Normal Community High School/Heartland Community College
Division: Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Course Syllabus for Students Fall 2014
Course Prefix and Number: HIST 101, Section NW 1, NW 2, NW 3
Course Title: History of Western Civilization to 1500
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 5
Days and times the course meets
Classroom: NCWHS 110
Time: M,T,W,R,F
1st Hour – 7:15 – 8:05, 3rd Hour – 9:05-9:55, and 4th Hour – 10:00-10:50
Catalog Description
History 101 covers the mainstream of western civilization from the first millennium B.C. to the year
1500. This course considers religious, economic and cultural developments, as well as them major
political events of the period. The primary focus of the course is upon Europe, but the great Middle
Eastern civilizations and their cultural contributions are considered, insofar as they impact the European
continent and help to shape the West. Special attention is given to the significant contributions of
individuals, as well as to the rise of nations.
Instructor Information
Instructor name: John Bierbaum
Contact information:bierbauj@unit5.org
Location of instructor’s office: NCWHS 1002
Conference hours: 2nd & 8th hour
Textbooks
The following texts will be checked out to the student for their use during the course:
Spielvogel, Jackson (2014) Western Civilization: A Brief History, Volume I: To 1715, 8th
edition, Wadsworth Cengage Learning
Gregory, Candace (2006) Documents of Western Civilization, Volume I: To 1715, Wadsworth
Cengage Learning
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND TRANSFERABILITY
This course fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Social 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
Distinguish between primary and secondary
sources as the foundation of modern historical
scholarship from the first millennium B.C. to
1500.
Interpret primary sources critically by
analyzing their historical contexts.
Formulate historical interpretations, both in
discussion and in writing, and defend them
critically with reference to primary and
secondary sources.
Incorporate into historical interpretations, 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
b) an awareness of the contingent
relationships
Demonstrate orally and in writing an
understanding and appreciation of diverse
cultures and shared humanity.
Essential
Range of Assessment Methods
Competencies
exams, quizzes, research paper, group
projects
PS1
CT3
CO4
exams, quizzes, research paper, group
projects
exams, quizzes, research paper, group
projects, oral reports
exams, quizzes, research paper, group
projects, oral reports
CT3
DI3
exams, quizzes, research paper, group
projects, oral reports
COURSE OUTLINE
The Civilizations of the Ancient Near East
Hellenic Civilizations
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
METHOD OF EVALUATION
Quizzes and Exams – 35% of final grade
Research Paper – 8-10 pages – 30% of final grade
Reading Assignments, Quizzes, & Participation in Class Discussions – 20% of final grade
Primary Source - Written Analysis and Discussion Group Leader – 15% of final grade
Other assignments as deemed appropriate by the instructor
 % of final grade is an approximate and may vary slightly
DUE DATES & MAKE-UP WORK
Students who miss a quiz or test must contact me either in person (NOT during class – either
before or after school) or by email to make arrangements to make up the assignment.
Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period. Students who miss class must submit
assignments by the due date either in person or electronically. In order to pass this class,
students must complete EVERY assignment. NO late work will be accepted.
GRADING SCALE
A 100 – 90
B  89 – 80
C  79 – 70
D  69 – 60
F  59 – 0
HCC Withdrawal Policy
Due to the distribution of Financial Aid to students, and apportionment of state funds to the college, the Illinois
Community College Board (ICCB) requires that all schools report student attendance at midterm. According to
ICCB, “A student is ‘in attendance at midterm’ in a course” only “if the student is currently enrolled in and
actively pursuing completion of the course.”
Heartland Community College’s policies regarding attendance are meant to encourage academic success.
Students are therefore responsible to their instructors in matters regarding attendance as it is expected that
students regularly attend class and complete course work in order to “actively pursue completion of the course.”
As such, instructors are required to certify attendance rosters at midterm, when instructors will withdraw
students who are no longer actively pursuing course completion as defined in their student syllabus.
While instructors have the flexibility to use their own criteria for a midterm withdrawal policy, it must
minimally meet the standards defined below:
Students will be withdrawn at midterm if they meet any of the following conditions:
1
16-week
Course
12-week
Course
8-week &
4-week
Course
Hybrid
Course
Hybrid &
Online
Courses
Has completed less
than 60% of
assignments/activities
•
•
•


Has unexcused
absences totaling
more than 30% of the
course contact hours1
(7
hours)
(7hrs)
(7hrs)
(4hrs)
Has not
signed into
the course for
more than the
These hour estimates are rounded in an attempt to account for 3 ECH course that meets 1 day, 2 day, 3, day and 4 day per week
Has consecutive
unexcused absences
totaling more than
the equivalent of 1/4
the number of weeks
in semester at
midterm
(2
weeks)
(1.5
wks)
(1 wk)
(2 days)
equivalent of
1/4 the
number of
weeks in
semester by
midterm
Reinstatement after withdrawal: It is at the Faculty member’s discretion as whether to readmit a student after
a midterm withdrawal.
Should an instructor decide to re-enroll a student, they must complete the Instructor Re-Instatement
form and submit it to their supervisor.
Sample Midterm Withdrawal Policy for a 3 credit hour, 16 week course, meeting 2 times per week:
Students are expected to attend all classes and meaningfully participate each day. Any student who does not
make reasonable attempts to successfully complete all course activities (exams, homework, quizzes, etc.), may
be withdrawn from the course at midterm.
However, if any of the following situations apply, the student will be automatically withdrawn by the end of
week 8:



was absent for any 2 consecutive weeks without appropriate notice
has more than 5 unexcused absences
Did not complete at least 60% of assignments
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 carious lengths,
essay exams, and various projects as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
STUDENT CONDUCT
Students are expected to be in compliance with the NCHS student handbook at all times. Students are
also expected to be in compliance will Heartland code for student conduct.
HCC PORTAL
As students in the Dual Credit program you are Heartland Community College students. You will need
to go to HCC to have an ID taken. In order to access IRIS and your Heartland Student e-mail you will
need to login to myHeartland at https://myheartland.edu
COURSE CALENDAR
Syllabus Disclaimer: Changes to the Course Calendar may be made during the course of the class. This
is sometimes unavoidable and students will be notified in class should changes become necessary.
Week
#1
Date
8/18
#2
8/25
#3
9/01
#4
9/08
#5
9/15
#6
9/22
#7
9/29
#8
10/06
#9
10/13
#10
10/20
#11
10/27
#12
11/03
#13
11/10
#14
11/17
#15
11/24
#16
12/01
Weekly TOPIC and Associated Readings
Introduction – What is Western Civilization?
The Civilizations of the Ancient Near East – cont.
Chpt 1 & 2 – The Ancient Near East
Gregory pg 7-9, 23-25
Hellenic Civilizations
Chpt 3 – The Greeks
Hellenic Civilizations – cont.
Chpt 4 – The Hellenistic World
Gregory pg 45-47
The Roman World
Chpt 5 – The Roman Republic-pg.89-105
Gregory pg 59-62
The Roman World – cont.
Chpt 5 – The Decline and Fall of the RR-pg.105-110
Chpt 6 – The Roman Empire-pg.113-128
Gregory pg 74-77
The Roman World – cont.
Chpt 6 – The Roman Empire-pg.129-141
Gregory pg 79-83
The Byzantine Recovery and the Challenge of Islam
Chpt 7 – The Emergence of the Medieval Worldpg.141-159
Assignments/Assessments*
Research Paper Assigned – 8/25
Research Proposal DUE – 9/05
Quiz – 9/12
Mid-term EXAM – 10/10
Charlemagne and the Carolinian Empire
Chpt 8 – The Early Middle Ages
Gregory pg 93-96
Research Status Report DUE –
10/23
The High Middle Ages
Chpt 9 – The High Middle Ages
Gregory pg 124-127
The High Middle Ages – cont.
Chpt 10 – Rise of Kingdoms-pg.205-223
Gregory pg 149-156
The Crusades
Chpt 10 – The Crusades-pg.223-227
Gregory pg 162-166
The Late Middle Ages
Chpt 11 – The Late Middle Ages-The Black Deathpg.230-236
Gregory pg 185-188
The Late Middle Ages – cont.
Chpt 11 – The Late Middle Ages-pg.236-250
Gregory pg 192-196
The Renaissance
Research Papers DUE – 11/14
Quiz – 11/21
Week
Date
#17
12/08
#18
12/15
Weekly TOPIC and Associated Readings
Chpt 12 – The Renaissance
Gregory pg 197-199
The Renaissance – cont.
Gregory pg 202-205
Course Wrap Up
Assignments/Assessments*
Final Exam – 12/17,18,or19
*Primary source document analysis and discussion leader assignment dates will vary by student. Students will
sign up for these activities on one of the first days of class. Group discussions will typically be on Friday of the
assigned week or the last day of the week if there is no school on Friday.
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. Testing Services
will only administer exams at the request of the instructor. For more information, please call (309) 268-8050.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services provides confidential and professional counseling for both emergency and personal issues. Services
also include referrals to local community resources and support for students on academic probation. For more
information, please call (309) 268-8318.
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 Lab
The Writing Lab provides guidance for writers on assignment comprehension, critical thinking and the stages of the
writing process. The Writing Lab is staffed by English faculty and Tutors with years of experience working with students
on writing. In every session, supportive staff 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 help students develop a plan of study, review degree/program requirements, discuss transferability of
courses, and provide career exploration support. For more information, please call (309) 268-8033. Academic Advising
services are also available at the Lincoln and Pontiac sites.
Career Services
Career Services assist students to determine career goals, develop employability and job search skills and connect with
potential employers in preparation for employment and career transitions. Through the Online Career Center at
www.collegecentral.com/heartland students can learn about area employment opportunities, prepare and post resumes and
find a host of free career-related resources. The job shadow and internship programs offer access to relevant work-based
learning opportunities that enhance academic experiences and support students in their career pursuits. For more
information, please call (309) 268-8034 or email Career.Services@heartland.edu.
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 (Located in Student Commons Building 1000)
Official and unofficial transcripts may be obtained in the Student Records Office. Transcripts may also be obtained at
Heartland’s Lincoln and Pontiac sites. Official transcripts must be requested in writing. The form is available online
(http://www.heartland.edu/transcripts/index.jsp) or in the Student Records Office. Unofficial transcripts are available to
print online through IRIS.
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]