Syllabus: History 2312
Western Civilization Since 1648
Prof Elizabeth Smith
Spring 2012
Email: elizabeth.smith@hccs.edu
HCC Southwest
Office Hours: after class or by appointment
T/TH 2-3:30
CRN # - 82357
Course Description:
This is a survey of Western Civilization from 1648 to the present. The course fulfills 3
hours of the Western Civilization requirement at Texas public universities.
Course Objective:
It is my intention as your instructor to foster critical and analytical thinking, strengthen
research and writing, and teach you the centrality of historical knowledge in the world
today. You will be challenged with research projects and presentations as well as
examinations to enhance your skills as a student of history. Emphasis will be placed on
the political, economic, social and cultural events of the world at large during critical
moments in the history of Western Civilization.
Course Outline:
The central themes and topics for this course include Absolutism and Constitutionalism;
the Scientific Revolution; the Enlightenment; the rise of Prussia and Russia; the Ancien
Regime; the French Revolution; Napoleon; Liberalism and Nationalism; the Latin
American Independence Movements; Industrialization and the working class; Socialism
and Marxism; the unification of Germany and Italy; the Age of Nation States; Causes of
the Great War; World War I; the World between Wars; the Great Depression; the rise of
Fascism; World War II; the Cold War; the Emergence of a new Europe; Latin American
Revolutions; Decolonization; the Vietnam War; the Collapse of Communism; Social and
Cultural Changes for the People; Religious Transformations; Technological Revolutions;
and the challenges in the Middle East.
Required Readings:
Kagan, Ozment, Turner, The Western Heritage Volume II: Since 1648 (Textbook)
Monographs:
Anderson, Benedict – Imagined Communities
Goldstone, Jack – Revolutions: Theoretical, Comparative and Historical Studies
Examinations and Grading:
There will be three examinations: exam one worth 20%, exam two worth 20% and the
book exam over Anderson’s Imagined Communities worth 25%. The exams will include
both objective and essay questions.
Revolutions Project:
You will conduct a research project on one of the following World Revolutions: the
French Revolution; the Mexican Revolution; the Russian Revolution; the Chinese
Revolution; the Iranian Revolution; any of the Latin American Revolutions including
Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador; Guatemala, etc. You may also choose to conduct your
research project on an aspect of Stalin’s Russia and Hitler’s Germany or the turmoil in
the Middle East. The project will count as 35% of your final grade. You must turn in a 710 page paper, typed and double-spaced. At the end of the semester you will present
your findings to the class. Your paper/presentation may also be accompanied by a
PowerPoint presentation.
Make-up Exams: I strongly encourage you not to miss an exam. Make-up exams will
only be administered with permission from the instructor and on the date set by the
instructor. If you miss an exam, please see me immediately. Make-up exams ay include
modified or more material than the original exam.
Class Attendance:
You are expected to attend every class meeting and be on time. Materials from the
lectures will be on the three major exams; so good class notes are crucial. If you miss
more than 5 classes see me about this problem.
If you decide to stop attending this class, it is your responsibility to formally withdraw.
Failure to formally withdraw by the last date for official withdrawal, may result in failure
of the course. Exception: if you stop attending class before taking the first exam and
don’t return you will receive a “W”.
International students, veterans, and those on financial aid should be fully aware of the
grade and minimum hours policies affecting your situation. In particular, pay attention to
the rules regarding withdrawal (“W”) from a course. Once a “W” is officially recorded it
will not be changed to another grade regardless of circumstances
Cell phones and the like: Cell phones, mp3 players, ipods, and other distractive devices
must be turned off or muted before the beginning of class. Important calls must be taken
outside of the classroom. NO electronic devices are allowed in the classroom during
exams.
Laptops: Using a laptop to take notes during class is acceptable. However, DO NOT
surf the web or use email during lecture. It is rude and disruptive to your fellow students
and the instructor.
Academic Honesty Policy:
Plagiarism, cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited by HCCS
policy and the rules of this class. Plagiarism is the use of the ideas or words of another
person (either in whole or in part) without crediting the source. Plagiarism amounts to the
theft of another person’s work and its appropriation as one’s own. Cheating involves
fraud and deception for the purpose of violating legitimate testing rules. Cheating
includes, but is not limited to: copying from another student’s test paper; using, during a
test, materials not authorized by the instructor; collaborating with another student during
a test; knowingly using, buying, selling, etc. whole or part of an unadministered test. Any
questions about academic dishonesty should be referred to the Student Conduct section of
the College System catalogue. Violations of this policy will result in failure of the
assignment and possibly automatic failure of the course and/or expulsion from the
institution.
Disability Policy:
Any student with a disability certified by the Southwest College Disability Counselor
(Dr. Becky Hauri) will receive appropriate accommodations in this class.
*Note: Tentative exam dates and a reading schedule will be passed out on the next class
meeting.
Good luck and I look forward to a great semester. Welcome to Western Civilization!