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HISTORY 126: WORLD CIVILIZATIONS I
Spring 2013
Course Information
World Civilizations I
Item 5048 HIST& 126, Section A – MTWTh, 1:00p-2:05p
Instructor Information
Dr. Anita Fisher, History Professor
E-mail: [email protected]
Office: Foster Hall 221 (mail drop: Foster Hall 205)
Office Phone & Voicemail: 360-992-2199
Office Hours: Mon & Wed 2:15p-3:15p; Tues & Thurs 11:00a-12:00p; and by
appointment
Required Text & Other Required Readings
McKay, et al, A History of World Societies, 9th edition, 2012 Macmillan
Publishers Limited.
Online Study Resources
http://bedfordstmartins.com/mckayworld - This is a free website developed
by the textbook publisher for student study. It is the online location of primary
sources and study guides for each chapter, plus research and reference aids.
anitafisher.org – This site (under construction) has PDF copies of my World History 126 PowerPoint slides.
Optional Online Resources
http://web.clark.edu/afisher - This is my website where students will find my lecture notes in outline and
prose format, which can be read online or printed.
Important Dates to Note
First Historical Quiz
Martin Luther King Holiday – no class
First Historical Map Quiz
Response Paper 1 due
Midterm Exam
Presidents Day Holiday – no class
Response Paper 2 due
Last day to withdraw for the quarter
Research Paper/Project due
Last day of regular classes/Review for Final
Final Exam
Monday, January 14
Monday, January 21
Tuesday, January 22
Monday, January 28
Week of February 11
Friday, February 15
Friday, February 22
Friday, March 1
Friday, March 8
Monday, March 18
Friday, March 22, 1:00p-2:50p
Course Description
Scope
History 126 is the first term of a three-quarter sequence on World Civilizations. The three courses may be
taken in any order, but it is preferable to take 126 first. This course begins with a look at pre-historical
societies, including the early development of urban settlements. This course covers the ancient histories of
Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Hebrews, Hittites, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans,
Celts and early Christian history. The Fall of the Roman Empire in the West, and the Germanic Tribes will
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finish the course. Students of History 126 will increase their understanding of the religious, political,
military, social, scientific, intellectual and cultural structures of world societies.
Format
The instructional methods are lectures, class and small group discussions and quizzes, slide and/or digital
presentations, pertinent music, customs, costumes, videos, and hands-on artifacts or replications.
Philosophy
We study history to find out how people acted, what they thought and felt, and how their acts and thoughts
influence succeeding generations. Students will see how historians use written records and artifacts to
reconstruct what happened in the past, and to interpret what it meant to be civilized in the context of ancient
history.
College-wide Abilities, General Education and Background Needs
In History 126, as in many college-level courses, all six college-wide abilities are taught at some level, both
directly and indirectly. History 126 may be used to fulfill the distributive requirements in social science and
history majors may use the class as a suitable background course for upper division work. It also provides
helpful back-ground for literature, art, philosophy, law, music, sociology, and religion majors as well as for
students of the other social sciences. History 126 particularly emphasizes critical thinking, using modern
research tools to access historical information and communication of written ideas, and global awareness.
Course Learning Objectives
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Describe the historical significance and context of geography, environment, events, personalities, and
the political, intellectual, economic, cultural, social, philosophical and religious ideas and customs of
the ancient world.
Demonstrate knowledge of the influence of geography on world history.
Differentiate orally and in writing between our personal values and the value systems of historical
cultures from the past.
Evaluate, analyze, and explain global events, behaviors, and institutions using historical
methodology.
Analyze primary and secondary source documents, both written and in artifactual form.
Analyze the multifaceted legacy of events and ideas from the past.
Research a limited historical question, event or idea using conventional and electronic indexes and
databases, original and secondary sources.
Present research in the written format used by historians.
Communicate research orally.
Course Policies
Classroom Manners
At the beginning of the course I will discuss my expectations for proper college decorum, like no talking
while I am talking or another student is, late arrival, no cell phones on, etc; and you will be given a chance to
state your expectations of me, like starting classes on time, grading in a timely fashion, etc.
Class Participation
Participation in classroom and group discussions is dependent on attendance, on reading the assigned
materials in advance, listening attentively to lectures, and on responsiveness to in-class questions. Students
who miss examinations or quizzes because of emergencies, must arrange to take them at the instructor’s
convenience, but not all quizzes will be offered as make-ups.
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Attendance Policy
Because the textbook is supplemented by lectures and visuals, class attendance is critical for a full
understanding of the course. Attendance will be randomly taken throughout the quarter. Family emergencies,
illnesses, and other situations beyond a student’s control will be taken into account. No credit for the
attendance portion will be given to students if they miss more than four unexcused classes.
Requirements
Readings
Students are responsible for all readings listed on the Schedule of Lectures and Reading Assignments. It is
preferable that students read the assigned material before the lecture in which the information will be discussed.
Examinations
There will be two examinations: one mid-term, and one final. Examinations employ essay questions and
short-answer identifications. Study questions will be handed out at least one week in advance of each test.
One day at least will be devoted to review before these two major exams. The final examination is not
comprehensive.
Quizzes
There will be both geographical and textbook reading (in Moodle). A variety of testing methods will be
implemented to ensure a wonderful learning experience. You will be given map quizzes only after receiving
a map and study sheet of terms to be learned.
Response Papers or Class Presentation
Each student will have a choice on this assignment. Either research a historical figure and present yourself as
that character in front of the class during the appropriate historical time frame, and write one response paper
to the primary sources or write two response papers to the primary sources. Both assignments have special
instructions or protocols. This will be worth 10% of your grade.
1. Response Paper to Primary Sources: In your textbook, on the publisher’s web site, and on
Google under primary ancient sources are numerous excerpts of primary sources. One of the best
sources is: www.fordham.edu/halsall. The protocol is posted on my website and will also be
explained in class.
2. Figure Characterization: Sign up for one of the famous people or a generic person such as a
peasant, soldier, servant, etc., taken from the cultures we will be studying this quarter. Costumes
will be provided where possible. Research your particular role and provide to the class some
enlightening information of 5 minutes. Presentations will be done on Thursdays only during the
week your character’s culture is covered. This will be explained in class.
Research Paper or Research Project
Each student will do one of the following research assignments: The protocol will be explained in class for
each possible assignment. This will be worth 15% of your grade.
1. Write a 5- to 8-page Standard Research Paper on a subject approved in advance by me. The paper
must be footnoted or end-noted according to history standards (Turabian 7th edition), using
acceptable historical sources. An annotated bibliography is also required.
2. Write a journal or diary of 5 to 8 pages, recording historical data that also uses acceptable historical
resources. It too must be footnoted or end-noted with an annotated bibliography.
3. Construct one of the following historical projects: dress, hat, uniform, historical art replica, historical
jewelry, or historical weapon. My prior approval of the appropriateness must be obtained. A 1- to 2page paper of the project together with the 3 historical sources you used to generate accuracy, is
required.
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Methods of Assessment
1. Essay examinations are evaluated on factual accuracy, support of generalizations with historical detail
drawn from lectures, the text, and original sources, plus clarity, coherence, and development of ideas. In
general, the answer to an essay question runs to a minimum of 1½ to 2 pages, handwritten in a blue
book. The essay must be organized in paragraphs, including an introduction and conclusion. An exam or
blue book must be used—these are available from the Bookstore. No pencils please—they are hard on
my eyes.
2. Identifications involve short answers, in which the student explains who, what, where, or when where
applicable, and indicates why historians place emphasis on the item to be identified; i.e., its historical
significance.
Grading
Grades for the course are determined on the basis of:
Quizzes (both historical & geographical)
2 Response Papers or Class Presentation
Mid-term Exam
Research Paper or Project
Final Exam
15%
10%
30%
15%
30%
N.B. Grades range as follows: A = 95-100, A- = 90-94, B+ = 87-89, B = 84-86, B- = 80-83, C+ = 77-79, C =
74-76, C- = 70-73, D+ = 67-69, D = 64-66, D- = 60-63, F = under 63.
A “W” is an official withdrawal by the student within the first 9 weeks of class without my permission. No
withdrawals will be allowed after the ninth week of the quarter.
Information for Alerts, Closures, Cancelled Classes
Be sure to check the College website www.clark.edu for important information about “Weather Delays and
Closures” and “Classes Today” for any cancelled classes on a day-by-day basis. When a class is posted to
“Classes Today,” an automatic email will be generated to notify you via your Clark email account.
ADA Accommodations
If you have emergency medical information which should be shared; or if you require assistance in case the
building should be evacuated; please make an appointment to see me as soon as possible. Any student with a
disability who may require some consideration or assistance in order to fully participate in this class should
contact the Disability Support Services Office at (360) 992-2314 or (360) 992-2835 (TTY) or stop by PUB
006.
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WORLD HISTORY 126 – Winter 2013
Important Dates
First Historical Quiz
Martin Luther King Holiday – no class
First Historical Map Quiz
Response Paper 1 due
Midterm Exam
Presidents Day Holiday – no class
Response Paper 2 due
Last day to withdraw for the quarter
Research Paper/Project due
Last day of regular classes/Review for Final
Final Exam
Monday, January 14
Monday, January 21
Tuesday, January 22
Monday, January 28
Week of February 11
Friday, February 15
Friday, February 22
Friday, March 1
Friday, March 8
Monday, March 18
Friday, March 22, 1:00p-2:50p
Course Schedule of Lectures and Reading Assignments
Reading assignments should be read before the class lecture on the subject. Every attempt will be made to follow the
listing of lectures, but there are always unforeseen circumstances that preclude this. Much of the material will not be
covered by a lecture, but you are responsible for the information assigned to you in the textbook. The schedule below is
an “ideal one.” At times we will be behind and at other times ahead, depending on many factors. I will keep you posted of
any changes. Dates of quizzes will be announced in advance. The date for the mid-term may change. T = Text pages
Week 1
Introduction to the course
Pre-history: Paleolithic, Neolithic & Megalithic Cultures
T: 2-31
Gatherers & Hunters
Ancient Mesopotamia (Life around the Tigris & Euphrates
Rivers)
“Eye for an Eye”
Week 2
T: 33-44
Mesopotamia, continued
Ancient Egypt (Life along the Nile)
T: 44-50
Mummies, Myths, and Pyramids
Week 3
Ancient Egyptian religion
First map quiz
Ancient Hittites and the Phoenicians
T: 49-52
Fighters and Traders and Iron Ore and Purple Dye
The Ancient Hebrews
T: 53-57
From Abraham and Sarah to the Babylonian Captivity
Week 4
The Ancient Assyrians and Persians
T: 57-63
War and Conquest
Ancient China 1 and 2
Life along the Yellow River
T: 90-113,
74-187
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Week 5
Ancient India
T: 64-89
Civilized Life in the Indus River Valley and beyond
Review for Midterm
Week 6
Introduction to Ancient Greek History: Greek Legacies,
T: 114-126
Minoans, Mycenaeans, and Archaic Greece
Mythology & Democracy
Greek History, continuted
Week 7
Classical Greece Culture
T: 127-131
Conquest & Culture
Hellenistic Civilization
T: 131-141
(Age of Alexander the Great and his successors)
Week 8
Roman Legacies, The Etruscans and the Rise of Rome
T: 142-145
Roman Republic & Roman Life 1 and 2
T: 145-153
From Huts to Coliseums
Week 9
The Ancient Celts
T: none;
“Tall, blond/red hair, blue-eyed, naked warriors and
information
warrior queens”
given in class
Advent of Christianity
T: 166-173
Pagans versus Christians
Week
The Roman Empire
T: 153-165
“Veni, Vidi, Vici”
Growth of Christianity
T: 211-220
Christians versus Romans
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Week 11
Fall of Rome & Germanic Tribes
Review for Final
Final Exam
T: 220-224