Course Outline
History 106: European Civilization 1648 to Present
Number of Credits: 3
Transferability of Course within Nevada: Transfers to all NSHE institutions
Prerequisites: No course prerequisites but it is recommended that students taking this
course are eligible to enroll in English 101, are currently enrolled, or have completed
English 101.
Instructor:
Kim DesRoches
Contact Info:
kim.desroches@wnc.edu
327 Bristlecone: 445-4288
M-W:
1:00-2:15
Required Text
Western Civilization: Beyond Boundaries, 7th Edition, Noble, Strauss, Osheim, et al,
Wadsworth Cengage Learning, Boston, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-133-602712
I.
Course Description
Covers Western civilization and history from the mid-17th century to the present.
II.
Course Objectives and Linkage to General Education Program
The purpose of this course is provide a foundation of knowledge that allows students to
further their study of Western Civilizations and European History and/or apply this
knowledge to meet their personal and professional needs. The information in the
parenthesis after a course objective refers to the specific general education (GE) learning
outcome that the objective meets. Objectives without this information are not linked to
WNC’s general education program.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated they can:
1. Exhibit factual knowledge of fundamental principles, distinct historical events,
ideas and concepts of Western civilizations from 1648 to the present (GE 1).
2. Examine and explain the forces leading to historical change and political,
economic, and social transformation through the location and evaluation of
information including primary and secondary sources (GE 4).
3. Demonstrate an appreciation of cultural, political, and religious diversity through
the examination of various Western Civilizations after 1648 (GE 5).
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4. Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking through substantially error-free
prose suitable in style and content to the purpose of the document and the
audience (GE 2, 9).
5. Draw a conclusion about a contemporary or enduring issue in Western
Civilization, such as achievements and/or resilience of peoples, and support the
conclusion with appropriate reasoning and evidence (GE 10).
III. Course Outline
This course is also designed to encourage the critical analysis of ideas, argument, and
points of view. This is demonstrated through written communication, asynchronous
discussion posts and in class discussions. Students will learn to apply course materials
and in class experiences to improve analytical skills and rational thinking. This goal is
achieved by formulating questions, seeking answers, and participation during class. As
such, attendance is mandatory and will be monitored each class session. Should you
need to miss class, contact me prior to the event to make any necessary alternative
arrangements.
IV. Policies and Procedures
1. Classroom conduct: This course is designed to encourage a great deal of
discussion about a variety of topics and issues including controversial themes
and adult material. It is quite possible that there will not be a consensus on these
issues; thus, we will work together to create an environment where all
participants feel free to express themselves. This will be accomplished by
following basic rules of courtesy: no name-calling, interrupting, or use of
pejorative language directed at either classmates or outside groups.
2. Academic Dishonesty: This category includes: plagiarism, cheating, and /or
falsifying medical excuses for absences. This includes the use of “cut and pasted”
information from the internet without attribution, submitting passages of
quoted text without use of quotation marks or attribution. Any violation will
result in a failing grade on the particular assessment where the infraction
occurred, and may result in a failing grade for the overall exam or assessment,
could result in a failing grade in the course at the instructor’s discretion. If you
receive a failing grade for cheating, you cannot withdraw (W) from the course.
The determination to assign a failing grade is subject to the College’s Appeal
process. To avoid the issue in the first place, review the following from WNC’s
Academic Dishonesty policy at http://wnc.edu/policymanual/3-4-5.htm.
From WNC Manual Section 4: What are Specific Acts of Academic Dishonesty?
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A. Cheating
Cheating is an act of deception by which a student misrepresents that he or she
has mastered information on an academic exercise, which in fact has not been
mastered. Examples include:
 Copying from another student's test or assignment.
 Allowing another student to copy from a test or assignment.
 Collaborating during a test with any other person without instructor
permission.
 Using the course textbook or other course materials during a test
without instructor permission.
 Using prepared materials during a test (e.g., notes, formula lists,
notes written on the student's clothing, etc.) without instructor
permission
 Taking a test for someone else or permitting someone to take a test
for the student.
B. Plagiarism: Plagiarism is presenting someone else's words, ideas or data as
one's own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas or
data of others, the source of that information must be acknowledged
through complete, accurate and specific references, and if verbatim
statements are included, through quotation marks as well. In academically
honest writing or speaking, the student will acknowledge the source
whenever:
 Another person's actual words are quoted.
 Another person's idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is
completely paraphrased in the student's own words.
 Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless
the information is common knowledge
3. Americans with Disabilities Act: This institution and this instructor are
committed to accommodating any student who requires additional or optional
resources in order to succeed in this course. Disability support services are
available to any student requiring accommodations. You can access the Disability
Support Services office at (775) 445-3268 or by email at
http://www.wnc.edu/studentservices/dss/index/php.
4. Electronics: Use of cell phones, PDA’s, and any audio or video recording devices
is prohibited unless prior permission of instructor obtained. To comply with
WNC’s Emergency Management plan, cell phones are to be left on but set to
vibrate so emergency communications are received.
5. Instructor Communication: I will make every effort to respond to email
requests/correspondence within 48 hours Monday through Friday. I will notify
the class prior to any changes in this schedule.
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6. For Student Grievances: Any issues with the class are to be addressed first to
me. If you are not satisfied that a just solution has been reached, you have 30
days to contact the division head and file a written grievance. The attached link
provides the College Policy for Student Grievance procedures.
http://www.wnc.edu/policymanual/3-5-2.php
7. Canvas Learning Management System. ALL written work is to be submitted to
Turnitin via the Canvas Learning Management System. Canvas is also used for
all Discussion Forum assignments. All students are required to create a login to
Canvas if not already established. You will have received an invitation to join the
course prior to the start of the semester.
8. Ask the Class Forum on Canvas: This is a semester long opportunity to pose
specific questions about navigating the course, issues concerning access to
external links or material, areas of concern in the readings, or to pose questions
of related interest that can benefit the whole class. This provides an opportunity
for peer-to-peer problem solving as you are encouraged to ask questions and
provide answers to others.
9. Canvas Orientation: You will find an orientation to Canvas provided in the class
modules. Complete this orientation by the end of week one. Please review the
topics and refer to the orientation for technical and navigation questions.
V. Assessments
Assessment Overview: Course evaluations will be based upon scheduled exams, online
discussion posts, research projects, and a presentation. Schedule your time accordingly
as no late work will be accepted. All exams are scheduled and no makeup exams will
be allowed except in the case of verifiable medical emergency. Should you anticipate
the need to reschedule an exam please contact me prior to the scheduled exam date.
1st Exam
2nd Exam
3rd Exam
4th Exam
5th Exam
6th Exam
Five Discussion posts @ 30
Research Proposal
Research Project paper
Research Project Presentation
Attendance and Participation
Total:
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100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
100 points
150 points
50 points
200 points
50 points
25 points
1075 points
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Grade Scale
100-94%
93-90%
89-87%
86-83%
82-80%
79-77%
76-73%
72-70%
69-60%
59-00%
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD No plus or minus grades will be earned below 69% achievement.
F
Withdrawals are the sole responsibility of the student. The last day for a student to
withdraw from the class is Friday of Week 9. Students who discontinue attendance
without going through the withdrawal procedure will earn a final grade based upon
total number of points earned by the last date of attendance. If you receive a failing
grade for cheating, you cannot withdraw (W) from the course.
VI. Discussion Forums
After completing the assigned chapter, respond to a prompt for the Discussion
Forum. Each Discussion Forum has more than one prompt. Choose one. Read the
chapter carefully, think critically before writing the initial post, and then respond at
least twice during the week. Your first response is due on Thursday the week it is
assigned. Your two (or more) responses must be posted by 11:59 on Saturday the
week it is due. Participation in the discussion is mandatory—failure to participate
will result in the loss of available points. A specific grading rubric is attached to each
forum.
 Format: Using paragraphs of 200-250 words, provide a thoughtful and
analytical discussion of selected themes. Unlike the short papers, you are not
required to compare the readings but have the discretion to select what you
believe to be the most salient points to discuss.
 Submit at least two substantive “reply” posts of 100-150 words. Substantive
replies to other students or the instructor make up your participation grade.
Substantive replies go beyond “I agree,” or “I see your point.” Effective
responses relate course readings, theory, research, or personal experience to
the discussion topic.
Grading Criteria: This assignment will be graded on adhering to the above format and
the following provisions: Tie your analysis to the readings or other media for the week in
direct ways (such as citing a key phrase). I do not want a summary of the readings by
any means, but this can improve and support your argument. The ultimate goal is for
you to address the readings in a critical way (positive or negative). Cite a key phrase,
analyze intent, sources, structure, thesis, and apply this to your own ideas about the
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subject. This means including a reference citation for the text or another source used
for developing ideas. If you are using more than one source, in-text citations are to be
used and include the publisher(s) name and the year of publication; for a direct quote
the page number should also be included. Use of reference citation is mandatory.
VII. Research Proposal and Paper

Research Proposal: You will select a topic from the timeframe of the course
1648-21st Century. A complete proposal contains the following: Cover page,
abstract, brief outline, and annotated bibliography.
o You must select eight (8) academic/reliable sources on the selected topic.
Your abstract contains your research topic, research questions, and
anticipated conclusions. If you cannot locate sufficient reference
material, you MUST select a different topic. Your abstract should be a
single, non-tabbed, paragraph that is double-spaced. Your abstract
should be between 150 and 250 words.
o Sources: Your sources must come from peer reviewed/academic sources
or reliable sources and can include books or journals articles available
through WNC Library resources (http://library.wnc.edu/). Use the subject
search on the library website to find the widest range of materials.
o NO NON-ACADEMIC INTERNET SOURCES ALLOWED including Wikipedia,
Encyclopedia or .com sites found through Google type searches. Do not
use: Blogs, Newspaper articles, Trade Journals, book reviews or news
weeklies. Do not include any source that does not contain a bibliography
(for example WWI Magazine or WWII Magazine) Failure to use
acceptable sources will result in the rejection of the project and a failing
grade.
o All projects must be submitted following APA formatting for cover page,
abstract, outline, and annotated bibliography. Assignment grade will be
based on appropriate choices of reference material, proper use of APA
style bibliography and proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation of
abstract, cover page, and annotated bibliography in APA style.
Sample Annotated Reference Entry in APA style
Example: Annotated Entry for a Scholarly Journal Article (NOTE: Any annotation starts
on a new line and is indented an extra one-half inch)
Osthaus, B., Marlow, D., & Ducat, P. (2010). Minding the gap: Spatial perseveration error
in dogs. Animal Cognition, 13, 881-885. doi:10.1007/s10071-010-0331-z
After domesticated dogs followed a course multiple times, the study
measured their success of navigating a changed route. The results
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indicate dogs develop spatial memory and navigation as a conditioned
response, and have difficulty overcoming and unlearning that response.
Outline
As part of the research proposal you will construct a brief outline identifying general
structure of the paper including introduction content, body paragraph organization and
conclusion. A sample outline is provided in Canvas.
Research Paper: (200 points) See sample in Canvas
Analytical Research Essay: No later than the end of Week 12 (Sunday) you will submit a
5-7 page, double-spaced -- excluding cover page, abstract and references-- analytical
essay that addresses your topic. The essay will present a coherent narrative, including
transitions that illustrate both summary and analytical skills. Your essay must be
documented following APA criteria.
Submission format: Final papers will be submitted with APA formatted: cover page,
abstract, outline, body of the paper, citations throughout, and non-annotated
bibliography. Place all elements in proper order and submit as a single document.
NOTE: failure to use citations throughout the paper when warranted will result in a
failing grade.
Grading Criteria: The research paper will be graded according to the following essential
elements: 1) introduction providing a thesis statement; 2) body providing a discussion
of central themes supported by primary / secondary sources; 3) conclusion drawing
together the themes of the paper in a succinct, organized, and persuasive manner; and,
4) citations that are properly used for quoted and paraphrased material.
Format: The research paper will be 5-7 text pages using Times New Roman or other
common 12-point font and double-spaced throughout. The title of your paper found on
the cover page and in headers should accurately reflect the content of your paper’s text.
The research paper must include a reference page of at least six of the eight annotated
academic sources. See acceptable sources list above. If there is a question about
whether a source meets the academic criteria, contact the instructor. You are
encouraged to use as many sources as appropriate. However, a huge bibliography will
not compensate for a weak or poorly-constructed paper.
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Research Paper Grading Rubric
College level writing (20 Points)

Proper use of reference material (20
points)

Accuracy and Proper use of APA citation
format (20 Points)

Citations are formatted and used
properly. This includes proper
citation format (APA), avoiding
plagiarism, and accurately
representing the author’s work.
Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, and
Sentence Structure (20 Points)

Sufficiency and Relevancy (20 Points)

Few to none errors in grammar,
spelling, or punctuation. Few to none
instances of incomplete or runsentences.
Writing is sufficient according to the
requirements of the assignment. You
have explored all questions posed
from thesis or through analysis. Your
writing is relevant. You have stayed
on topic
Essay is well organized, contains an
introduction, thesis statement,
logical body paragraphs and
conclusion. Paragraphs adhere to 5-7
sentence model and are internally
coherent.
Reference material is well
summarized and relevant. Quoted
passages are kept to a minimum and
all paraphrased information is
properly cited.
Research Project Presentation: (50 points)
Project Presentation: From your research paper, you will develop a 7-10 minute
presentation complete with visuals. Do not use a powerpoint presentation for the visual
as you will be presenting your project within a small group format. Be creative. As part
of your presentation grade you will upload a brief summary of the presentation and a
picture of your visual aid by the end of Week 15. NOTE: Include the picture of your
visual as part of the summary (embed the image). You will not receive full credit for
separate submissions. Presentations are scheduled for the last class meeting and
participation is mandatory. Failure to attend and present your project will result in a
failing grade for the presentation.
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Schedule of Readings and Assignments
Subject to change at any time
Week I:
January 25, 2016
Course Introduction and Canvas Introduction
Historical Thinking and exercise-Randall Jerrell Poem
Review: Treaty of Westphalia/end of 30 years War
Introduction Discussion Due
Read Chapter 16
Week II:
February 1, 2016
Europe in the Age of Louis XVI: Absolutism and European Expansion
Discussion 1 Due
Read Chapter 17
Week III:
February 8, 2016
A Revolution in World View: Scientific Revolution and Social Change
Exam 1 (Wednesday)
Read Chapter 18
Week IV:
February 15, 2016 Presidents’ Day—NO CLASSES
Modernity and Europe: The Enlightenment, Globalization, Expansion of
Conflict
Read Chapter 19
Week V:
February 22, 2016
French Revolution and Napoleonic Era
Read Chapter 20
Exam 2 (Wednesday)
Discussion 2 Due
Week VI:
February 29, 2016
Industrial Revolution
Read Chapter 21
Research Proposals Due
Week VII:
March 7, 2016
Restoration, Reform, and Second Wave of Revolution
Read Chapter 22
Week VIII:
March 14, 2016
Exam 3 (Monday)
Nationalism and Political Reform
Read Chapter 23
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Spring Break: March 21-25
Week IX:
To
Week X:
March 28, 2016
Second Industrial Revolution and Age of Optimism
Read chapter 24
Discussion Forum 3
April 4, 2016, 2016
Age of Imperialism and Road to WWI
Read Chapter 25
Week XI:
April 11, 2016
War and Revolution
Read Chapter 26
Week XII:
April 18
Exam 4 (Monday)
The Interwar Years and the Illusion of Stability
Read Chapter 27
Research Paper Due Sunday
Week XIII:
April 25, 2016
The Great Depression and the rise of Dictators
Discussion 4 Due
Read Chapter 28
Week XIV:
May 2, 2016
Exam 5 (Monday)
World War II and Aftermath
Read Chapter 29 and 30
Week XV:
May 9, 2016
Cold War and Post Cold War World
Discussion Five Due
Presentation Summary Due
Week XVI:
May 16
Exam 6 (Monday)
In Class Research Project presentations (Wednesday)
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