Course Outline
History 105-1003: European Civilization to 1648
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:
4:00-6:45
Required Texts:
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 the development of Western civilization and history from its beginnings in the
valleys of the Nile, Tigris, and Euphrates rivers to the mid-17th century rise of strong
nation-states.
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 their beginnings to the onset of
the modern age (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).
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3. Demonstrate an appreciation of cultural, political, and religious diversity through
the examination of various Western Civilizations before the modern era (GE 5)
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)
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.
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, may result in a failing grade for the overall exam or assessment, and
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.
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From WNC Manual Section 4: What are Specific Acts of Academic Dishonesty?
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.
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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.
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.
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
100 points
nd
2 Exam
100 points
3rd Exam
100 points
th
4 Exam
100 points
5th Exam
100 points
Reading Quiz
25 points
Five Discussion posts @ 30
150 points
Information Literacy
50 points
Research Project paper
200 points
Research Project Presentation
50 points
Attendance and Participation
25 points
Total:
1000 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.
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.
Written Assignments-Information Literacy and Research Project
This section contains information on the Information Literacy Project and the Research
Paper/Project assignment. For more information on APA style information go to Purdue
Owl site: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Information Literacy Assignment (50 points) Due Week 9
This assignment is designed to introduce you to the academic research resources
available at WNC, the APA style format, and collect your research materials for the
research paper and presentation.

Assignment Details: You will select a topic from the timeframe of the course
and keep the same topic through the Research Paper and Project. You must
select a minimum of four (4) academic/peer reviewed articles and four (4)
reliable sources such as books on the selected topic. You will write a brief
proposal introducing the topic and briefly identifying the combined theses of
selected sources, also known as an abstract, and attach a references page. This
assignment must be completed and submitted by Sunday of Week 9.

Abstract: Your abstract contains your research topic, research questions, and
conclusions. Your abstract should be a single paragraph double-spaced. Your
abstract should be between 150 and 250 words.

Sources: Your sources must come from peer reviewed/academic sources and
reliable sources available through WNC Library and Library database resources
(http://library.wnc.edu/). 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, or news
weeklies found outside of a Library Database search. Failure to use acceptable
sources will result in the rejection of the project and a failing grade.

Academic sources that are acceptable are books, online academic journals or
articles available in EBSCO, JSTOR, or other library databases (public libraries).
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
Reliable sources include: material obtained through Gale Virtual Library, History
Reference Center, MasterFILE Premier, where you may find articles from reliable
magazines, journals, or book chapters. See the Reference Librarians for
assistance in effectively navigating the Library site for appropriate material.
Submission Requirements: All projects must be submitted following APA
formatting for cover page, abstract, and reference material. 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
and cover page in APA style. For more information on APA style information go
to Purdue Owl site: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
Research Paper: (200 points)
Analytical 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. Your essay must be documented following APA criteria.


Research paper and presentation project outline: You will select a topic of
interest from the time periods under study and conduct scholarly research
utilizing academic and reliable sources identified in the Information Literacy
project. You will use a minimum of five (5) academic and/or reliable sources
identified in the Information Literacy Project to develop an essay that contains a
clearly articulated thesis, supporting evidence, and well-constructed conclusion.
A complete research paper contains the following: Cover page, abstract, body
content, and references page.
Sample Reference Entry in APA style
Example: Annotated Entry for a Scholarly Journal Article
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 (NOTE:
A URL must be included if no doi number is available)
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; 4)
citations that are properly used for quoted and paraphrased material, and 5) APA
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formatting used correctly including header content, pagination, citations, and format of
reference page . Failure to use citations will result in a failing grade for the paper.
Format: The research paper will be 5-7 text (body) 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 five of the
eight identified academic/reliable 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.
Research Paper Grading Rubric
College level writing (40 Points)

Proper use of reference material (40
points)

Accuracy and Proper use of APA citation
format (40 Points)

Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, and
Sentence Structure (40 Points)

Sufficiency and Relevancy (40 Points)

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.
Citations are formatted and used
properly. This includes proper
citation format (APA), avoiding
plagiarism, and accurately
representing the author’s work.
Few to none errors in grammar,
spelling, or punctuation. Few to
none instances of incomplete or
run-sentences.
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
Research Project Presentation: (50 points)
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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
What is Civilization?
Ancestors of the West-Egypt
Introduction Discussion Due
Read Chapters 1 and 2
Week II:
February 1, 2016
Western Asia and the Levant
Discussion 1 Due
Read Chapter 3
Week III:
February 8, 2016
Exam 1
The Greeks in the Polis
Read Chapter 4
Week IV:
February 15, 2016 Presidents’ Day—NO CLASSES
Alexander the Great and Hellenistic Greece
Read Chapter 5
Week V:
February 22, 2016
Exam 2
Rome from Republic to Empire
Read Chapter 6
Discussion 2 Due
Week VI:
February 29, 2016
Imperial Rome
Read Chapter 7
Week VII:
March 7, 2016
Fall of Rome and Late Antiquity
Read Chapter 8
Week VIII:
March 14, 2016
Exam 3
Islamic East and Byzantine Empire
Read Chapter 9
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Spring Break: March 21-25
Week IX:
March 28, 2016
Reading Quiz (ch. 8)
Expansion, High Middle Ages and the Crusades
Information Literacy Due
Read chapter 10
Week X:
April 4, 2016, 2016
Medieval Civilization
Discussion Forum 3
Read Chapter 11
Week XI:
April 11, 2016
Late Medieval Europe
Read Chapter 12
Week XII:
April 18
Exam 4
The Renaissance
Read Chapter 13
Research Paper Due Sunday
Week XIII:
April 25, 2016
European Overseas Expansion and conquest
Read Chapter 14 and 15
Discussion 4 Due: . . .Monty Python The Holy Grail or Mel
Brooks’ History of the World Part I
Week XIV:
May 2, 2016
The Reformation and Conflict
Era of Religious Warfare
Week XV:
May 9, 2016
Exam 5
Discussion Five Due
Presentation Summary Due
Week XVI:
May 16
In Class Research Project presentations
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