World Civilization to 1600 – HI 13003
Communications and Humanities
Arkansas Northeastern College
First Day Handout
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Office Hours:
Jillian Hartley
Term:
Spring 2015
C-9
Class Meeting Days:
INET
(870) 762-3141
Class Meeting Hours: INET
jhartley@smail.anc.edu
Class Location:
INET
Posted on my office door and available under “Course Information” on the portal.
I.
Welcome!
I am looking forward to a productive semester. Please feel free to email, call, or come by my office if you have any
questions.
II.
Course Catalog Description: A survey of the major contributions to the development of global civilizations from
ancient times to the early modern period. Emphasis is given to those people, movements, and the ideas influential
in the development of the modern world.
III.
Course Overview : Study of civilizations to the early modern period.
IV.
Course Rationale: To instill in the student an integrated view of civilization and an appreciation for cultural
differences, as citizens of a shrinking world. World Civilization to 1600 will give the student an understanding of the
development and growth of civilization not as a unique European experience, but as a global one through which
great cultural systems have interacted to produce the present-day world.
V.
Course Objectives: To provide students with a body of historical information that will enable them to understand the
pervasive effect of changes that occurred in world history. To make students aware and knowledgeable about
contemporary problems and their relation to history. To develop analytical abilities by having them apply critical
thinking and communication skills in order to gain historical perspective.
VI.
Course Prerequisites
Fundamentals of Language or a 19+ on the ACT (75+ on the COMPASS).
VII.
Required Texts and Materials
Duiker, Spielvogel, The Essential World History Vol. 1 6th ed. (Wadsworth Publishing). (An older edition of this
textbook will work.)
VIII.
Supplementary (Optional) Texts and Materials
None
IX.
Basis for Final Grade
Discussions: Students will answer a group discussion question/topic once a week. The discussion topic will be
posted on the discussion board. Discussions should be at least two paragraphs in length. Discussion responses are
due by 11:55 p.m. on Sundays. Each response will be worth 10 points. You will not be able to make-up discussions
points. No exceptions!
Essays/Assignments: An essay question will be posted under the assignment’s link each week. It is due by 11:55 on
Sunday. A new question will appear on Sunday at 11:55 p.m. You will type your essay as a separate document and
upload it to the course website. If possible, save your document as a word file. You may also save it as a rich text file
(rtf) if you do not have access to Microsoft Word. Each essay will be worth 20 points. You must also write your
responses using proper essay format. You will not be able to make-up essay points. You have an entire week to
complete assignments, so please make sure that you manage your time well. No exceptions!
Guide for weekly essays: Please write your essays using standard essay format. For example, the essay should be
divided into paragraphs and should contain the following elements:
(1) An introduction with a thesis statement (main idea).
(2) A body of evidence that contains specific references (evidence) to the question (use at least three paragraphs
in the body).
(3) A conclusion that sums up the essay.
Experience indicates that most students require between two and three pages to compose a good response to an
essay topic. However, there is no required length for the essay. Students should focus on developing complete
answers. Let the length of the essay take care of itself.
Exams: There will be an online mid-term and a final exam. Exams will consist of a variety of true/false and multiplechoice questions. Students will have the entire test day to login and take the final exam. Students must finish the
exam after it begins. No one who stops taking an exam and leaves the testing window will be able to finish it. The
exam window will open at 12:00 a.m. on the date it is scheduled and close at 11:55 p.m. on the final test date.
Students will only have forty-five minutes from the time it starts to complete the exam. I highly recommend that you
start the exam by no later than 11:00 p.m. There will not be a study guide provided for the exams.
Assessment
Discussions
Essays
Exams
120
240
100
Total
460
Grading Scale (%)
90-100
A
80 – 89
B
70 – 79
C
60 – 69
D
0 – 59
F
X.
XI.
Grade Dissemination
All coursework will be graded within a week of submission and/or completion. Students may access mid-term and
final grades using Campus Connect on myANC. Please note that scores returned mid-term are unofficial grades. If
you need help accessing myANC contact the ANC Helpdesk by email: ANChelp@smail.anc.edu.
Course Policies: Grades
Late Work and Make-up Policy: Since this is an online course, students will not be allowed to make up
coursework or exams.
Grades of "Incomplete":
The current College policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course. Incomplete grades are
given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the course and the
remaining work can be completed the next semester. Your instructor is the final authority on whether you qualify
for an incomplete. Incomplete work must be finished by mid-term of the subsequent semester or the “I” will
automatically be recorded as an “F” on your transcript.
XII.
Course Policies: Technology and Media
Email: Arkansas Northeastern College has partnered with Google to host email addresses for ANC students.
myANCmail accounts are created for each student enrolled in the current semester and is the email address your
instructor will use to communicate with you. Access your email account by going to
http://mail.google.com/a/smail.anc.edu and using your first and last names, separated by a period for your
username. Your default password is the last six digits of your Student ID. If you cannot access your student email,
contact the MITS department at 762-1020 ext 1150 or ext 1207 or send an email to ANChelp@smail.anc.edu.
Internet: This course has a web component on myANC. The first day handout and all study guides will be available
on the portal.
Computer Labs: In addition to general-purpose classrooms, a number of computer laboratories are provided for
instructional and student use. These networked laboratories are state-of-the-art and fully equipped with
computers, printers, Internet connections and the latest software. The labs are open to students enrolled in one
or more credit hours at the College.
Technology Support: A lab assistant is generally present in the computer lab in B202 for assistance in using the
College computers. These assistants cannot help you with course assignments; specific questions regarding the
technology requirements for each course should be directed to the instructor of the course. Problems with
myANC or College email accounts should be addressed by email to ANCHelp@smail.anc.edu.
XIII.
Course Policies: Student Expectations
Disability Access: Arkansas Northeastern College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all
persons with disabilities. This First Day Handout is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with
disabilities who need accommodations in this course must contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester
to discuss needed accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until the student has met with the
instructor to request accommodations. Students who need accommodations must be registered with Johnny
Moore in Statehouse Hall, 762-3180.
Attendance Policy: Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions each week.
Professionalism Policy: Per classroom etiquette; mobile phones, iPods, etc. must be silenced during all classroom
and lab lectures. Those not heeding this rule will be asked to leave the classroom/lab immediately to not disrupt
the learning environment. Please arrive on time for all class meetings.
Academic Conduct Policy: Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. If you are uncertain as to what
constitutes academic dishonesty, please consult ANC’s Student Handbook
(http://www.anc.edu/docs/anc_handbook.pdf) for further details. Students are expected to do their own work.
Plagiarism, using the words of others without express permission or proper citation, will not be tolerated. Any
cheating (giving or receiving) or other dishonest activity will, at a minimum, result in a zero on that test or
assignment and may be referred, at the discretion of the instructor, to the Department Chair and/or Vice President
of Instruction for further action. The instructor reserves the right to fail any student caught cheating in the course.
Academic Success Center: The Academic Success Center (ASC) is a free resource for ANC students. The ASC
provides drop-in assistance, computer tutorials and audio/visual aids to students who need help in academic
areas. Learning labs offer individualized instruction in the areas of mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary
development and college study methods. Tutorial services are available on an individual basis for those having
difficulty with instructional materials. The LAC also maintains a shelf of free materials addressing specific
problems, such as procedures for writing essays and term papers, punctuation reviews, and other useful materials.
For more information, visit the LAC website at http://www.anc.edu/LAC or stop by room L104 in the Adams/Vines
Library Complex.
Other Student Support Services: Many departments are ready to assist you reach your educational goals. Be sure
to check with your advisor; the Learning Assistance Center, Room L104; Student Support Services, Room S145; and
Student Success, Room L101 to find the right type of support for you.
XIV.
Unit and Instructional Objectives with Schedule*
UNIT I
Objectives: The student should be able to explain:
1. The chain of development of early people and their steps toward civilization.
2. Why and how civilization took root and flourished in Mesopotamia.
3. The empires carved out by the Hittites, Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Persians.
4. Egypt’s culture along the Nile.
5. The Aegean Cultures and their influence on classical Greece.
6. Hellenic Greece and its political history and cultural achievements.
7. How and when Rome built its empire.
8. The benefits of Pax Romana.
9. The political and religious circumstances into which Jesus was born, and the eventual success in shaping the
early Catholic Church.
10. The gradual decline of the Roman Empire, its division into two parts, and its final demise.
UNIT II
Objectives: The student should be able to explain:
1. The early dynasties of China.
2. The religious and philosophical movements in China and how they linked with the political patterns.
3. Describe the cultural developments and government of Han China.
4. The rise of civilization in the Indus Valley.
5. The religions and philosophies of India.
6. The early Indian Empires – Mauryan and Gupta.
7. The foundations of Islam and the formation of the Caliphate.
8. The high level of Islamic science, literature, art and building.
9. List and describe the three major ancient civilizations in Latin America.
XV.
Disclaimer: This First Day Handout was prepared under certain limited assumptions. Therefore, if the students in
the class seem to "fit" the design for the course and if events occur as planned, the schedule, assignments, and
assessments will be followed. The instructor has the option, however, to eliminate or add assignments and/or
assessments if he/she feels it is in the best interest of the students.