievement rests with the student and that holding students responsible
for their learning promotes their academic growth.
Letter Grade Rubrics
 “A” This grade represents consistently outstanding performance that demonstrates superior
understanding and skillful use of important course concepts. Performance at this level
signifies that the student is extremely well prepared to continue with more advanced study of
the subject.
 “B” This grade represents performance significantly beyond the level necessary to achieve
the course objectives. Work is of high quality but not consistently at an outstanding level.
Performance at this level signifies that the student is well prepared to continue with more
advanced study of the subject.
 “C” This grade represents an acceptable achievement of the course objectives. Performance
at this level signifies that the student is reasonably well prepared to continue with more
advanced study of the subject.
 “D” This grade represents less than adequate performance. It signifies questionable readiness
to proceed with more advanced study of the subject.
 “F” This grade reflects unacceptable performance. The student is not yet ready to proceed
with more advanced study of the subject, and must repeat the course successfully to receive
credit.
GRADING SCALE
90-100=A
80-89=B
70-79=C
60-69=D
Below 60 =F
Evaluation Methods
Exams
There will be four major exams worth one hundred points each. Each test will cover material
from roughly four chapters in the book, material given in class lectures and supplementary
readings assigned by the instructor. Each exam will consist of an objective section and a multipage essay.
Quizzes:
Quizzes over the week’s readings will be given on many Thursdays at the beginning of class.
Some will be multiple choice, some essay, and others a combination of the two. Materials to be
quizzed will be taken from the Study Guides. Each quiz will be worth ten points.
Document Exercises:
At various points throughout the semester we will complete Document Activities using provided
materials. Some activities will be completed in class, but most will require some degree of
outside work. (NOTE: not all document exercises deal with printed documents; some involve
sound recordings or video materials)
Papers:
Because the academic disciplines of writing and history are closely related, writing papers forms
an important part of this class. There will be two formal papers in this class. The first will be a
short research paper about an early civilization. The second paper will be a longer (five to ten
page) researched paper. Details for both will be given in due course.
Specifications for papers:
Written materials will be formatted exactly as they are in English classes, ie standard MLA
format. The instructor will provide a guide on blackboard.
Blog:
In the modern world you will have to do a lot of writing that is professional, yet not formal. A
class blog is a good way to practice writing and develop your professional voice. As part of your
blog you will answer specific questions from me, reflect on your work in the class and make
suggestions for other students in the class. You will also serve as an editor for other students in
class. Further details will be given during the first week of the class.
Other Assignments:
There will be a variety of other assignments ranging from in class written assignments to one
page responses. As per Course Objective 3 and 4 students will be expected to participate in
graded discussions and class presentations.
Attendance and Participation:
History Department Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all classes and participate meaningfully in the activities of each class
session. Attendance will be taken at every class meeting. All students are allowed three unexcused
absences. Additional absences may be excused at the discretion of the instructor with proper
documentation. College sanctioned activities are excused absences. More than three unexcused absences
will result in a penalty of a loss of 5% of the total possible points in the class.
Note: Because starting class on time is extremely important, 10 minutes late arrival to class 3 times will
count as an unexcused absence. Also, such actions as sleeping, gaming, or texting are unacceptable
during class time and will count as an unexcused absence.
Midterm Drop Policy
The following actions will cause a student to be dropped from the class at midterm unless other
arrangements have been made with the instructor:
1) Grade:
 Earning a grade of 50% or less
2) Student Attendance:
 Missing more than six class periods (this includes excused absences)
3) Student Assignment Completion:
Failure to complete at least one exam
Deadlines:
Deadlines are to be observed with a strictness designed to stiffen your spines. All papers and
assignments may be turned in via blackboard up to 5:00 the day they are due with no penalty.
Assignments arriving later than 5:00 will be penalized 10% points per day.
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
This course requires approximately 30-40 pages of reading per week or 500 per
semester. Reading assignments will include both primary and secondary source materials. A
minimum of 15 pages of college level writing is required in this course. Writing assignments
include papers of various lengths, essay exams and various projects as deemed appropriate by the
instructor.
Student Conduct:
At all times endeavor to conduct yourself in such a manner that others will look upon you as an example
of maturity and honesty. You are a college student, a seeker of knowledge not a seeker of amusement.
Respect for yourself, others and the task you have set for yourself by enrolling in a history course.
Humor, within bounds, is fine, but remember why you are in this class.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College and
is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because grading may
be competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work violate the right of their fellow
students. The College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonest as a serious offense requiring
disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion from the College. In
addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far beyond any officially
imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning cheating
or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification of academic
records or documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or
systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the college catalog.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper, create
a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work, except for that
which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is considered a serious
academic offense and may take the following forms:
 Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
 Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
 Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
 Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
 Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it were your
own.
 Using another person’s project or another person’s work as if it were your own.
[Adapted from the Modem Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed. New York: MLA, 2009:51-61]
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism. The penalties for plagiarism
may be severe, ranging from failure on the particular piece of work, failure in the course or expulsion
from school in extreme cases.
Many plagiarism problems can be remedied by citing the sources of the original work.
When in doubt, cite the source according to the style your instructor directs. Usually this is APA or
MLA Style. Don’t be daunted by citing sources which are not books. You can cite everything,
including pamphlets, maps, cereal boxes, telephone conversations, movies, television shows,
Internet and world-wide web sites.
Instructor’s note on plagiarism: Students should note that the same advances that have made it easy
for students to cheat have made it easy for instructors to catch cheaters.
General Information for Students
Testing Services (located in Student Commons Building 2001)
Testing Services provides a secure testing environment for students who are enrolled in online,
hybrid, and other distance learning courses; have a documented disability; or need to take a make-up
exam. Testing accommodations for students having documented disabilities must be arranged by the
student through Disability Support Services, and Testing Services will only administer make-up
exams at the request of the instructor. For more information, please call (309) 268-8050.
Services in Academic Support Center (Raab Road campus)
Library
The Library provides fast and free access to credible information from a full range of resources
including books, online journals, videos, newspapers, online music, class reserves, and interlibrary
loan. Individualize research by appointment or come in anytime. See the Library tab in myHeartland,
email library@heartland.edu or call (309) 268-8292 for details.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring Services provides tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students in Normal,
Pontiac, and Lincoln. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the week. Study groups are
also available by request. For more information about services available at each location, please call
(309) 268-8231 (Normal), (815) 842-6777 (Pontiac), or (217) 735-1731 (Lincoln).
Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services (DSS) ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to the
college’s programs, services and activities through the provision of reasonable accommodations as
mandated in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. DSS
offers a wide range of services to support students with disabilities, including: assistive technology,
document conversion services, personnel, classroom and testing accommodations. Students with a
documented disability who wish to discuss academic accommodations should call (309) 268-8259
for details.
Open Computing Lab
The Open Computing Lab provides free computing for HCC students at convenient times throughout
the week. The computer lab is staffed by trained Lab Assistants and offers the use of approximately
70 computers, a scanner, a laser printer, and an electric typewriter.
Writing Services
Writing Services provides guidance for writers on assignment comprehension, critical thinking and the
stages of the writing process. Writing Services is staffed by English faculty with years of experience in
the teaching of writing. In every session, faculty work with writers to explore and develop their own ideas
as appropriate to the needs of their readers and to learn the rhetorical strategies necessary for effective
communication. For more information, please call (309) 268-8231.
Services in Community Commons Building, first floor (Raab Road campus)
Academic Advising
Academic advisors provide information to students about degree/program requirements,
transferability of courses, GPA, and enrollment. Academic Advising may also provide workshops on
time management, IRIS navigation, or specific career fields. For more information, please call (309)
268-8033.
Career Services
Career Services offers guidance and resources to assist students determine their career goals, develop
employability and job search skills, and connect with potential employers. In addition, two experiential
learning programs, job shadowing and internships, provide students with relevant work-based learning
opportunities. Job shadowing assists students in clarifying their career goals. Internships help students
“bridge the gap” between the academic environment and employment in their chosen career fields. For
more information, please call Career Services at (309) 268-8034.
Counseling Services
The personal development counselor provides confidential and professional counseling for both
emergency and personal issues. Services also include referrals to local community resources. For more
information, please call (309) 268-8033.
Financial Aid Office
The Financial Aid Office provides information on programs and types of financial aid available to
students. For more information, please call (309) 268-8020.
Transcripts
Official and unofficial transcripts may be obtained at the Student Records desk. Transcripts may also be
obtained at Heartland’s Lincoln and Pontiac sites. Transcripts must be requested in writing. The form is
available online (http://www.heartland.edu/transcripts/index.jsp) or at the Student Records desk.
Standard Syllabi Disclaimer:
Changes to the Course Calendar, testing methods and major due dates may be made during the course
of the class. This is unavoidable, and every attempt will be made to notify students if this is necessary.
Instructor’s Syllabi Disclaimer:
Students should note that changes to the lecture schedule are likely, and indeed almost unavoidable.
This merely means that the content of lectures will be tailored to suit individual classes and allows me to
address subjects that students are having problems grasping from the reading. Students who are having
problems with specific subjects in the reading are recommended to bring their question to their
instructor. If one person is having a problem with a specific topic it is likely others are as well. In turn
that means that topic should be addressed in class.
Course Calendar:
How to interpret the calendar: The reading assignments given for the week are the chapters that will be
covered on the Thursday quiz. The phrase next to each date is the topic I intend to deal with during
class on that day. Any individual class will be comprised of a combination of in-class activities, lectures,
short films, class discussions, and other activities.
Week 1
8/19
Class intro: What is civilization?
8/21
In class activity: Movie The Habit of Civilization
Week 2
Reading assignment: chapter 1
8/26
The Civilization of the Ancient Near East
8/28
Sumerian Culture and Politics
Week 3
Reading assignment: chapter 2
9/2
Assyria and Persia
9/4
Early Greek Civilization
Week 4
Reading assignment: chapter 3
9/9
Hellenic Civilization 1
Early Civilizations Paper Due
9/11
Week 5
Classical Greek Politics
Reading assignment: chapter 4
9/16
Hellenic Civilization 2: the Rise of Alexander the Great.
9/18
Test #1 covering Chapters 1-4
Week 6
Reading assignment: chapter 5
9/23
Republican Rome
9/25
Roman Expansion
Week7
Reading assignment: chapter 6
9/30
Imperial Rome
10/2
Pax Romana: The Roman World
Week 8
Reading assignment: chapter 7
10/7
The Fall of the Roman Empire?
10/9
Test #2 on chapters 5-7
Week 9
Reading assignment: chapter 8
10/14
The Byzantine Recovery and the Challenge of Islam
10/16
Charlemagne and the Carolinian Empire
Week 10
Reading assignment: chapter 9
10/21
The High Middle Ages
10/23
Medieval economic growth
Week 11
Reading assignment: chapter 10
10/28
Growth and Reform in the Catholic Church
10/30
The Crusades
Week 12
Reading assignment: no chapter
11/4
The Crusades cont’
11/6
Test 3 Over Chapters 8-10
Week 13
Reading assignment: chapter 11
11/11
The Late Middle Ages
11/13
The Great Schism
Week 14
Reading assignment: chapter 12
11/18
The Renaissance
11/20 the pursuit of lost books
Week 15
Reading assignment:
No Assigned Chapter
11/25 In class activity: Movie the Art of the Renaissance
11/28 No Class, Thanksgiving Break
Week 16
Reading assignment:
12/2
The Reformation
12/4
Final Thoughts
13
Final Examination: 8:00 am- 9:50 am Tuesday, December 9