Western Civilization

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Lloyd Johnson

Associate Professor of History

D. Rich Bldg. Room 209, Telephone 910-893-1489

E-mail johnson@mailcenter.campbell.edu

Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday (9:30 to 11:00 a.m.) and by appointment

I. TEXT:

Perry, Chase, Jacob, Jacob and Von Laue, Western Civilization: Ideas, Politics & Society, Boston and New York, Houghton Mifflin Co., 2000, Sixth Edition.

There will be some reading assignments on-line that will be announced a week in advance. Some sources will be on the Campbell University Library on-line resources, including NC Live, JSTOR, and First Search.

II. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This survey of Western Civilization from ancient times to the mid-seventeenth century also gives attention to the origins of civilization and relations between the Western and non-western areas of the world. There are no prerequisites for this course; it is a course recommended by all students to complete in fulfilling their requirements for the general college curriculum.

III. PROBLEM SOLVING EMPHASIS: Identify major epochs of European history. Illustrate knowledge of the social, economic, political, cultural and geographical characteristics that influenced each epoch. Understand the rule of law. Identify the sources of authority within different forms of government. Explain how different forms of government view the role of the individual. Understand the international impact of national policies. Explain how institutions and groups affect each other. Understand that social institutions and their influence are subject to change.

IV. SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES: (1) Obtain an appreciation of the culture of western civilization. (2) Develop a geographic knowledge of the various civilizations and countries throughout the world. (3) Achieve an understanding of the rise of European civilization from its beginnings to around the mid-seventeenth century. (4) Introduce the student to the major issues in historical interpretation, such as why civilization first arose in Mesopotamia and Egypt, why Christianity became the dominant religion in the Western world, and why Europe expanded overseas from the fifteenth century onward.

This course is also designed to help the student acquire or reinforce several basic skills. The student must learn to read, understand and retain material - that is the ability to study. You are required to read the text and readings book on a very regular basis, and recall what you have read. To do this requires concentration. The ability to concentrate is not easy to acquire. A few hints may help: Find a quiet place to study. You cannot focus on your work if there is noise around you. Do not let your mind wander. Every time you think you are thinking of something, pull your mind back to the work at hand.

The student should be able to write a logical, reasoned assay. This is not a course in English, but every student must be able to express his ideas clearly, in a logical progression, in good English with words spelled correctly. The acquisition of this skill will serve you well throughout your career.

V. ASSIGNMENTS: There will be three unit exams during the semester, the first unit exam, a mid-term and a final exam --at the end of the semester. The first exam will include map questions based on a study sheet handed out in advance. You are expected to take all exams when scheduled. Only those with written medical excuses will be allowed to make up missed exams. Those should make up missed exams with written medical excuses within two weeks after the exam. Missed preliminary exams must be made up before the second unit exam. A student must complete all course work, missed exams, or the failure to turn in written assignments can result in failing the course and cheating will not be tolerated. Also, remember that cheating on any exam can result in failing the course.

The performance on the two unit exams and the final examination are equal to 80% of your grade. The pop quizzes and outside writing assignments as well as class participation is equal to 20% of your grade. The pop quizzes will not be announced, you are expected to have completed the assigned readings when the class begins. Writing assignments and map quizzes will be announced one week in advance.

Grading Scale: 100-90=A

89-80=B

79-70=C

69-60=D

59-below=F

No extra credit work will be assigned; however attendance at lectures and symposiums outside of class can be considered for extra credit, and will be announced.

VII. ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be checked at the beginning of each class meeting. For MWF classes only 6 cut or absences will be allowed, over six can result in failing the course. Also, please be on time, two tardies will = one absence. Also, remember that good class conduct is important. If you have a question, please raise your hand to be recognized by the instructor, and please refrain from talking when the lecture begins. Also, avoid bringing soft drinks and food to class, and avoid chewing gum while in class. Always remember to be considerate of others.

VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SUGGESTED READINGS: Due to the broad nature of the course, there are no suggested readings except for the text. Primary sources dealing g with Western Civilization are available on-line and in the Campbell Liibrary includes readings in the primary sources. If a student desires more information about a particular topic or subject there is a selected bibliography at the end of each chapter, and each student is encouraged to take advantage of it.

XI. CAMPBELL University’s Purpose, Mission, and Policies: Campbell University is committed to helping students develop an integrated Christian personality characterized by a wholeness that includes: a method of critical judgment; an appreciation of our intellectual, cultural, and religious heritage: and a sensitive awareness of the world and society in which they live and work. The University’s Mission is to provide students with the option of a Christian World view, and is described further on pp. 19-20 in the Campbell University Bulletin; also see the Cu Bulletin concerning attendance and examination makeups; for drop-add and withdrawal policies see page 43.

TOPICAL OUTLINE:

August 23 Introduction to the Course/ How to Study

August 25 Origins of Civilization, Chapter 1.

August 28 The Hebrews, Chapter 2

August 30 Greek Civilization, Chapter 3.

September 1-4 Greek Civilization, Chapter 3 and Chapter 4

. 3.

September 6 Greek Civilization, Chapter 5

September 8-11- Roman Civilization, Chapter 6

September 13-16- Roman Empire, Chapter 7

September 18-20 –22 Early Christianity, Chapter 8

September 25, First Unit Exam, Chapters 1-8 (bring scantron from the Univ. bookstore, and # 2 pencil

s).

September 27-29, Byzantine Empire, Chapter 9.

October 2-4-6 The High Middle Ages, Chapter 10

October 12-15 Mid-term break

October 16-19-20 Medieval Culture, Chapter 11

October 23-25-27 Late Middle Ages, Chapter 12

October 30, November 1-3 The Renaissance, chapter 13

November 6, Second Unit Exam, Chapters 9-13 (Bring scantron and pencils)

November 8-10-13 The Reformation, Chapter 14.

November 15-17-20-22 European Expansion, Chapter 15

November 25-27-29 The Rise of Sovereignty, Chapter 16

December 4-6 Chapter 16, cont.

December 7 Reading Day

Final Exam TBA

Top of Page