Syllabus
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WESTERN CIVILIZATION II
HIST-122-11535
SPRING 2012
UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON
Instructor: Nabil Al-Tikriti Tel: (540) 654-1481
Office Hours: T, Th 1:30-2:00, 3:15-5:15 (or by appointment) Office: Monroe 230
Class Time/Location: T/Th 11:00-12:15, Monroe 111 E-mail: naltikri@umw.edu
Course Description:
This course examines the history of Western Civilization from the 16th century until the present. We will concentrate on the historical evolution of primarily European political, religious, cultural, and institutional aspects during this period. We will explore the major events and transformation of this period, and focus on the great questions and ideas that have arisen from these transformations and that have in turn shaped the politics, social organizations, artistic culture, and economies of Western Civilization. We will read, analyze, and interpret certain primary works in order to gain insight into the contexts in which they originated. Finally, through these primary source assignments, this course offers students a basic introduction into how historians write and construct arguments from the sources available to them. There is no prerequisite for this course.
Course Goals: This course satisfies one half of the survey course requirement for History majors. As such, it is intended to sharpen students’ skills in the following areas:
- Ability to analyze sources and arguments
- Comprehension of historical process
- Historical understanding of global processes
In addition to fulfilling a requirement for the History major, HIST 122 also satisfies the Human Experience and Global Inquiry areas of the General Education curriculum. As such, the following are additional goals for this course:
- Students will be able to express an understanding of forces that foster global connections among places, persons, groups, and/or knowledge systems.
- Students will be able to compare and contrast multiple perspectives or theories on global processes and systems.
- Students will be able to reflect upon how global relations impact their own lives and the lives of others.
- Students will be able to explain human and social experiences and activities from multiple perspectives.
- Students will be able to draw appropriate conclusions based on evidence.
- Students will be able to transfer knowledge and skills learned to a novel situation.
Course Format:
The majority of class time consists of an interactive lecture format, whereby I present and discuss a variety of historical topics in rough concert with assigned readings. The material presented in lectures constitutes a significant portion of several of your quizzes, as well as your midterm and final exams. The secondary readings are meant to supplement lectures. Some class time is devoted to primary source discussion, provided through certain readings posted on Canvas. While you are responsible for all assigned readings, lecture content is extremely important for exam preparation.
Required Texts:
Frankfortor, A. Daniel; and Spellman, William M. The West: A Narrative History, Volume 2, 2nd ed., New York:
Pearson, 2009.
Levy, Primo. Survival in Auschwitz. New York: Simon & Schuster / Touchstone.
Marx, Karl. The Communist Manifesto. Frederic L. Bender, ed. New York: W.W. Norton, 1988.
Class Preparation:
For each class, you are expected to have read all the readings assigned for that day, and to arrive to class prepared to discuss each of them. Part of our goal in reading such texts is to see how they relate to their historical contexts. Since they were written in a different time and place, they require extra concentration than similar materials written today. To better comprehend the primary source readings, it is suggested that you read such texts thoroughly, slowly, and with full concentration. Students who have a failing course average or have missed three or more classes at that point will be given an “unsatisfactory” grade on their mid-semester reports.
Grading System:
Quizzes: 10% Participation: 10% Primary Source Paper #1: 10%
Midterm: 15% Group Chapter Supplement Assignment: 15% Primary Source Paper #2: 15%
Final Exam: 25%
Grading Scale:
95-100 = A 87-89 = B+ 80-83 = B- 74-76 = C 67-69 = D+ Below 63 = F
90-94 = A- 84-86 = B 77-79 = C+ 70-73 = C- 63-66 = D
Participation:
Participation is based on attendance, contribution to class discussion, and group chapter supplement activity, at my discretion. In addition to in-class participation, your peers will have the capacity to review your work within your group assignment. This review will count as part of your participation grade.
Midterm and Final:
Exams consist of fill in the blank, multiple choice, term-identification, and essay sections. Exam questions are based on the readings, lectures, class discussion and select video presentations. The final exam is cumulative. Handouts posted on the course’s Canvas site act as exam review sheets.
Quizzes:
Several multiple-choice/short answer quizzes will be given during the semester. Quizzes are based on both lecture and reading content. I drop the lowest score.
Group Chapter Supplement / Critique Assignment:
Each student will be randomly assigned to one of twelve 2-3 student groups, each group corresponding to a textbook chapter (chs. 14-25). Students will be allowed to trade assigned groups upon the mutual acceptance of both trading parties – but all trades must be concluded during the first week of class. Each group will be responsible for producing a “chapter supplement” which will be open to the general public through UMW Blogs. Each group’s supplement will cover the same material presented in their assigned textbook chapter, with the option for challenging the textbook, adding further relevant information, or marginalizing less important information. Supplements should include such items as: links to websites offering more information on these topics, primary source samples, photos, paintings, music samples, maps, broadcasts, sample essay questions, and any other resource relevant to the topics covered in their respective chapter. All sources must be cited / attributed, as in a research paper. Supplements will be evaluated at the end of the semester and are expected to grow and evolve throughout the semester, but they must be started by the end of week three of the semester, and will each be shown by the group to the class when we reach that chapter. If not ready by that time, the group will be penalized. Evaluation is based on creativity, comprehensiveness, attribution, and coherence. Groups are highly encouraged to start their supplements as soon as possible, so that supplement work does not interfere with research papers towards the end of the semester. Groups will coordinate their supplements with Jim Groom of the UMW Department of Teaching and Learning Technology: jgroom@umw.edu, x1997. All group grades will be shared by all participants equally. Group participants will be given the opportunity to assess each other’s contributions at the end of the semester – with such evaluations considered a factor in each student’s participation grade. Students are expected to comment on each other’s chapter supplements, and such comments will be counted as part of each student’s participation grade. Your initial random group assignments will be posted shortly, for you to trade.
Primary Source Papers:
Two papers asking you to consider, analyze, and contextualize prominent primary source readings will be assigned. The first paper is a 2-3 page assignment based on writings by Marx and Lenin. The second paper is a 4-5 page assignment, building on the first assignment. For the second paper, students must discover and analyze two primary sources of their choice, based on their chapter supplement assignment, which they must post their analysis to. At least one primary source must physically be found in Simpson Library’s collection, and the two sources must be from two different types of media, i.e. text, picture, painting, film, video, recording, pamphlet, newspaper article, etc.
Students with Disabilities:
The Office of Disability Services has been designated by the University as the primary office to guide, counsel, and assist students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require certain accommodations (note taking assistance, extended time for tests, etc.) should contact that office (x1266) as soon as possible so that warranted accommodations can be implemented in a timely fashion. They will require appropriate documentation. If you already receive services through the Office of Disability Services and require accommodations for this class, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs. Bring your accommodation letter to the appointment. I will hold any information you share with me in the strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise. Disability accommodations must be arranged PRIOR to relevant examinations.
Statement on Academic Honesty:
Cheating and plagiarizing constitute Honor Code offenses. All writing assignments for this class must be original. The unattributed citation of material written by someone other than yourself constitutes plagiarism. You must footnote material you cite, paraphrase, summarize or draw on extensively for inspiration in the writing of your own prose.
“Plagiarism—the use of another person’s ideas or wording without giving proper credit—results from the failure to document fully and accurately. Ideas and expressions of them are considered to belong to the individual who first puts them forward. Therefore, when you incorporate ideas or phrasing from any other author in your paper, whether you quote them directly or indirectly, you need to be honest and complete about indicating the source to avoid plagiarism. Whether intentional or unintentional, plagiarism can bring serious consequences, both academic, in the form of failure or expulsion, and legal, in the form of lawsuits. Plagiarism is a violation of the ethics of the academic community.”
William G. Campbell, Stephen V. Ballou, and Carole Slade, Form and Style: Thesis, Reports, Term Papers, 6th Edition (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1982), p. 52.
For more information on plagiarism and how to avoid it, go to: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml or http://www.lib.usm.edu/legacy/plag/plagiarismtutorial.php
Policy on Make-ups and Late Work:
Make-up exams are given in very rare cases, and only with documented justification for the missed exam. Late work is accepted (and penalized) at my discretion. It is crucial that you advise me of any problems that would impede your ability to complete assignments on time.
Revisions of the Syllabus:
I reserve the right to revise this syllabus at any time during the semester. Materials may be added or subtracted after the start of the term.
Class Schedule and Readings: [NB: Last day to drop class without penalty or charge is Friday, February 3]
I: INTRODUCTION
Tues. Jan. 17: Introduction to the Course
Thurs. Jan. 19: Jim Groom Technology Explanation; Jack Bales Library Lecture; What is Western Civ?
[Samuel P. Huntington, “Clash of Civilizations”]
[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/Clash_of_Civilizations_map.png]
[Haberman et al, “Exceptionalism..” http://www.historians.org/Perspectives/issues/2006/0609/0609vie1.cfm]
[A. Berwick, “Europe 2083”]
II: EUROPE & THE OTTOMANS
Tues. Jan. 24: European Geography & Ethnicities
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8zBC2dvERM]
Thurs. Jan. 26: The Ottomans & Renaissance Europe [Quiz]
[Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 12]
[Ludlow, The Tribute of Children: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/islam/1493janissaries.html]
III: 16th-17th CENTURY EUROPE
Tues. Jan. 31: Reformations & Religious Wars [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 13]
[Luther, 95 Theses: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/luther95.txt]
Thurs. Feb. 2: Divine Rule in the Age of Absolutism
[Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, chs. 13-14]
[James VI & I, True Law of Free Monarchies: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/james1-trew2.html]
IV: 17th-18th CENTURY EUROPE
Tues. Feb. 7: The Scientific Revolution [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 15] [Quiz]
[Copernicus, Revolutions of Heavenly Bodies, http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1543copernicus2.html]
[1633 Galileo Indictment: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1630galileo.html]
[Chapter Supplements Must Be Started]
Thurs. Feb. 9: Enlightenments [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 16]
[Rousseau, The Social Contract: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/Rousseau-soccon.html]
V: REVOLUTIONS
Tues. Feb. 14: Ancien Regime & French Revolution [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 17]
[Sièyes, What is the Third Estate?]
[1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/rightsof.asp]
[Robespierre, Justification of the Use of Terror: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/robespierre-terror.html]
Thurs. Feb. 16: Napoleon [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 17]
VI: THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Tues. Feb. 21: Midterm
Thurs. Feb. 23: Industrial Revolution [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 18]
VII: IDEOLOGICAL STRUGGLES
Tues. Feb. 28: Liberalism, Conservatism, Utilitarianism [Frankfortor/Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 19]
Thurs. March 1: Marx, Engels, and the Articulation of Marxist Theory [Marx, Communist Manifesto]
[Lenin, Imperialism, chs. 5, 10]
[Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 19] [Manifesto/Imperialism Paper Due]
VIII: BREAK
Mon. March 5-Fri. March 9: Spring Break
IX: NATIONALISMS
Tues. March 13: The Rise of Nationalism [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 20]
Thurs. March 15: Italian & German Nationalisms [Renan, What is a Nation?]
[Mazzini, On Nationality: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1852mazzini.html]
X: 19th CENTURY EUROPE
Tues. March 20: The Long 19th Century [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 20] [Quiz]
Thurs. March 22: 19th Century Ottomans
XI: DESCENDING INTO THE 20TH CENTURY
Tues. March 27: European Imperialism [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 21]
[Primary Source Paper Proposal Due]
Thurs. March 29: Anarchism & Ultra-Nationalism
XII: LEGACIES OF THE GREAT WAR
Tues. April 3: World War I [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 22]
[Versailles Treaty: http://www.firstworldwar.com/source/versailles.htm]
Thurs. April 5: The Bolshevik Revolution [Lenin, Imperialism, chs. 5, 10] [Quiz]
XIII: WORLD WAR II
Tues. April 10: The Road to Dictatorship [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 23]
[Mussolini, What is Fascism?: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/mussolini-fascism.html]
Thurs. April 12: World War II [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 24] [Levi Quiz]
[Levi, Survival in Auschwitz]
XIV: THANKSGIVING WEEK
Tues. April 17: Holocausts [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 24]
Thurs. April 19: Decolonization [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 25]
[Primary Source Paper Due]
XV: COLD WAR AND BEYOND
Tues. April 24: The American Century
Thurs. April 26: Whither Western Civ.?: [Frankfortor and Spellman, The West: A Narrative History, ch. 26]
[Ahmedinejad Letters]
THE FINAL EXAM IS TUESDAY MAY 1, 12:00-2:30 PM
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