WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY
Spring 2015
History 3000: Arts and Ideas, Ancient and Medieval
Dr. Steven R. Cartwright, Instructor
Office: 0147 Waldo Library Office hours: by appointment
Office phone: 269-387-5176
E-mail: steven.cartwright@wmich.edu
Course Description: Survey of the history and interplay of intellectual and artistic developments in
the West from ancient through medieval times.
This course satisfies General Education Area II: Humanities.
This course offers an introduction to the cultural history of Western Civilization from approximately
100,000 B.C. to A.D. 1400. By the end of the course, the student should be able to discuss the
major artistic and intellectual achievements of the various civilizations that have contributed to the
larger Western Civilization, which in turn has made the dominant (though not exclusive) artistic and
intellectual contributions to our own American culture.
Additionally, the student should develop and improve skills in critical thinking, research techniques,
and writing, all of which are important for any educated, cultured, thoughtful person, as well as any
person seeking high-quality employment after college.
Textbooks:
Lawrence S. Cunningham and John J. Reich, Culture and Values: A Survey of the Western Humanities, 7th
Edition, Volume I.
Mary Lynn Rampolla, Pocket Guide to Writing History, 7th edition.
Course operations:
1. This course is taught in asynchronous mode, using D2L. Students will need regular access to a
web accessible computer. A DSL or Broadband connection is strongly recommended. Weekly
participation in Discussion Board posting is required. The course centers on the textbook, the
online modules and additional materials (videos, additional reading materials), and the online
discussions. An understanding of all of these is necessary to obtain a good grade.
2. Your grade will be based on participation in discussion boards, one research paper, two hourly
exams and one final exam, with point values as follows:
Discussions: 15 pts ea. @ 12 discussions = 180 pts
Researchpath library instruction module
=
Paper:
= 100 pts
Tests: 2 midterms @ 50 pts ea.
= 100 pts
Final exam:
= 100 pts
20 pts
Total:
500 pts
Discussions: Participate actively in online discussions for each module, especially discussions of
primary source readings.
Researchpath library instruction module: This is a basic course in Information literacy, and can be
accessed from the WMU Library's webpage. It is required for the research instruction session the
week of February 2.
Research paper, about 10 pp., demonstrating basic understanding of relevant topics.
Midterms: 10-20 identifications, one-two essay questions. Questions will be on any and everything
pertaining to the course: Readings, lectures, discussions, and videos.
Final: 10-20 identifications, two-three essay questions
Grade scale:
A=
471-500
BA= 441-470
B=
411-440
CB= 381-410
C=
351-380
DC= 321-350
D=
291-320
94%
88%
82%
76%
70%
64%
58%
3. Weekly operations: Each week, usually, we will have a new module, which will cover a particular
civilization and its culture. Exception: Ancient Greece, Module 5, which takes almost three weeks.
Each module with its presentation and discussion board will be available for a week, per the course
schedule. During that week you are expected to read the assigned portion of the main textbook and
possible supplemental readings provided online, view the PowerPoint presentation and videos, and
participate in the discussion boards. For Module 5, Ancient Greece, there will be three discussion
boards, each with its own reading assignment, one for each week of the module.
4. Each week I will email the class with reminders about what we are working on during the week
and any other relevant news. You can also email me at any time, though you should expect a 24hour response time during the week and up to 48 hours on the weekend.
5. Key terms: Part of each test includes identifications of “key terms.” You will find a list of key
terms on the introductory page for each module. You will also find key terms at the end of each
chapter of the textbook. The terms on the introductory pages are what I will test you on. All
terms on the introductory pages, excepting one, can be found in the textbook, though they are not
found in the textbook lists very often. I have a different opinion from that of the textbook writers
about which terms are important. Terms in common to both lists are marked with an asterisk (*) in
the syllabus list.
6. Discussion Boards: I will actively monitor and participate in the Discussion Boards, responding as
I can to your posts, and keeping track of everyone’s participation for the sake of grading.
7. Conduct and civility: Students are expected to contribute to the learning environment by
respectfully interacting with their colleagues and professor regardless of any difference of opinion.
When students voice opinions with which you do not agree, feel free to voice your opinion in a
polite and civil manner. This approach can help us enhance the free flow of ideas. Students must not
interfere with the learning of their colleagues.
8. Communication skills: All students must have adequate writing skills to communicate content in a
professional and concise manner. Students must be proficient in their written presentations
including strategies for developing ideas, citing scholarly references, writing style, wording, phrasing,
and using language conventions. Students must follow the Chicago Manual of Style in their research
paper, use non-racist and non-sexist language, and include sufficient references to support their
thesis and ideas in the paper.
9. Academic Honesty: Students must demonstrate high standards of integrity. They should do their
own work on all material submitted to meet course requirements. Since dishonesty harms the
individual and his/her fellow students, as well as the integrity of the University, School, and
profession, the School and University will strictly enforce policies on academic dishonesty. You
must read and abide by the academic honesty policies as stated in the Western Michigan University
Handbook. If you have any questions or reservations about this policy or your obligations under it,
see your academic advisor immediately.
10. Time commitment: Online courses are typically just as time intensive as traditional courses. In
fact, many students claim that online courses require more time and commitment. As you begin this
course, you would be wise to schedule 8 or more hours per week for studying materials and
completing assignments.
11. Active participation: Online courses require your active participation. Here are some tips for
success:

In discussion forums, you learn from one another by posing questions, justifying your
comments, and providing multiple perspectives. When you prepare for discussions through
thoughtful reflection, you contribute to your own successful learning experience as well as to the
experience of your peers.

Log in to the course frequently (at least several times per week) and check the
announcements. This will keep you apprised of any course updates, progress in discussions,
assignment information, and messages requiring immediate attention.

Be aware of and keep up with the Course Schedule in the Syllabus.
12. Technical support: If you have questions about the technology or support of this course, click
the links found at the bottom of the course home page. Always use the Technology
Compatibility Wizard before elevating a technology concern to the help desk. The ELearning Technical Support link has answers to frequently asked questions and tutorials.
The Student Services link has a wealth of non-technical student support information and
services. If you are unable to find an answer to your question by following these links,
contact the Online Education Team.
Technical Support
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST
online-education@wmich.edu
(269) 387-4190
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Fax: (269) 387-4226
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The University Counseling and Testing Center exists to help students deal effectively with such
concerns. The Center is staffed with professionally licensed counselors and psychologists and is
accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services. Counseling assistance is available
free of charge to all actively enrolled students at Western Michigan University. Contact (269) 3871850.
Special Accommodations
Western Michigan University provides upon request appropriate academic adjustments for qualified
students with disabilities. It is the student's responsibility to notify the professors of any
modifications that are required within the first two weeks of the semester. Students must be
registered with the office of disability services in order to request academic adjustments.
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Please come see us at our facilities in Woodlawn Place located at 2210 Wilbur Ave across from
Rood Hall and behind Fetzer Center. You can contact us at (269) 387-2116.
Services offered:
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Priority registration
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Referral and advocacy activities with University departments
Campus accessibility
Adaptive computer equipment
Acting as a liaison for special classroom concerns
Hist 3000 Spring 2015 schedule
1. Week of Jan 12: Module 1, Course Introduction, Prehistory. Module begins on Jan 12, ends Jan
18.
Begin reading Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 1. Participate in Discussion Boards.
2. Week of Jan 19: Module 2, Mesopotamia. Module begins on Jan 19, ends Jan 25.
Read Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 1, on Mesopotamia; selections from Gilgamesh,
pp. 295-96; selections from The Laws of Hammurabi, course e-reserves on library website. Participate
in Discussion Boards.
3. Week of Jan 26: Module 3, Egypt. Module begins on Jan 26, ends Feb 1.
Read Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 1, on Egypt; “Hymn to the Nile,” on course
website; “the Designation and Divine Conception of Thothmes III,” and “The Book of the Dead,”
course e-reserves on library website. Participate in Discussion Boards.
4. Week of Feb 2: Module 4, Research Paper Preparation. Do Researchpath instructional module
online, and submit possible research paper topics to me via e-mail. Module begins on Feb 2 and
ends on Feb 4 (Three days only!)
Begin Module 5, Ancient Greece. Begin reading Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 2, on
Ancient Greece, selections from Iliad, pp. 297-305. Module begins on Feb 5; first discussion board
ends on Feb 8. Participate in Discussion Boards.
5. Week of Feb 9: Continue Module 5, Ancient Greece. Second discussion board begins on Feb 9
and ends on Feb 15.
Continue reading Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 2, on Ancient Greece, selections
from Sappho, Presocratic philosophers (textbook, pp. 305-306), Herodotus and Thucydides
(provided on course website); begin reading ch. 3 in Culture and Values, and Oedipus the King (pp. 30821). Participate in Discussion Boards.
6. Week of Feb 16: Finish Module 5, Ancient Greece. Third discussion board begins on Feb 16 and
ends on Feb 22.
Continue reading ch. 3 in Culture and Values, The Allegory of the Cave (pp. 326-27), and Philosopher king
(provided on course website), and selections from Aristotle’s writings (pp. 327-31). Participate in
Discussion Boards.
Turn in final paper topics (in form of question) with preliminary bibliography by February
20.
7. Week of Feb 23: First test, available online Feb 23-25.
Begin Module 6 on Rome. Module begins on Thursday, February 26.
Read Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 4, on Rome; Cicero, On the laws, found on
course website; selections from the Aeneid, pp. 332-41. Participate in Discussion Boards.
8. Week of March 1: Module 6, Rome. Module ends on Friday, March 6. Finish readings listed
above.
Week of March 8: Spring Break
9. Week of March 16: Begin Module 7 on ancient Judaism and early Christianity. Module ends on
March 22.
Read Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 6, on The Rise of the Biblical tradition;
selections from Hebrew Bible (pp. 352-53, 355-56); selections from New Testament: Matthew (pp.
358-59), I & II Corinthians (pp. 360-61), John (course e-reserves on library website). See also the
versions and comments on these texts from the Jewish Study Bible and the Jewish Annotated New
Testament on the course e-reserves. Participate in Discussion Boards.
10. Week of March 23: Begin Module 8 on Late Antiquity and Byzantium. Module ends on March
29.
Read Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 7, on Byzantium; selections from St. Augustine
(pp. 366-74); Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy (course e-reserves on library website) and Justinian
enters Hagia Sophia (provided on course website). Participate in Discussion Boards.
11. Week of March 30: Begin Module 9 on Islam. Module ends on April 5 .
Begin reading Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 8, on Islam, selections from the Qur’an
(pp. 375-82), and selections from Sufi writers (pp. 383-85). Participate in Discussion Boards.
12. Week of April 6: Second test, available online April 6-8. Take rest of week off to work on
research papers.
13. Week of April 13: Turn in Research papers on April 14.
Module 10 on the Early Middle Ages. Module ends on April 19.
Read Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 9, selections from Hildegard of Bingen (pp.
385-88) and Bertilla, Abbess of Chelles (pp. 392-94), and Play of Everyman (pp. 401-410).
14. Week of April 20: Module 11 on the High Middle Ages. Module begins on April 20 and ends on
April 26.
Read Cunningham and Reich, Culture and Values, ch. 10, selections from Thomas Aquinas’ Summa
Theologiae (pp. 411-13), and selections from Dante’s Divine Comedy (pp. 370-393). Participate in
Discussion Boards.
15. Week of April 27: Final exam. Available online April 27-30.