Course Syllabus

Image: Tang Dynasty Mural

History 1.1, History of World Civilizations to 1500 CE

Summer 2023

Section 8510

 

This is an Online Class

Instructor: Sal Diaz

Email: sdiaz@santarosa.edu

Zoom Office Hours are flexible for your convenience, I am available to meet with students anytime through Zoom, just email me to set up a time that works for you.

Dear Student,

Welcome to the Summer 2024 session, this Syllabus is a useful reference that will provide you with the basic information for the class. There is much more information in the Weekly Modules within Canvas. If anything is not clear or if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me, I am here to help.

Learning Pact for this course:

Please read the following pact and let me know if you have questions or suggestions.

What you can expect from me:

• I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.
• I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.
• I will be actively present in your learning.
• I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.
• I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.
• I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.
• I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
• Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so feel free to make any suggestion at any time.

What I will expect from you:

• You will strive to be an active participant in this course and aim to meet due dates.
• You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you. 
• You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date. 
• You will strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.
• You will treat me and your peers with dignity and respect.
• You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.
• You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and mistakes are part of learning and growing.
• Is there anything else you would like to add to this list? If so feel free to make any suggestion at any time.

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.

This Course Outline will provide you with more detailed information about the class.

Canvas Integration

This class will make use of Canvas through the Santa Rosa Junior College website. There will be no required zoom meetings for this section, however, there are documents, video lectures, flashcards, and summaries of the material within the weekly modules. I am also available to meet through zoom at any time that is convenient for you, just email me and we can set up a time that works for you. I am more than happy to talk to you about any of the topics of the class or any general question you may have. Here is a link to a complete set of helpful Canvas Guides that you can use as a starting place.

  

By the end of the first week of class, you should log on to the Canvas class site and explore the Getting Started Module. You should also read the syllabus and complete the ‘Introduce Yourself’ assignment and the quiz based on the Syllabus. 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 drop in on one of the zoom office hours. My primary goal is to help you succeed in this class.

I will do my best to help you stay on track and I will reach out to you when I notice that you need support.

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

Textbook

Edward Judge et al, Connections: A World History, Vol. 1, 4rd ed--3rd edition is acceptable

ISBN:  9780135199039

Publisher Link

Bookstore Link

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

Dropping the Class

This is a college course and the material and workload can be sometimes feel like it is overwhelming. Do not drop the class because you feel that you are getting lost or you don’t understand the reading or the assignments. Contact me so we can chat after class or through zoom and we can review the lessons or talk about the challenges you might be facing. I am here to help and I like it when students ask for assistance, it lets me know they are interested in the class and want to learn.

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:

Grading Scale

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.

Student Feedback

I will provide student feedback with every graded assignment and exam. This will usually be in the form of a rubric plus individual comments to help you make the necessary corrections so you can improve your work. I am always available to chat through zoom to discuss any assignment or anything else related to that class. I want you to succeed in this class and I am here to help as much as possible.

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. 

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 enhance originality, to complete online exams.

Quizzes

At least one quiz will be given covering each broad unit of work. It consists of identifications, multiple choice-true/false or short-answer questions based on the main themes from the readings and lectures. The quizzes will be posted online on Canvas. 

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). All assignments should be submitted through Canvas but if there are issues we can work on alternate methods of submission. 

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.

**Make sure you watch the short video Assignment Submission and that you familiarize yourself with the homework guidelines and the grading rubric.

Late Assignment Policy

All assignments are due by 11:59 pm on the due date. You should do your best to submit assignments on time, but I understand that life is unpredictable. I will allow late submissions of homework and discussions (not quizzes or exams), up to three days late. A late submission will receive a 1 point penalty per day that it is turned in late. Submissions of more than 3 days late will be accepted with prior arrangement or in case of an emergency. I want you to succeed in this class and I my goal is to be fair and flexible, so please inform me if you hare having any problem understanding the material or submitting the assignments on time.

Instructor Announcements

The instructor will post announcements on the “Instructor Announcements” page in Canvas throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences. 

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. 

Standards of Conduct & Academic Honesty

In this class we will have many discussions and assignments where you will need to interact with a classmate or two. Our class behavior will originate from a place of mutual respect, courtesy, and tolerance. Everyone’s voice is important to the outcome of these tasks, so there is a high degree of value placed on the willingness to respect diverse opinions and ideas.

  

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 not receive credit for any submitted work that is not your own. Please contact me if you are not sure about what plagiarism is and how it affects your work in this class.

See these links for more information about Plagiarism:
SRJC's statement on Academic Integrity

Watch the video in this link to review what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.

AI Generated Content

Using an AI program to generate answers for any assignments in this course is also considered a violation of the SRJC academic integrity code. The assignments in this class are designed to help you, the student, master the course content and develop relevant skills. Using AI to generate any work you submit would undermine this learning. You may use AI generated content as a study tool to give guidance and to clarify some the material in the class, but you may not submit this content as your own. The college and instructors have access to tools that can help us detect both plagiarism and AI generated content so it is in your best interest to avoid this problem.

Warning and Removal

If you submit material directly copied from sources or another student OR an AI generated answer as part of any assignment, the whole assignment automatically receives a grade of "0" and you will receive a warning. If you do this more than once, an academic integrity report will be filed with the college administration and you might be removed from the class and possibly the college.

If you have any questions about the expectations of student conduct, contact me or see the SRJC Student Code of Conduct page.

Student Needs

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. 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 and would like to discuss it with me, we can meet outside of class 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.

This link to Student Resources is extremely useful and includes access to helpful online student support services (disabled student services, academic tutoring, writing center, mental health counseling, library, Canvas/technical support, financial aid, etc.).

This page has helpful information and links to help you navigate this semester.

Weekly Schedule

Week of	Unit of Study	Reading Assignments
6/17	Introduction: Prehistory and First Civilizations in Africa, West Asia, and India	Textbook, Introduction and Chapters 1-3
6/24	Asia, the Americas, and Ancient Persia	Textbook Chapters 4-6
7/1	Greco-Roman World and Early Middle Ages in Europe Midterm Exam due 7/7	Textbook Chapters 7-9
7/8	Byzantine World, the Rise of Islam, and Southern Asia	Textbook Chapters 10-12
7/15	Africa, East Asia, and the Mongols	Textbook Chapters 13-15
7/22	Europe, Islamic Empires, and the Americas by 1500	Textbook Chapters 16-18
	Final Exam Due 7/28

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

*I will update this syllabus as necessary.