Course Syllabus

Image: Tang Dynasty Mural

History 1.1, History of World Civilizations to 1500 CE

Spring 2021

Section 4986

 

Class Meets Online

Instructor: Sal Diaz

Santa Rosa Campus Office: Emeritus Hall 1558

Office Hours:  I am always available to meet through zoom, just email me to set up a convenient time.

Email: sdiaz@santarosa.edu

 

Course Description

This course is the chronological first of two World History courses. We shall begin with a focus on the development of the first civilizations during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Our main concern will be the rise and spread of cultural traits all over the world. We shall look closely at the relationship between people and their natural environment and the way this interaction shaped their various civilizations. We shall also attempt to understand the cultural views of these ancient peoples; their social, political, and religious structures will allow us insight into what it was like to live “then” and “there”.

Regardless of your grade, this course will be a success if you are ultimately able to grapple with historical texts and encounter them with a critical eye. We shall look at various kinds of specific evidence relating to the cultures we study and consider how to use that evidence to develop the meaningful assessments of the cultures in question. You should be able to appreciate the way other cultures have seen the world and articulated their particular vision. I hope this class will give you an opportunity to improve your ability to express ideas both verbally and on paper, and that you will become more confident in thinking about history and engaging in historical discourse.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze the political, economic, cultural and social developments in world history from the establishment of early civilizations to 1500 C.E.
2. Compare and contrast the interaction among salient civilizations.
3. Evaluate the causes and effects of particular historical events.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Locate on maps the geographical centers of historical development prior to 1500 C.E.

2. Identify the unique contributions of major European, African, Asiatic and American civilizations and assess their continuing influence today.

3. Analyze the interrelationship among major world civilizations and the impact that exploration and conquest had on civilizations prior to 1500 C.E.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of civilization through multiple analytical categories such as race, class, gender and ethnicity.

5. Compare and contrast differing opinions on critical historical developments and distinguish disciplined historical thinking from fable and antiquarianism.

6. Demonstrate critical, independent thinking through analysis of historical events and trends using a variety of primary and secondary sources.

7. Identify major discoveries, inventions, and scientific achievements and explain their historical significance.

8. Explain the historical significance of cultural developments such as art, music, architecture, literature and religion.

Course Outline

Canvas Integration

This is an intensive course that involves extensive reading and completion of assignments. Every week you will be responsible for reading approximately 50-60 pages of text and documents, writing 2-3 pages (500 + words), watching 1-2 hours of videos, and completing quizzes of 20-30 questions. This class requires the use of Canvas through the SRJC website. This online delivery differs from a traditional face-to-face setting in several ways. First, your success in this class depends entirely on your ability to keep up with the required readings and complete all assignments on time. Second, this class requires that all of your work be submitted trough the Canvas system--you must have a basic understanding on how to upload or paste your work onto Canvas. Here is a link to a complete set of Canvas Guides that you can use as a starting place; it is imperative that you watch those videos and contact me if you have any questions or issues.

*In order to encourage consistency all work will be due on Sundays by the end of the day (11:59 pm). Please manage your time accordingly.

By the end of the first day of class, you should log on to the Canvas class site and explore the Getting Started Module. You should also read the syllabus and check the material that is due by the end of the first week of class. If you have any issues, concerns, or if you have any suggestions on how your experience can be improved, please contact me through email or a post on one of the forums. My primary goal is to help you succeed in this class.

I will do my best to help you stay on track. If I notice that you are missing assignments or your grades are low, I may contact you to check if you are participating or if there might be an issue with your ability to complete the work.

Here is a link to the SRJC Distance Education page where you might find helpful information and links.

Textbook

Edward H. Judge, Connections, A World History, vol 1. 3rd edition (2nd edition is acceptable)

 

 Bookstore Link

This book is available in the campus bookstore.  Please be sure you acquire it in time to prepare your readings and assignments for the relevant classes.

Recommended Software

These programs are recommended to enable some of the Canvas links and materials (maps, documents, videos, etc.) to function properly; download them only if necessary.

• Adobe Reader
• Flash Player
• Open Office

Participation

It is imperative that you check Canvas regularly and complete the work to ensure you do not fall behind in the class.

Dropping the Class

Since this is a college course, you are responsible for dropping yourself from this class; I will not drop you, you will simply fail the course if you stop showing up. However, for face-to-face courses, students who fail to attend the first class meeting may be dropped by the instructor. For classes that meet online, students who fail to log on and initiate participation by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time of the first day of the class may be dropped by the instructor. 

Important Dates

Date Class Begins:	2/16/2021		Date Class Ends:	5/21/2021
Last Day Add w/o add code:	2/18/2021		Last Day Add with add code:	3/4/2021
Last Day Drop for Refund:	2/23/2021		Last Day for P/NP option:	5/21/2021
Last Day Drop w/o W:	3/4/2021		Last Day Drop with W:	4/28/2021
FIRST CENSUS DATE:	3/4/2021		Date Final Exam:	5/21/2021
			Date Midterm Roster:	4/7/2021 - 4/28/2021

Grading Policy

Click the “Grades” link in Canvas to keep track of your points. I grade your submitted assignments once a week and post grades and comments in the Canvas Gradebook.

Grading:

Exams                                                 120 pts

Homework                                          60 pts

Quizzes                                                60 pts

Discussions                                         60 pts   

Total                                                     = 300 pts

 

Grading is based on the total points you earned for individual assignments/quizzes/exams by the end of the semester, NOT the percentages or averages shown in Canvas. Although Canvas is an excellent tool and is continually improving, it does have some flaws; the percentage-based grade on Canvas is not accurate. I will figure out your final grade based on the following point values:

A	90%	270 points or more
B	80%	240 to 269 points
C	70%	210 to 239 points
D	60%	180 to 209 points

Anything below 180 pts is an F.

**If taking Pass/No Pass you need at least 70% of the total class points and complete the midterm exam and the final exam to pass the class.

Exams

There will be one midterm and one final exam. You will usually be expected to answer Critical Thinking questions and some multiple choice/true/false questions. You will be responsible for any material from the reading, discussions, quizzes, and videos. Each exam will concentrate mainly on the material covered from the point of the previous exam; however, some comparison questions may appear. This course will use Turnitin, a tool to detect plagiarism, to complete online exams.

Quizzes

At least one quiz will be given covering each broad unit of work.  It may consist of identifications, multiple choice-true/false or short-answer questions based on the main themes from the readings and lectures. The quiz will be posted online on Canvas. You must take the quiz prior to the due date, no exceptions! NO MAKE UPS will be given for quizzes for any reason or circumstance.

Written Assignments

There is a writing requirement for this class. This requirement will be fulfilled through several written responses to the readings or the major topics from the class (300-600 words each). Assignments will be submitted through Canvas when they are due.

I shall make every effort to post grades for quizzes, exams, and assignments as promptly as possible. Please allow at least one week for the grading of your work. Your understanding will be appreciated. Assignments are flexible and I create them for you as we move along in the class; it is best to wait for me to post assignments so that way there is no confusion on what is due and when it is due.

**Make sure you review the methods of Assignment Submission and that you familiarize yourself with the homework guidelines.

Late Assignment Policy

All assignments are due by 11:59 pm on the due date. Only homework and discussions can be accepted late, quizzes, term papers, and exams must be completed by the due date--no exceptions! A late submission will receive a 1 point penalty per day that it is turned in late. Submissions of more than 3 days late for homework discussions are not accepted without prior arrangement. No late assignments will be accepted during the last two weeks of the class. 

Pass‐No Pass (P/NP)

You may take this class P/NP. You must decide before the deadline, and add the option online with TLC or file the P/NP form with Admissions and Records. With a grade of C or better, you will get P.

You must file for the P/NP option by the proper date. Once you decide to go for P/NP, you cannot change back to a letter grade. If you are taking this course as part of a certificate program, you can probably still take the class P/NP. Check with a counselor to be sure.

Instructor Announcements and Q&A Forum

The instructor will post announcements on the “Instructor Announcements” page in Canvas throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences.  A “Q&A Forum” is also available as a pinned Discussion to ask for assistance of your classmates or of the instructor.

Standards of Conduct & Academic Honesty

Students who register in SRJC classes are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or from the College. See the SRJC Student Code of Conduct page.

You are encouraged to work with your fellow students to study for exams, quizzes, and review materials; however, any graded project or exam must be entirely your own work—you may work together on an assignment but you may not submit the same homework with different names if you worked together. If you turn in another person’s homework as your own, neither student will receive credit for that particular project. The same restrictions apply for material from the internet, you may use the internet as a resource but you are not allowed to copy and paste material and turn it in as your own. You will receive a zero for any submitted work that is not your own.

See this link for more information about Plagiarism:
SRJC's statement on Academic Integrity

Student Health Services

The College is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. If you anticipate or experience any barriers to learning in this course, please feel welcome to discuss your concerns with me. If you have a disability, or think you may have a disability, you may also want to meet with a Counselor at the Disability Resource Center to begin this conversation or request an official accommodation. The staff at the Disability Resource Center can be reached at the link below. It is my goal to create a learning experience that is as accessible as possible. If you anticipate any issues related to the format, materials, or requirements of this course, please contact me so we can explore potential options.

Student Health Services: Health issues (physical and mental) can interfere with your academic success. Student Health Services is here to support you. Details are at shs.santarosa.edu.

Students with Disabilities: Upon identifying themselves to the instructor and the college, students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation. Link to SRJC Disability Resources Department.

Course Schedule

This is a tentative schedule and will be updated if necessary. Please refer to the MODULES section for more information on assignments and due dates.

Week of	Unit of Study	Reading Assignments
2/16	Introduction: Prehistory and History	Textbook and Canvas Documents
2/22	Mesopotamia and Egypt	Textbook and Canvas Documents
3/1	Ancient India	Textbook and Canvas Documents
3/8	Ancient China	Textbook and Canvas Documents
3/15	Ancient Americas	Textbook and Canvas Documents
3/22	Spring Break!	Textbook and Canvas Documents
3/29	Persian Empire and Greece Midterm Due 4/4	Textbook and Canvas Documents
4/5	Roman Empire	Textbook and Canvas Documents
4/12	Rise and Expansion of Islam	Textbook and Canvas Documents
4/19	Africa	Textbook and Canvas Documents
4/26	East Asia to 1200 CE	Textbook and Canvas Documents
5/3	The Mongols	Textbook and Canvas Documents
5/10	The World by 1500	Textbook and Canvas Documents
5/17	Final Exam

*Instructor reserves the right to update this syllabus as necessary.

*If you have any questions or concerns please contact me.