Frederick Community College

 

HI 102 ONL – History of Western Civilization

 

Summer 2011

 

Class begins: Jun 6

Class ends:  Aug 1

Last Day to Drop: July 13

 

You must send your email address to the instructor before class begins

 

Instructor Information:

 

 

Name: David Wren

Office:  Virtual Office

E-mail:  davidjwren@hotmail.com

Phone Number:  651 994 1537

Office Hours:  by appointment

Campus Mail Box #:

           

Course Information:

 

Credits:  3

On-campus Meetings: None

On-campus Exams:  One

Prerequisites:  EN 50A, EN 52

Co-requisites: 

 

Course Description:

 

With instruction entirely on the INTERNET, this course provides a general survey of western history from 1500 to the present for students in all programs of study. It discusses some of the most significant themes of this period and the lessons they teach us for understanding our world today.

 

Core Learning Outcomes:

 

Upon completion of this course students will demonstrate

1.  Demonstrate college-level communication skills by

 - writing and speaking effective, organized, clear, and grammatically correct English appropriate for a specific subject, purpose, and audience

- interpreting written texts pertaining to the history of western civilization

 

2.  Demonstrate critical thinking skills by

- differentiating among facts, opinions, and inferences in evaluating historical evidence

- researching, analyzing, comparing, synthesizing and drawing inferences from readings and other historical/cultural research materials on western civilization

-drawing well-reasoned conclusions based upon evidence and logical inferences

 

3.  Display general knowledge and historical awareness by

- identifying the significant political/social institutions, events, and people in western civilization from 1500

-demonstrating an awareness of problems and issues of the past that have helped to shape the modern world

 

4.  Understand and be able to interpret social and educational values by

- identifying and evaluating such moral issues and conflicts as the rise of the major religions in the West and state-building

- displaying academic honesty and adhering to professional standards in history

- valuing the importance and responsibility of the individual to society

 

5.  Value the emergence of a multicultural society by

- acknowledging a plurality of cultural and personal values and demonstrating respect for the right of others to express their viewpoints

- examining the multiple cultures that contributed to the development of western civilization

 

 

 Instructional Methods:

 

This course is taught on the INTERNET. Selected readings, class discussion, and the presentation of INTERNET materials will facilitate student learning. Additionally, a variety of on-line exercise assignments will prompt the student to become a more active learner.

 

 How is this course organized:

 

There will be specific reading assignments for each week of the class along with exercises so that you can test your understanding of the material. You will need to access the student section of the textbook website to complete these exercises. NOTE: You should have received an Access Code with each new copy of the COFFIN textbook.  If you have a used copy you must purchase the access code for $10.00.

 

Each week I will post an introduction to the subject matter in the assigned chapter(s) and highlight the important areas.  A summary is also provided on the website. Since it is the case that different students pick up some ideas more quickly than others, there will be a discussion area in which you can post a question for general discussion by the class. You will also be expected to contribute to this discussion from your own understanding of the material.  I will be available as a further resource to comment on these discussions and provide help to the group and to you individually when needed.

 

Due to the online nature of this course, all work (except the Final Exam) will be submitted online via email or discussion forums.  The tests on the textbook chapters will be submitted on the textbook website.  The three required essays and the theme project will be submitted to the instructor online. 

 

Texts for Course:

 

Coffin, Judith and Robert C. Stacey, Western Civilization: Vol. II, 16th ed.  New York: W.W. Norton, 2008.

 NOTE:  If you purchase a used copy of Coffin, you will need to purchase a key to the textbook website for $10

Sherman, Dennis.  Western Civilization: Sources, Images, and Interpretations, vol. II: The Renaissance to the present.  New York: McGraw Hill, 2008.

 

 

 

Progress Report:

 

By the end of the 4th week of the semester, you will have an opportunity to evaluate your progress in this course and decide if you need to make any adjustments (additional study, tutoring, conference with instructor) to assure your success in this course.

 

 

Evaluation Methods:

 

Tests / Papers / Projects

Point Value

Final Grade Scale

Online Participation

Weekly tests

Essay One

Essay Two

Theme Project

Final Exam (on campus)             

200

200

100

100

200

100

 

1000-875 points= A

874-750 points = B

749-625 points = C

624-500 points = D

Below 500 pts. = F

 

If the graded performance for online assignments differs significantly from the grade average for proctored assignments, the instructor reserves the right to administer additional tests or alter the weighting of assignments.

By the end of week 4, I will advise you of your progress in the class and suggest any needed assistance.  You are, of course, encouraged to contact me at any time if you have concerns about your success in the class.

 

 Attendance/Participation Policy:

 

Students are expected to participate in online discussion forums on a weekly basis.  The frequency of online activity as well the quality of the contribution will be the basis for the final grade.  Students are expected to participate at least two (2) times during any given week.  All students, without exception, are required to take the Final Exam at the testing center on campus or by arrangement at an alternate location.

 

Students with Disabilities
FCC provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified students with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and amendments.  Students with disabilities who are in need of accommodations must contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office at 301-846-2408 (A Building, Room 106A) in order to request and apply for services.  The SSD office will require appropriate documentation of a disability.  Questions related to accommodations or services can be directed to the SSD office.  Additional information related to services can be viewed at the following FCC web page:  
http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/disability.aspx.  
If you currently receive services from the SSD office, please submit your Student Success Plan to me and make an appointment with me to discuss your accommodations and needs in class.  I will hold any information you share with me in strict confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise.

 

 Email Policy:

 

Email is an instructional tool essential to student-instructor and student-student communication. In the Blackboard environment by default, your email address is available to all students in this course.

However, students are permitted to use email addresses of other students in this course only for the purpose and the duration of this course.

Students who are concerned about the privacy of their personal email address are reminded of commercially available products that allow them to create unique email addresses specifically for the purpose and duration of this course.

The instructor can be expected to respond to regular student email inquiries (grades, posted assignments, and tests excluded) within the time frame of 24 to 48 hours.

 

Academic Honesty:

 

Work in this course is subject to the provisions of the FCC Code of Academic Honesty. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. As a student, it is your job to practice academic honesty at ALL times.  Make sure that all sources, particularly Internet sources, get proper credit for quotations, paraphrases, and ideas. 

 

Topical Outline (ONLINE COURSE)

 

Week

SUBJECT

CONTENT

Week 1

Commerce, Conquest and Colonization

Coffin:  Chapter 11

Week 2

Reformations of Religion

Religious Wars and State Building

Coffin:  Chapter 13

Coffin:  Chapter 14

 

Week 3

Absolutism and Empire

Essay Number 1

Coffin:  Chapter 15

Week 4

The Scientific Revolution

The Enlightenment

Coffin:  Chapter 16

Coffin:  Chapter 17

Week 5

The French Revolution

The Industrial Revolution and Nineteenth Century Society

Coffin: Chapter 18

Coffin: Chapter 19

Week 6

From Restoration to Revolution

Imperialism and Colonialism

Essay Number 2

Coffin: Chapter 20

Coffin: Chapter 22

Week 7

The First World War

Theme Project

Coffin: Chapter 24

Week 8

The Turmoil between the Wars

The Second World War

Final Exam (Testing Center)

Coffin: Chapter 25

Coffin: Chapter 26

 

NOTE:  your instructor reserves the right to make changes to this outline as needed.