Heartland Community College
Master Course Syllabus
Division: Social and Business Sciences
Course Prefix and number: HIST 101
Course Title: Western Civilization to 1500
DATE PREPARED: July 15, 1994
DATE REVISED: October 22, 2012
PCS/CIP/ID NO.: 11-540101
IAI NO. (if available): S2 902
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: January 2013
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS: 3
LECTURE HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
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.
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
General Education Range of Assessment
Outcomes
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
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
2 to 4 examinations
Quizzes as deemed appropriate by the instructor
1 research paper of 5 to 10 pages
Additional assignments as deemed appropriate by the instructor which
might include but are not limited to: reaction papers, group projects, and
oral reports
GRADING SCALE
90-100=A
80-89=B
70-79=C
60-69=D
Below 60 =F
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.