VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE SYLLABUS
SPRING 2012
COURSE NO.: HIST. 104
COURSE TITLE: WORLD HISTORY SINCE 1500
UNITS: 3
SECTION NO.: 39781
CLASS HOURS: 8:00AM-9:25AM DAYS: MW ROOM NO.: BLDG 30, ROOM 14
INSTRUCTOR NAME: TODD MENZING
OFFICE NO: TBA TEL. TBA EXT.: TBA
SPRING CALENDAR
SPRING Term Begins
Lincoln Day Holiday (college closed)
College Closed (no classes)
Washington Day Holiday (college closed)
Spring Break Holiday (college closed)
College Closed (no classes)
Spring Break (no classes - offices open)
College Closed (no classes)
Memorial Day Holiday (college closed)
Commencement
Spring Semester Ends
Sixteen (16) week term
Off Campus (12) week term
calendar)
First Twelve (12) week term
Second Twelve (12) week term
First Eight (8) week term
Second Eight (8) week term
February 13
February 17
February 18
February 20
April 6
April 7
April 9-13
April 14
May 28
June 8
June 9
February 13 – June 9
February 13 – May 10 (Doesn’t follow VVC calendar, see site
February 13 – May 12
March 12 – June 9
February 13 – April 7
April 16 – June 9
WITHDRAWAL POLICY:
Please note that students are responsible to drop themselves from the course if they choose to withdraw.
NOTE – CAMPUS IS CLOSED and CLASSES WILL NOT BE HELD ON CAMPUS THE FOLLOWING
DATES:
February 17, 18, 20, April 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and May 28
STATEMENT OF ACCESS: Students with special needs are encouraged to meet with instructors to discuss the
opportunity for academic accommodation and referral to Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) and
services per Administrative Procedure (AP 3440)
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Visit Victor Valley College online at www.vvc.edu
Prerequisite:
There are no prerequisites that I know of for this course though students would benefit from having taken a basic
English composition course.
Course Materials
Websites:
Students will view weekly films at home, or in the library from a computer. The films will stream to your
computer for free. There will also be websites related to the course essay on Gandhi. See the attached website
source list with all of the relevant weekly reading and other sources. We will go over this in class.
Textbook:
Bentley, Traditions & Encounters Vol 2,
ISBN 978-0-07-7368036 Publisher Mcgraw Hill Edition 5
Course Description:
This course is a survey of major themes and events in world history from 16th century to the present. Emphasis
will be placed on the Atlantic slave trade and slavery in the Americas, late 18th and early 19th century political
revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, imperialism and colonialism, and 20th Century nationalist movements and
revolutions. The course Several inter-locking themes will include the discovery of the New World and the rise of
Capitalism, the resistance to this new economic system by the non-White world, the spread of Imperialism and the
division of the world into "core" (industrial).
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
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Explore the foundations of the current global system.
Evaluate historical data from multiple sources.
Research, analyze and discuss historical events by viewing them through various interpretations and
theories.
Articulate the goals, research methodologies, and issues common to most social and behavioral scientists.
Student Learning Outcomes:
In addition to the Course Objectives, upon completion of the course the student can:
SLO #1 Analyze European mercantile and colonial expansion in the period 1500-1800 and evaluate its impacts on
Asian, African and American indigenous people, societies and states. 1. Explain the reasons for European
expansion, militarism and colonialism in the non-European world. 2. Analyze and assess the effect that European
expansion had on Asian, African and American indigenous people, societies and states. 3. Examine the
development of a globalized trading system and its affect on Asian, African and American indigenous people,
societies and states.
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SLO #2 Evaluate the historical relationship between, political modernization, industrialism, imperialism and
underdevelopment in the period 1700-1914 1. Explain the causal relationship between commodity trade, merchant
activity, political modernization and industrialism. 2. Assess the reasons for lack of modernization, industrialism
and under development in Asian, African, Latin American and Middle Eastern societies and states 3. Examine and
evaluate the justifications for European imperialism and the responses of Asian, African, Latin American and
Middle Eastern societies and states
SLO #3 Assess the history of the 20th century in terms of the struggle for independence and national selfdetermination Asian, African, Latin American and Middle Eastern societies and states. 1. Analyze the causal
relationship between world wars and anti-colonial struggle in Asian, African, Latin American and Middle Eastern
societies and states. 2. Explain post-WWII economic development in both the modern industrial nations, lateindustrializing states and underdeveloped nations. 3. Evaluate the reasons for wars of national liberation/selfdetermination and the historical responses of modern industrial nations to these conflicts. (A) Course Objectives
(The student can then: 1. Formulate models of historical causality and explanation. 2. Critically read and analyze
historical texts. 3. Write analytical and synthetic essays and develop critical thinking skills in explaining not only
the "development of underdevelopment", but also how this does or does not explain the development of the
industrialized nations.
Attendance Policy: Students are expected to come to class every session. Students are also expected to be ontime for class. Attendance is not part of the course grade but it is in your interest to come to class for the lecture
notes. According to a recent court ruling, class attendance is not a measure of performance or proficiency.
Whether a student is just physically present in the class is not a valid basis for grading. Reference Title 5
Section 55002 of the California Code of Regulations: (A) Grading Policy. The course provides for
measurement of student performance in terms of stated course objectives and culminates in a formal,
permanently recorded grade based upon uniform standards in accordance with section 55758 of this Division.
The grade is based on demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter and the ability to demonstrate that
proficiency, at least in part, by means of written expression that may include essays, or, in courses where the
curriculum committee deems them to be appropriate, by problem solving exercises or skills demonstrations
by students. Still, it is obviously in your interest to come to class and to participate in your own education.
Grading Policy/Process for Evaluation:
4 Exams (20% each)…………………………. 80%
1 Essay (Gandhi) …………………………….. 20%
100%
Exams
Exams will be spaced evenly across the semester (weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16). Each respective exam will cover all
material up to the point of the respective exam (Exam 4 is not cumulative). Each exam will have a multiple
choice/true false section and a short essay section. Please bring the appropriate Scantron form with you to class
during exam days (I will find this information out for you and tell you the proper Scantron forms to purchase –
You will also need to bring a pencil, an eraser and a black pen for the essay section). The exams will begin
promptly at 8:00 AM on Wednesdays and end at 9:25 AM. You may use your class notes on the exams.
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The Essay
Students will write a 4-5 page term essay on the life and philosophy of the Indian leader M.K. Gandhi. This essay
will be based on a few key online readings plus a feature film and a documentary film. I will distribute a handout
that lists the websites for both the readings and the films. You may also rent the feature film Gandhi, on Netflix
or some other outlet. This film is also available at most public libraries (it is also available on Youtube). I will
ask several pointed questions regarding Gandhi’s philosophy. I will also ask students to describe and analyze the
significance of a few key historical events in the Indian independence struggle. This essay is due the last day of
class. The essay should be double-spaced and typed. Please also include a reference page with a proper APA
formatted reference list. Students will submit the essay to www.turnitin.com before the deadline (no late essays
will be accepted). Please use the following codes to upload your essay:
Class ID: 4840717
Password: Gandhi
Engrade
I will be using an online gradebook for this course. The gradebook website is www.engrade.com – I will pass out
blank gradebook sheets with your entry code printed beneath your name. You can use this code to access the
online gradebook. You can also keep your gradebook sheet and record your scores after each respective exam.
There are no make-up exams. I will drop the lowest of the FIRST THREE EXAMS – please note, you must take
Exam 4 – I will not drop this score. By dropping a low score students benefit in two ways: 1) It raises their GPA;
and 2) It solves the problem of make-up exams. If you miss more than one exam you will receive a score of
“zero” for the second missed exam.
Academic Integrity:
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty while pursuing their studies at
Victor Valley College. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: plagiarism and cheating, misuse of
academic resources or facilities, and misuse of computer software, data, equipment or networks.
Plagiarism is the use (copying) of another person’s ideas, words, visual images, or audio samples, presented in a
manner that makes the work appear to be the student’s original creation. All work that is not the student’s
original creation, or any idea or fact that is not “common knowledge,” must be documented properly to avoid
even accidental infractions of the honor code.
Cheating is to gain an unfair advantage on a grade by deception, fraud, or breaking the rules set forth by the
instructor of the class. Cheating may include but is not limited to: copying the work of others; using notes or
other materials when unauthorized; communicating to others during an exam; and any other unfair advantage as
determined by the instructor. Any student caught cheating will receive an “F” grade in the class --- absolutely
without exception.
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Homework:
Students must keep pace with the reading schedule.
Extra Credit:
There is no extra credit in this course
Grading Criteria for Writing Assignments:
"A" range work is:
Outstanding achievement; significantly exceeds standards. Unique topic or unique treatment of topic; takes risks
with content; fresh approach. Sophisticated/exceptional use of examples. Original and "fluid" organization; all
sentences and paragraphs contribute; sophisticated transitions between paragraphs. Integration of quotations and
citations is sophisticated and highlights the author's argument. Confidence in use of standard English; language
reflects a practiced and/or refined. The “A” level essay effectively integrates all of the course sources. All
citations should appear as follows: e.g., (Bulliet, 165); (Fischer, 44); (Gandhi, Pilgrim). Responses to classmates
are clear and substantive. Responses to classmates also make effective use of the course materials.
"B" range work is:
Commendable achievement; exceeds minimum standards. Specific, original focus; content well-handled.
Significance of content is clearly conveyed; good use of examples; sufficient support exists in all key areas. Has
effective shape (organization); effective pacing between sentences or paragraphs. Quotations and citations are
integrated into argument to enhance the flow of ideas. Have competent transitions between all sentences and
paragraphs. Conveys a strong understanding of standard English; the writer is clear in his/her attempt to articulate
main points, but may demonstrate moments of "flat" or unrefined language. The work contains very few
mechanical errors. Students effectively integrate at least two of the sources, e.g., (Zinn, Columbus), (Bulliet
162); (Fischer, 33). Responses to classmates are clear and substantive but may not cite from the course materials.
"C" range work is:
Acceptable achievement; meets minimum standards for course. Retains over-all focus; generally solid command
of subject matter. Subject matter well explored but may show signs of under-development. Significance is
understood; competent use of examples. Structure is solid, but an occasional sentence or paragraph may lack
focus. Quotations and citations are integrated into argument and references are provided. Transitions between
paragraphs occur but may lack originality. Competent use of language; sentences are solid but may lack
development, refinement, style. Occasional minor mechanical errors may occur, but do not impede clear
understanding of material. The work contains few serious grammatical or spelling errors. understanding of syntax
and usage. Sentences vary in structure; very few if any mechanical errors. Students integrate at least one of the
course materials, e.g., (Bulliet, 162). Students may not respond to classmates substantively.
"D" range work is:
Marginal in achievement; it fails to not meet minimum standards. Significance of content is unclear. Some ideas
may lack support, elaboration. Lacks sufficient examples or relevance of examples may be unclear. Support
material may not be clearly incorporated into argument. Expression is occasionally awkward (problematic
sentence structure). Mechanical errors may at times impede clear understanding of material. May have a few
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serious mechanical errors. Students do not cite from the course sources. They also do not respond substantively
to classmates.
“F" range work:
Ignores assignment. Lacks significance. Lacks coherence. Lacks focus. Difficult to follow due to awkward
sentence or paragraph development. Mechanical errors impede understanding. Problems with writing at the
college level. Any work that is plagiarized.
Course Schedule (this may change as the pace of the course slows or quickens):
Week 1 (2/13 & 2/15): Transoceanic Encounters
Read: Bentley, chapter 22
View: TWT: Episode 25 & BWH: Unit 18
500 Nations Parts 1-6 (see website sources list)
Week 2 (2/22): The Transformation of Europe
Read: Bentley, chapter 23
View: TWT: episodes 26-29
Week 3 (2/27-2/29): New Worlds: the Americas and Oceania
Read: Bentley, chapter 24
View: 500 Nations, The Maya and Mexico; BWH: Unit 14 (see website source list)
Week 4 (3/5-3/7): Africa and the Atlantic World
Read: Bentley, chapter 25
View: BWH. Unit 14; Africa Story of a Continent: Different but Equal (see website sources)
EXAM #1 (3/7)
The exam covers all course material through week 4
Week 5 (3/12-3/14): Tradition and Change in East Asia
Read: Bentley, chapter 26
View: BWH, Unit 15; The Mongols – (see website source list)
Week 6 (3/19-3/21): The Islamic Empires
Read: Bentley, chapter 27
View TWT: 37; Islam: Empire of Faith (see website source list)
Week 7 (9/26-10/2): Revolutions and National States in the Atlantic World
Read: Bentley, chapter 28
View: TWT: 39-40, 43-44
Week 8 (3/26-3/28): The Making of Industrial Society
Read: Bentley, chapter 29
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View: TWT: 41-42
EXAM #2 (3/28)
The exam covers all course material since Exam 1
Week 9 (4/2-4/4): The Americas in the Age of Independence
Read: Bentley, chapter 30
View: Empire or Humanity?; 500 Nations – The Plains Indians (see website source list)
Week 10 (4/9-4/11) Spring Break – No Class
Week 11 (4/16-4/18): Societies at Crossroads
Read: Bentley, chapter 31
View: Tokugawa Japan (see website source list)
Week 12 (4/23-4/25): The Building of Global Empires
Read: Bentley, chapter 32
View: Philippines War; Africa: Story of a Continent – The Bible and the Gun (see website
source list)
EXAM 3 (4/25)
EXAM 3 covers all course material since EXAM 2
Week 13 (4/30-5/2): The Great War
Read: Bentley, chapter 33
View: TWT: 46-47 & WWI in Color (see website source list)
Week 14 (5/7-5/9): An Age of Anxiety
Read: Bentley, chapter 34
View: Economics USA (see website source list)
Week 15 (5/21-5/23): Nationalism and Political Identity in Asia, Africa and Latin America
Read: Bentley, chapter 35
View: TWT: 49 & BWH: Unit 21
Week 16 (5/30): New Conflagrations: World War II and the Cold War
Read: Bentley, chapter 36
View: TWT: 48-50 & BWH: Unit 22 (see website source list)
Week 17 (6/4-6/6): The End of Empire
Read: Bentley, chapter 37
View: BWH, Unit 23
EXAM 4 (6/6)
EXAM 4 covers all course material since EXAM 3 (this exam score will not be dropped
dropped as a low score – you must take this exam
Essay due to www.turnitin.com
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Website Source List (for Weekly Films and Essay)
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The Western Tradition: http://www.learner.org/resources/series58.html
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Bridging World History: http://www.learner.org/courses/worldhistory/units.html
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500 Nations
Columbus: Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOfEAbNiKFM
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGuNpPt_tfw
Mexico: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVU4p8tWT70
The Maya: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqFZlW05YmE
The Plains Indians, Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2U64T39ssk
The Plains Indians, Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GRkRPgV7iA
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Amistad (the Middle Passage): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo-JejTp7O4
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Africa: Story of a Continent
Different but Equal: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1529743144647466655
Mastering a Continent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvL98c_E8aA
The Bible and the Gun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPKXH7eVICE
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The Mongols: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=znKNqj0-jGg
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Islam: Empire of Faith – The Ottomans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI7Qkcyz3tM
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Zinn, Empire or Humanity? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arn3lF5XSUg
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Philippines War (follow through the six parts):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1f_1TF3rA8&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL7BC34479
998B28D5
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World War I in Color (view all four parts): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB9G2FFWFvQ
Economics USA: http://www.learner.org/series/econusa/unit17/
Tokugawa Japan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYQnQb8OBEc
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Resources for the Essay on Gandhi
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Gandhi (full-length film by Richard Attenborough): http://www.amazon.com/Gandhi-BenKingsley/dp/B00003CXA4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328737907&sr=8-1
You will have to rent or purchase this film (perhaps you can view in on the internet?)
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Gandhi: Pilgrim of Peace: http://www.archive.org/details/MahatmaGandhi-PilgrimOfPeace
Readings:
o (1) http://www.gandhiserve.org/information/brief_philosophy/brief_philosophy.html
o (2) http://www.mkgandhi-sarvodaya.org/hindswaraj.htm
Please cite these readings in your essay as follows: (Readings, 1) and (Readings 2)
respectively.
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