SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES

American Degree Transfer Program

MODULE INFORMATION BOOKLET

WORLD CIVILIZATIONS II : SINCE 1500

(HIST 102)
2019 SPRING SEMESTER
(14 weeks)

Prepared by:
NGUI YEW KIT, CLARENCE

Approved by:

____________________________
Chan Lai Ngo
Stream Coordinator
Liberal Arts & Language Department
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

25-January 2019
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CONTENTS PAGE NO.

Introduction 2

Learning Outcomes 3

Delivery Method 4

Assessment 6

Academic Policies 9

Course Schedule & Scheme of Work 11

INTRODUCTION

This course is a survey of the salient features in the development of world civilizations from
1500s to the present. Emphasis is laid on the basic formative factors of historical development
in the world since the 16th century—economic, social, ideological, cultural, and political.

Lecturer ‘s Details
Lecturer : Ngui Yew Kit, Clarence
Email : ykngui@gmail.com
Tel No : +6016 957 9970
Class Times : Tues 10:00am - 12:00pm
Thurs 10:0am - 12:30pm
Consultation Hour : Tues & Thurs 11:45am – 1.45pm or by appointment

*Co-requisite : ENGL 101

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Outline the development of various world civilizations from 1500 to the present
times and the interaction among these civilizations
2. Identify major historical periods and summarize the distinguishing political,
social, economic, and geographical characteristics of each
3. Describe briefly some basic methods and problems in the study of history
4. Apply historical analysis to contemporary events, with an emphasis on the
historical foundation of current world developments

TAYLOR’S GRADUATE CAPABILITIES (TGCs)

This module hopes to prepare students with several important soft skills identified by the
university known ‘Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities (TGCs)’. There are eight (8) elements
listed under TGCs as follows:

A. KNOWLEDGE
TGC 1: Discipline Specific Knowledge
1.1 Able to put theories into practice.
1.2 Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of study.
1.3 Understand professional practice within the field of study.
B. COGNITIVE SKILLS
TGC 2: Lifelong Learning
2.1 Learn independently
2.2 Locate, extract, synthesize and utilize information effectively.
2.3 Be intellectually engaged
TGC 3: Thinking & Problem Solving skills
3.1 Think critically and creatively.
3.2 Define and analyze problems to arrive at effective solutions.

C. SOFT SKILLS
TGC 4: Communication Skills
4.1 Communicate appropriately in various settings and modes.

TGC 5: Interpersonal Skills

5.1 Understand team dynamics and work with others in a team.
5.2 Understand and assume leadership.
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TGC 6: Intrapersonal Skills

6.1 Manage one self and be self-reliant.
6.2 Reflect on one’s actions and learning.
6.3 Embody Taylor’s core values.
TGC 7: Citizenship and Global Perspectives
7.1 Be aware of and form opinions from diverse perspectives.
7.2 Understand the value of civic responsibility and community engagement.

TGC8: Digital Literacy

8.1 Effective use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and related
technologies.

DELIVERY METHOD

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS

In accordance with the American tradition of tertiary learning, students are expected to assume
responsibility for their own learning at this level. This means, above all, students should focus on
developing capacity for self-reliance and initiative in the learning process. To facilitate this
development, this module employ the following strategies:
1. Review of material in assigned readings
2. Small- and large-group discussions
3. Lectures to augment readings, as necessary
4. Analysis and discussion of active learning methods related to world history
5. Individual and small-group activities and presentations

UNIT VALUE OF MODULE

3 credit hours

TEXTS
Main Reference
Adler, Philip J. & Randall L. Pouwels. World Civilizations. 6th Ed. Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth.
2014.
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Additional References
Duiker, William J. & Spielvogel, Jackson J. World History. 6th Edition. Boston: Wadsworth, 2010

Kishlansky, Mark A. Sources in World History, Vol. II. 3rd Ed. Belmont: Thomson Wadsworth. 2003.

Nystrom, Elsa A. Primary Source Reader for World History - Vol. II, Since 1500. Belmont: Thomson
Wadsworth. 2006.

CLASSROOM POLICIES
As in your Student Handbook. Basic classroom etiquette is to be observed—regular and punctual
attendance, class participation, mutual respect in conversations, etc. Penalties on late submission
of assignments as well as make-ups for quizzes and examinations will administered according to
the discretion of the instructor. Any form of academic dishonesty, e.g. cheating and plagiarism,
will not be tolerated.

General Expectations
Students should observe basic etiquette – punctuality, respectful interactions with one another,
keeping to the stipulated length of class breaks, etc. For example, if you need to make or take an
important call using your phone, leave the classroom before doing so and return only after you
have finished.

Use of Technology
You may use your phone, tablet, and/or laptop in class to assist the learning process in any way
you see fit.

Office Hours
Meetings with students are by appointments and should be during scheduled consultation hours
on Tuesday and Thursday.
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ONLINE SUPPORT
Taylor’s University provides a portal on Learning Management System known as Taylor’s
Integrated Moodle e-Learning System (TIMeS). Students can conveniently access to the
following module resources through TIMeS Portal:
 Module Information Booklet
 Lecture slides
 In-class and online quizzes
 Online resources
 Other relevant information

Students are advised to visit TIMeS Portal every dayto get latest information on the module.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment Summary

Assessment Student Learning TGCs Weightage

Outcomes
Attendance and class 15%
participation

Quizzes 1, 2, 3, 4 15%

Group project 1, 2, 3, 4 20%

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Mid-term exam 1, 2, 3, 4 20%

Final exam 1, 2, 3, 4 30%

Students are awarded a final grade which corresponds with the marks obtained. As this course
is based on continuous assessment, students are required to complete the requisite quizzes,
assignments and exams in order to pass this course.

All students must adhere to the Taylor’s University’s Examinations, Assessment Policies and
Procedures manual available athttp://portals.taylors.edu.my.

ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS
Attendance & Participation
Attendance will constitute 5% of students’ final score and participation 10%. Assessment of
participation will be based primarily on students’ attentiveness and engagement in the
classroom. Broader forms of participation, such as contribution to forum discussions in TIMeS
and other demonstrations of initiative and effort throughout the term will be taken into
consideration.

Quizzes
Quizzes are intended to keep students on-track with the assigned readings. Date and topics
covered by each quiz will be announced during classes.

Group Project
For this exercise, students are given a particular country to critically research upon. Students
should focus on how the country was influenced by the events in the world. And how in return,
the country has contributed to regional and global developments. Further instructions are
posted on TIMeS.
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Mid-term and Final Exams

Mid-term and Final Exams are tools to test students’ accumulation of knowledge and skills learnt
from the beginning of the course till the end. Make-up exams will only be permitted for grave
reasons.

*Students are required to attempt the final examination. Failure to do so will result in a fail
grade (F).

Writing Proficiency
Work submitted by students should observe the basic conventions of writing. Correcting errors,
especially those in grammar, syntax and spelling, is not the lecturer’s responsibility. Marks will
be deducted for such mistakes.

Encyclopedias of any kind, including the very popular Wikipedia, are not primary sources and
should not be cited or used in constructing term papers at the undergraduate or graduate level.
They can, however, be useful to help gather some background information and to point the way
to more reliable sources.

Students are awarded a final grade which corresponds with the marks obtained.

All students must adhere to the Taylor’s University’s Examinations, Assessment Policies and
Procedures manual available at http://portals.taylors.edu.my

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ACADEMIC POLICIES

Attendance
Class attendance is compulsory. Students are advised to attend classes because important
information related to the module, such as the syllabus as well as types and method of assessments,
will be covered during these. Failure to attend lectures may lead to confusion and misunderstanding
on the module assessment and topics discussed in subsequent sessions. Only absences with valid
reasons and documented proof will be accepted.

REMINDER: Students who fail to maintain a minimum of 80 percent attendance will be barred from
sitting for the final examination.

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of someone else's language, ideas, information or original material without
acknowledging the source. All students are expected to attend a course on proper usage of
referencing. Information about referencing is available from Taylor’s University Intellect’s Learning
and Academic Skills (LAS) department and/or from the library webpages at:
http://iportal.taylors.edu.my/taylor_customize/Information_Skills/Reference/reference_mainp
age.htm

Plagiarism is a serious offenceand any individual (who is suspected of plagiarism) would be referred
to the Academic Integrity Committee of Taylor's University. Please refer to the Student Handbook
for further information.

Tardiness
POSITIVE ATTITUDE means, among others, being on time at the designated place. Tardiness reflects
bad planning and being rude to the person(s) who has/have been kept waiting. Being late to class
without valid reasons will be construed as unexcused absence (although you will be allowed to attend
the class).
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Class conduct
No eating or drinking will be allowed during the lecture. All electronic devices (mobile phones,
tablets or laptops) should be turned off during lecture hours, unless permitted for class use by the
lecturer. If you have any questions during the lecture, do not hesitate to raise your hand to clear
your doubt. Class participation during discussion is encouraged.

Assignments
All assignments must be submitted on or before the scheduled date and time. Penalties will be
imposed for late submissions.

Repeat
Students are only allowed to repeat a course for a maximum of 3 times over the duration of study, if
they fail. Students are advised to retake the course if they obtain any grade below C in the subsequent
semester. A student has to obtain 70% or a min C grade in order to Pass the course.

GRADING

Percentage Grade Points per Percentage Grad Points per

Credit Hour e Credit Hour
97% - 100% A+ 4.00 70% - 73% C 2.00
90% - 96% A 4.00 67% - 69% C- 1.70
87% - 89% A- 3.70 64% - 66% D+ 1.30
84% - 86% B+ 3.30 60% - 63% D 1.00
80% - 83% B 3.00 55% - 59% D- 0.70
77% - 79% B- 2.70 0% - 54% F 0.00
74% - 76% C+ 2.30
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Course Schedule & Scheme of Work

Week Date Topic(s) & Readings Learning Learning & TGCs

Outcomes Teaching
Activities

1 15/1 Introduction to World Civilizations Since 1,2,3,4 Lecture

1500 In-class
Discussion

17/1 A Larger World Opens 1,2,3,4

 European Explorations Lecture
In-class
Read: Chap 22 Discussion

2 22/1 Europe’s First Encounter in Asia 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 China: Ming & Early Qing Dynasties In-class
 Japan during the Tokugawa Discussion
Shogunate

Read: Chap 26 & 27

24/1  India: Mughal Dynasty 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 Pre Colonial Southeast Asia In-class
Discussion
Read: Chap 24

3 29/1 Europe Transformed: Reforms and State 1,2,3,4 Lecture

Building In-class
 Religious Divisions and Political Discussion
Consolidation

Read: Chap 23

31/1  Scientific Revolution & 1,2,3,4 Lecture

Enlightenment In-class
 Liberalism & Challenge to Discussion
Absolutism

Read: Chap 29 -30

4 5/2 Public Holiday: Chinese New Year 1,2,3,4 Self Study

and
Research
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7/2 Online Learning 1,2,3,4 Self Study

Quiz 1 & Research
Written
Assessment

5 12/2 A New World Order I 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 French Revolution & Napoleon’s In-class
Empire Discussion

Read: Chap 31

14/2  Industrialisation in Europe 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 Ideological Conflicts and the birth of In-class
Nation States Discussion

Read: Chap 32-33

6 19/2 A New World Order II 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 North America and the birth of US In-class
Discussion
Read: Chap 34

22/2  Latin America: Independence to 1,2,3,4 Lecture

Dependent States In-class
Discussion
Read: Chap 39

7 26/2 High Tide of Imperialism 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 European Superiority In-class
 Spread of Colonial Rule Discussion
 The Colonial System

Read: Chap 36

28/2 Mid Term Exam 1,2,3,4 Written

Assessment

8 5/3 Asia under European’s Challenge 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 China during Late Qing In-class
Discussion
Read: Chap 38
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7/3 • Japan and End of Isolation 1,2,3,4 Lecture

• The Islamic World In-class
Discussion
Read: Chap 35 & 45 Self Study
& Research
Quiz 2 Written
Assessment
9 12/3 World War I & Versailles Treaty 1,2,3,4 Lecture
• The Path to War In-class
• The Great War Discussion

Read: Chap 41

14/3 • Aftermath and the Search for 1,2,3,4 Lecture

Stability In-class
Discussion
Read: Chap 42

10 19/3 Nationalism, Revolution and Dictatorship 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 The Soviet Experiment In-class
 Rise of Nationalism in China Discussion

Read: Chap 43 & 45

21/3  Anti-Colonialism in India, Southeast 1,2,3,4 Lecture

Asia and Africa In-class
Discussion
Read: Chap 37 & 48 Self Study
& Research
Quiz 3 Written
Assessment

11 26/3 World War II 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 The Path to War – Fascism and In-class
Militarism Discussion
 The World at War

Read: Chap 46

28/3  Aftermath and the United Nations 1,2,3,4 Lecture

In-class
Read: Chap 46 Discussion
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12 2/4 Independence and Decolonisation 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 India In-class
 Africa Discussion

Read: Chap 48 & 50

4/4  Southeast Asia 1,2,3,4 Lecture

In-class
Read: Chap 49 Discussion
Self Study
Quiz 4 & Research
Written
Assessment

13 9/4 Cold War 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 Superpower Rivalry – USA vs USSR In-class
 Proxy Wars Discussion

Read: Chap 47

11/4 Regionalisation and Globalisation 1 1,2,3,4 Lecture

 The European Union In-class
 Collapse of Soviet Union and Eastern Discussion
Europe Self Study
 Pax Americana & Research

Read: Chap 54

Submission of Group Project (FINAL

DEADLINE)
14 16/4 Regionalisation and Globalisation II 1,2,3,4 Lecture
 Japan and. Southeast Asia In-class
 India, Latin America and Africa Discussion
 Pax Sinica

Read: Chap 54

18/4 Conclusion and Discussion 1,2,3,4 Lecture

Presentation of Group Projects In-class
Discussion

Course Schedule: The lecturer reserves the right to modify the work schedule as and when deemed
necessary.