History 1 –Syllabus
History of Western Civilization I
Pierce College
Fall Semester – 2015
Professor Hitt
History 1 - Section 3240
Wednesday 7:00-10:10 p.m.
Location: EB1204
E-mail: hittkj@piercecollege.edu
Telephone: 1-310-233-4698 ext. 4830
Office Hour: 6:00-7:00 p.m. or by appointment.
Office Location: FO2305
Please read this entire syllabus.
**The instructor reserves the right to modify the course schedule or assignments. However,
students would be given adequate notice of any changes, should the need occur.
Required Textbook:
Sherman, Dennis, The West in the World Vol. I 5th ed.
ISBN# 9781259203015 Available in the Pierce College Bookstore.
In Case of Emergency: When on campus, call 818 710-4311 for immediate response from the
Campus Sheriff. Do not call 911, as this will result in a substantial delay. Please program the
Emergency Sheriff’s number into your cell phone contacts.
Campus Emergencies: Sheriff's regular campus number: 818-719-6450.
Graded Assignments: (Grades will reflect the +/- system). Grading scale shown in class.
 Two exams: 30%
(NO make-up exams,…however, I will drop your lowest exam score.
Does not include Final Exam.
 One Research paper 10 pages including title page, bibliography, and use of footnotes
Chicago Manual of Style Note: NO LATE papers accepted. 20%
 Quizzes, Discussion Questions, Maps – 5%
 Final Exam: 45% Cumulative, but student may use one 3x5 card with notes *on final exam
only. Must take final in order to pass the course.
 Equal opportunity is given for one extra credit assignment –this to be completed during the
student’s own time during course of this semester.
Example: a visit to a museum, renting a film (pre-approved title) and 2-3 pg
essay written about the experience.
**Questions related to Student Learning Objectives will be incorporated into the Final Exam.
Students with Disabilities: “If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an
accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the office of Special Services in
the Student Services Building, Room 48175. Their number is (818) 719-6430”.
Course Description: This survey course provides a chronological and thematic survey of the social,
political, cultural, economic, diplomatic and intellectual developments that have shaped Western
Civilization from pre-history to the Sixteenth Century. The goal of this course is to acquaint students with
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the discipline of history, and to familiarize them with significant issues and themes which have fashioned
Western Civilization. Students will develop an ability to think critically, analytically, and historically.
Students will be given a sense of chronology and to perceive the interrelated nature of events within a
historical context. The class also includes research, organization, and analysis of historical sources.
SLO Addendum: Course Objectives:
Students will be able to evaluate the significance of geography and identify important persons as they
relate to the major trends in the history of early western civilization.
Students will be able to assess the impact of the major intellectual, religious and cultural events of early
western civilization. Students will be able to develop critical thinking skills by learning how to analyze,
evaluate and interpret the historical evidence of primary sources.
Course policies:
Students are expected to attend class and arrive on time. Please sign the sign in sheet to document your
attendance at each class. If you are late to class please see me after class to assure that you have been
accounted for and important that you seek out the sign-in sheet. The professor has the option of dropping
a student from the class roster if you miss the first class (no show) or after three missed classes.
However, do not assume that you will be dropped if you stop coming to class (especially if you added the
class).
It is your responsibility to officially drop this or any class with the Admissions Office. Failure on
your part to do so could result in receiving a grade of F in this class.
**Please turn off all iphones, cell phones, ipods (cellular technology) when you enter the classroom.
No “texting” is allowed during class. **No recording or taping, either audio or video of the
professor is permitted at any time unless approved by the professor in advance.
"Students are expected to behave properly to the professor and students, with respect, decorum, and
punctuality, or they will be subject to disciplinary actions (BR 9803). Lectures
are an important part of this class and should not be missed. Copies of the day’s
lecture notes cannot be provided by the professor. If you miss a class, please get the notes from another
student. “I didn’t know that” or “I wasn’t here that day” and “It’s not in my notes” are not acceptable
excuses.
I expect students to adhere to deadlines according to the class schedule here attached. Any missed
assignment will be entered as a zero, unless I am contacted in advance and advised of your emergency.
There are NO makeup exams. I will drop your lowest test score however.
Any student caught cheating, or giving the appearance of cheating (copying another student’s
bluebook or assignment, or looking at notes during an exam) will receive a failing grade for the
exam, and will be referred to the Office of Academic Affairs for disciplinary action.
All work must be your own composition, and plagiarizing (copying directly from book or websites,
or other sources) is not acceptable. Student caught plagiarizing will receive a failing grade for the
assignment, and may be referred to the Office of Academic Affairs for disciplinary action.
If you are unsure about how to correctly cite a source, or need help with writing your paper, please visit
the Tutoring/Learning/Computer Lab. More info about this service can be found by speaking with your
counselor or see me.
Readings: You are expected to do the assigned readings before class. The textbook is intended as
important background reading to provide you with an overview of events and issues.
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Lectures: The lecture material is a critical component of the course, both for your learning process and
for the examinations. The lectures are meant to frame and work in conjunction with, rather than
duplicate the material in the readings. I encourage you to think about how we interpret the past. For
every class I will provide an outline to assist you in your note-taking: it is up to you to fill in the details.
Exams: For each exam bring at least one blue book and two blue or black pens. No pencils please. For
the exams you will write two essays from several essay choices given.
The final exam will consist of multiple choice questions, based on lecture material, textbook readings,
terms or outlines I have put on the board or films.
You will be asked not only to identify the terms, but to explain their historical significance. There will be
a review during the class before each exam.
Research Paper Writing Instructions:
The Research paper should be at least 10 pages in length and this includes a Title Page,
Bibliography and the use of footnotes to cite your sources. The paper should be preceded by a title
page, and followed by the bibliography. You should have at least three primary sources, (first hand
accounts) and at least four secondary sources. Also, no more than 3 internet sources. *Do not use
Wikipedia as it is NOT a reliable factual source. Most of the sources should be from hardcopy
books. All sources, including the textbook, must be correctly cited in the bibliography according to
the Chicago Manual of Style: Must be typed, size 12 font. Double-space between lines and
paragraphs.
Research Paper must be handed in on the due date, in person before the end of class. Hardcopy
only. No e-mailed copies accepted. These dates are listed in the class schedule following this
syllabus. No late papers accepted!
**I also show a Power point presentation on “How to write a research paper/essay” several times
during the course of the semester.
**I also show a Powerpoint presentation on “How to write a research paper/essay” several times
during the course of the semester.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS: All of the essay exams and the research paper will require a close
reading of primary and secondary sources.
1) In your text, read the background on this source, and then read the introduction to the source
and examine it carefully identifying key names, places, and terms.
2) When writing an essay begin with an introductory paragraph that includes the thesis
statement. The introductory paragraph should be followed by paragraphs that support and
develop the thesis. The body of the paper should be followed by a conclusion that
summarizes your argument.
3) The body paragraphs of the essay must be connected with appropriate transition sentences.
Make transitions that connect the paragraphs together in a unified argument that supports the
thesis. Use the introduction and conclusion to do the same; fit the essay together and support
the thesis.
4) End essay with a conclusion that summarizes the main points of your paper. Be sure to keep
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the paper focused on the main thesis and to write, simply and clearly, what you found and
how you interpret this particular source.
5) Essays and Research paper should ALWAYS be in your own words.
**The instructor reserves the right to modify the course schedule or assignments. However,
students would be given adequate notice of any changes, should the need occur.
Office Hours: I encourage all students to come and see me about what you are, or are not understanding,
especially before exams. Remember, I am there for you!!
Student Learning Objectives:
Compare and analyze different interpretations of historical events;
Articulate what history and historical interpretation is, and what it is not
Examine and compare the elements promoting the rise of different civilizations;
Evaluate and analyze the differences between “culture”, “civilization”, and “nation”
Judge the importance of environmental and geographic factors in the growth and expansion of different
cultures;
Describe the impact of trade on the development of early cultures;
Formulate themes that run throughout the entire course;
Compare how different historical sources describe the same historical events;
Evaluate how different societies viewed and treated women, children, and the poor;
Examine the balance between Individualism and Communalism;
Select specific individuals or events that best typify a particular culture, and then defend that choice;
Question and evaluate what constitutes today’s “cultural heritage” from the pre-industrial west;
Differentiate the philosophical, political, and social structures and concepts between different cultures;
Examine the role, biases, and impact of historians and the importance of history to society. Formulate an
initial understanding of historiography and its related impact on how history is “told”.
MISSION STATEMENT “Pierce College is a student-centered learning institution that offers opportunities for access and success
in a diverse college community. The college dedicates its resources to assist students in identifying and achieving their educational,
career, and personal goals. Our comprehensive curriculum and support services enable students to earn associate degrees and
certificates, prepare for transfer, gain career and technical proficiency, and develop basic skills. We serve our community by
providing opportunities for lifelong learning, economic and workforce development, and a variety of enrichment activities.”
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Class Schedule History 1
History of Western Civilization: The Pre-Industrial West
Pierce College - Fall 2015
Dates/Lecture and Discussion Topics:
Readings:
Aug. 26, 2015
Introduction to the study of history and this class.
Ch. 1
Pre-history and Ancient Middle East to 500 B.C.
Fertile Crescent, Mesopotamia and Roots of Western Civilization
Rise of Civilization
Sumerians, Babylonians
Introduction to Egypt and land of the Nile
Sept. 2, 2015
Egyptians and Land of the Pharoahs
Notable Pharoahs
Tel Amarna Controversy
Hatshepsut, Thutmose II, Akenaton, Tutankhamun,
Ramsees II, and Cleopatra VII.
The Hebrews and Ancient Kingdoms
Ch 2
Assyrians, Persians, Minoans
Sept. 9, 2015
The Golden Age of Greece
Ch 3
The Pantheon and Homer
Illyad and Odyssey and Trojan Wars
Great Philosophers Presocratic and rise of Independent Thought
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Socrates, Socratic Method and Plato, Idealism and the Academy. Aristotle: Metaphysics.
Archons, Architecture, Theatre, Sculpture, Persian and Peloponnesian wars.
Sept. 16, 2015
Alexander III: Alexander the Great – the Hellenistic Era Ch. 4
The Successor Kingdoms: Seleucids Rule Asia, Antogonids in Greece
Sept. 23, 2015
**First Midterm Exam
Sept. 30, 2015
The Early Romans: The Etruscans
Ch. 5
The Roman Republic
Slave Revolts, Punic Wars, and Hannibal.
Oct. 7, 2015
Ch. 6
Roman Empire and Emperors
Julio-Claudian Family
Life of Jesus and rise of Christianity
Jewish Wars, Titus, Vespasian and Masada
Germanic invasions, Constantine, establishes Constantinople and converts to Christianity
Theories of: Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
**Review for Second Exam
Oct. 14, 2015
Second Midterm Exam
Oct. 21, 2015
Development and Dissemination of Christianity
Justinian, Theodora, and emergence of Byzantium
Nika Riots
Western Kingdoms, Byzantium
Ch.7
Oct. 28, 2015
Ch. 7-8
Development and Dissemination of Christianity
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Justinian, Theodora, and emergence of Byzantium
Western Kingdoms, Byzantium and Islamic World
Muhammed and Islamic Expansionism
The Middle Ages
Anglo-Saxon England: a historical King Arthur? The controversy.
Alfred the Great
Monasteries Contribute to an Ordered World
Scriptorium and the Illuminated Manuscript
Charlemagne, Carolingian Empire
Germanic tribes
Traditional and Alternate interpretations of the “Dark Ages” Medieval Period
Manorial and Feudal structures
Nov. 4, 2015
Ch. 9-10
The High Middle Ages, 1000-1300
Emergence of nationalism.
Medieval Guilds, and Trade
The Champagne Fairs
Castles, and Ideals of Chivalry
Henry II, the Courts, and Thomas a’ Becket.
The Crusades: Richard the Lionheart, Saladin the Great.
Knights Templar, Teutonic Knights, Knights Hospitallar
Rise of the Great Cathedrals: Art, Architecture.
Summa Theologica, and concepts of Gothic.
Pilgrimages: Expanding Christendom and Call for Church Reform.
Nov. 11, 2015
Ch. 11
Decline of the Middle Ages.
Rise of Scholasticism: Medieval Universities.
Political struggle between crown and nobility.
Famine, Black Death and Devastation.
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Urban Revolts and the Great Schism
The Hundred Years War and Joan of Arc, the Maid of Lorraine
Wars of the Roses: Richard III and Henry VII
Nov. 18, 2015
The Renaissance
Ch. 12
Individualism, Realism, Activism, and Secularization
Roderigo Borgia: Alexander VI – Nepotism and Warring Papal states.
The Italian City-States and Florence
Petrarch, Father of the Renaissance
Neo-platonism – Ficino, Pico.
Humanism – Erasmus and Sir Thomas More
Nov. 25, 2015
The Renaissance (continued)
Ch. 12
Renaissance Culture and Science
Artists and Artisans
The new perspective
Leonardo DaVinci: Renaissance man.
Patronage: Isabella d’ Este, and Pope Julius II
Medici and Michelangelo Buonarotti’s ceiling
** Research Paper Due
November 26- 29: Thanksgiving Holiday – No classes
Dec. 2, 2015
Ch. 13-14
Johann Gutenberg and the Printing Press: invention of movable type.
Transition, Translation and Terror: Luther, Wycliff and Tyndale.
Introduction to The Reformation and Martin Luther
The Reformation and Martin Luther
Dec. 9, 2015
The English Reformation
Henry VIII, Rise of the Anglican Church, and Dissolution of Monasteries.
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Reformation, Counter-Reformation, Council of Trent.
Calvinism and the Rise of the Middle Class.
The Huguenots and Wars of Religion
A time of re-birth: Renaissance and Reformation
Women Scholars of the Reformation.
Elizabeth I: first CEO – The Virginia Company
Renaissance, European Expansionism and rise of Capitalism
Student Presentations
**Review for Final Exam.
December 16, 2015
**Final Exam
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