FALL 2016 SYLLABUS

Western Civilization I
12054 HIS 101-30 Lecture
Ayers Campus Accounting & Electronics Building, Room 121
M/W, 8:00am 9:14am

Instructor: Rebecca Duke, ABD, rduke@gadsdenstate.edu

Office Hours: office hours by appointment
Academic Division Information:
Division Chair, Social Sciences
Dr. Richard A. Dobbs
rdobbs@gadsdenstate.edu
256-549-8495

Dean of Academic Programs and Services

Dr. Leslie Worthington
lworthington@gadsdenstate.edu
256-549-8256

Course Description: This course is a survey of social, intellectual, economic, and political developments
that have molded the modern western world. The course covers the ancient and medieval periods and
concludes in the era of the Renaissance and Reformation
3.000 Credit Hours
Required Textbook/s:
Western Civilizations: Their History & Their Culture, Joshua Cole and Carol Symes, Volume One, 2017,
W.W. Norton & Company, ISBN 978-0-393-26533-0
Optional books, supplies, materials, or software:
Students must bring notetaking materials to class every day. In order to provide a distraction free learning
environment for all students, laptops/tablets may only be used for taking notes or accessing assigned
readings in class. Cell phones should be placed on silent. Inappropriate use of a cell phone (repeatedly
forgetting to silence it, texting in class, etc) or laptop will result in you being asked to leave the
classroom.
Important Websites: https://gadsdenstate.blackboard.com/
Last Day to Withdrawal: November 29, 2016
Withdrawing can adversely affect financial aid, especially if done before completing 60% of the term.
Final Examination: Monday, December 12, 8:00-10:00
Course Objectives:
This course will provide a survey of the economic, social, intellectual, religious, and political background
and of western civilization from the ancient world to the era of world exploration. Other objectives include
understanding the historical method and enhance the students ability to read, write, reason, and analyze.

Assignments and Assessment:

Dates subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. All changes will be announced in class and
posted on the class Blackboard page.
Assignment
Essay - Artifact Analysis
Exam #1
Exam #2
Research Project
Final Exam
Participation Points

Points
75
100
100
100
100
100

Due Date
September 14, 2016
September 28, 2016
November 7, 2016
December 7, 2016
December 12, 2016
Various times throughout the
semester

Total points possible: 575

A note about participation points: Participation points are given throughout the semester in the form of
pop quizzes, in-class assignments and discussions, and online work. Participation points may NOT be
made up.

Grade Averages:
Percentage Grade
Letter Grade
90-100
A
80-89
B
70-79
C
60-69
D
59 and below
F
To figure your grade divide your points earned by the total points possible.
Make-up Policy: Make up work MAY be provided at the discretion and convenience of the instructor.
Participation activities may NOT be made up. Late assignments are subject to grade reduction as
determined by the instructor.
Blackboard Information: If you need assistance with Blackboard, please submit a request to the Help
Desk at helpdesk@gadsdenstate.edu or call 256-549-8341 during business hours.
Blackboard Guides: www.gadsdenstate.edu/elearning/student-guides
Computer System Requirements: www.gadsdenstate.edu/elearning/system-requirements
Academic Misconduct: Academic misconduct such as cheating and plagiarism is not permitted.
Suspected cases of academic misconduct or dishonesty will be reported to the appropriate dean and may
result in the student receiving a failing grade for the course.
College General Regulations: www.gadsdenstate.edu/sites/default/files/u25/College%20Regulations.pdf
Attendance and Withdrawal: www.gadsdenstate.edu/attendance-withdrawal
Harassment and Discrimination policies: www.gadsdenstate.edu/sites/default/files/u23/swpolicy.pdf
Disability Services (ADA): www.gadsdenstate.edu/ada/home
Copyright Information: www.gadsdenstate.edu/copyright/copyright-information
General Student Services: www.gadsdenstate.edu/current-students
2

Student Support Services: www.gadsdenstate.edu/sss/home

Complaint Processes: www.gadsdenstate.edu/complaint_process/complaint-process

Course Schedule
The course schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

Week
One

Monday
8/22 Class introduction, expectations;
Start Chapter One

Wednesday
8/24 Chapter One

Two

8/31Ch 2 cont

Three

8/29 Chapter 2 Peoples, Gods, and

Empires
9/5 Labor Day NO CLASS

Four

9/12 Ch 3 Cont

Five

9/19 Ch. 4 cont

Six
Seven

9/26 Ch 5 cont
10/3 Ch. 6 The Transformation of
Rome
10/10 Ch. 7 Romes Three Heirs
10/17 Ch. 8 The Expansion of Europe
10/24 Ch. 9 The Consolidation of
Europe
10/31 Ch. 10 The Medieval World
11/7 Exam Two covering Chapters 710
11/14 Ch. 11 cont
11/21 THANKSGIVING BREAK
NO CLASSES
11/28 Ch. 12 cont

9/14 Ch. 4 The Greek World Expands

ARTIFACT ANALYSIS DUE AT THE
BEGINNING OF CLASS.
9/21 Ch. 5 The Civilization of Ancient
Rome
9/28 Exam One covering Chapters 1-5
10/5 Ch. 6 cont

Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen

9/7 Ch. 3 The Civilization of Greece

12/5 Ch. 13 cont

12/12 FINAL EXAM 8AM -10AM

10/12 Ch. 7 cont

10/19 Ch. 8 cont
10/26 Ch. 9 cont
11/2 Ch. 10 cont
11/9 Ch. 11 Rebirth and Unrest
11/16 Ch. 12 Innovation and Exploration
11/23 - THANKSGIVING BREAK NO
CLASSES
11/30 Ch. 13 The Age of Dissent and
Division
12/7 Final Review Research project due