Western Civilization I

This course is designed as an introduction to the history of the Western world from ancient (even pre-historic) times to 1715 (with the formation and early development of the modern nation-state). We will examine the major political, social, cultural, intellectual, and economic developments which gave rise to something we call the Western heritage. Hence, we will explore what that heritage is. Periods covered in the course will include: the first civilizations in what is now the Middle East; ancient and classical Greece, the Roman Republic and Empire; Christianity’s rise and influence on European society during the Middle Ages and beyond; the Renaissance, the Reformation; the rise of the nation-state in the 1600s; and the development of European absolutism and constitutionalism through the early eighteenth century. As we proceed through the course we will also explore how and why certain economic, political, social, and belief systems emerged and evolved over time. In the end, this course should contribute to a better understanding of the societies which gave birth to the modern European and North American societies that we know today (including our own).

As a student in this course you should develop an understanding of what happened in the past and what forces produced changes in the past, develop historical perspective by examining change and continuity over time, and learn about historical methodology and interpretation. In addition, through discussion of course topics as well as interactions in and outside the classroom, this course should contribute to a deeper understanding of a Christian world-view. The mission of Campbell University is to provide students with the option of a Christian world-view and a commitment 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 we live.

Your grade for the course will be based on your performance on nine quizzes, three examinations (two midterms and one final), and your participation in class. I will calculate your grade on the basis of the number of points accumulated during the term.

Nearly every week you will have a quiz which will be objective in format (matching, map, etc.). You must take 9 of 10 quizzes (i.e. you may drop one).

N.B. I do not give make up quizzes.*

The examinations will cover the readings and material presented and discussed in class. Exams will consist of map questions, multiple-choice questions, and matching sets (terms and chronology).

N.B. I do not give make-up exams.*

Class participation is part of the course and it is essential that you keep up on the readings. Coming prepared to class will also assist you in mastering the course material. To assist your preparation, I have drawn up reading guides for each topic covered. Because I do provide such guides, there is no excuse for coming to class unprepared.

In order for you to participate in class, you must first be present. Simply showing up is worth 1 ½ points per session. Showing up and actually participating by talking is worth 3 points per session. When a student is absent without a legitimate and documented reason, he or she will receive zero participation points for that day. Daily participation points in the case of an excused absence will be calculated on the student’s average participation when present. Finally, students will observe rules of common courtesy during class. Therefore, private conversations, late arrivals, early departures, sleeping in class, and any form of disrupting the class will count against you.

You should also note that the University requires you to attend 85% of all scheduled class periods to receive credit for the course. At the start of each class I will pass around a sign-in sheet. Make sure you sign it (and not your friend/s if you are in fact absent or this too shall count against you). In regard to the number of absences permitted, no distinction is made between excused or unexcused. Two is the total number of absences permitted in accordance with University policy so use them wisely (illness, university-sponsored activities such as athletics, mock trials, etc.). If you obtain more than two absences, for whatever reason, you will fail the course. Furthermore, while it is my responsibility to take attendance, it is not my responsibility to "warn" students when they are approaching the magic number of absences. Ultimately, this is the student’s responsibility. However, you may check with me periodically if you are unsure of how many absences you have accumulated. Finally, I require each student to come see me for a brief interview of 5 minutes or so at some point during the semester so I may get to know each and every one of you by name (during office hours or by appointment if our schedules conflict). The interview counts for up to 5 points of your participation grade depending upon when in the term you stop by (5 points for weeks 1-4 [Aug. 23-Sept. 15]; 4 points for weeks 5-7 [Sept. 18-Oct. 6]; 3 points for weeks 8-10 [Oct. 9-Oct. 27]; 2 points for weeks 11-13 [Oct. 30-Nov. 17]; 1 point for weeks 14-16 [Nov. 20-Dec. 6]; and zero points if you do not stop by at all).

* Please note that make-up quizzes and exams will only be tolerated in cases where an absence is excused. You must provide documentation as to why you missed class.

Opportunities for extra credit may be available at various points throughout the semester. In particular, you may receive extra credit for attending certain lectures announced in class (such as the "Lunch and Learn" series). You will need to attend the lecture or talk, sign the attendance sheet at the talk, write up a brief but well-written paragraph on what the speaker said or argued (250 words or so) and then turn it into me no later than one week after the event or you will NOT receive credit for attending the event. Each lecture attended will be worth 1 point. The maximum number of extra credit points allowed is 10.

Quizzes (about 23%; 9 @ 7 points each) 63 points

Exams (about 61%; 3 @55 points each) 165 points

Participation (about 16%) 44 points

Interview (5 points)

During class (39 points)

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Total points available: 272 points

A 90-100 % [244.8 to 272 points]

B 80-89 % [217.6 to 244.7 points]

C 70-79 % [190.4 to 216.5 points]

D 60-69 % [163.2 to 190.3 points]

F 0-59 % [0-163.1 points]

"Books are to be call’d for, and supplied, on the assumption that the process of reading is not a half sleep, but in the highest sense, an exercise, a gymnast’s struggle, that the reader is to do something for himself" Walt Whitman

 

Textbook: Marvin Perry, et al., Western Civilization: Ideas, Politics, and Society, sixth edition. New York: Houghton-Mifflin Company, 2000. [abbreviated as WC in the class schedule]

Document Reader: Marvin Perry, et al., eds. Sources of the Western Tradition, volume 1: From Ancient Times to the Enlightenment, fourth edition. New York: Houghton-Mifflin Company, 1999. [abbreviated as Sources in the class schedule]

 

** Additional required readings may be assigned or handed out in class throughout the semester.

 

 

 

 

The Campbell University Honor Code applies in all instances in this class. Students will refrain from any form of cheating, including plagiarism, and dishonest behavior.

Class Schedule

(subject to change)

 

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