H114-03 WESTERN CIVILIZATION SINCE 1500
CRN 13923
Fall Semester 2007 (Aug. 20 - Dec. 16)
Tuesday/Thursday (6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.)
IPFW - CM 210
Instructor: Cameron A. MacKenzie
Office Phone: 452-2226 (Concordia Theological Seminary)
E-mail: mackenzieca@.ctsfw.edu
I. Course Description
This course offers a thematic survey of the major political, social, economic, religious, and philosophical movements that have characterized the western world since about 1500. A major goal of the course is to aid the student in better appreciating and understanding the present world through the study of past events.
II. Course Objectives
A. To familiarize students with the contributions of historical figures and with the ideas and events that have shaped western civilization
B. To acquaint students with the major ideological, social, economic, and political forces that have shaped western civilization since the Renaissance
C. To develop a sense of historical geography and an understanding of how political boundaries have changed; to examine the importance of place in relation to political, historical, and economic developments
D. To develop an understanding of non-western areas of the world in relationship to the western world
E. To assist students in analyzing contemporary issues and events in terms of their historical antecedents
III. Approved for IPFW's General Education Program
A. H114 has been approved by the university for General Education credit in Area III: The Individual, Culture, and Society
B. The purpose of Area III courses is as follows: “Students must understand the nature and diversity of individuals, cultures and societies around the world. An exploration of behavioral, societal and cultural processes forms the basis for that understanding. This understanding of diverse systems assists the student in overcoming provincialism; in developing the willingness, confidence, and sense of responsibility for making informed decisions; and in acquiring the ability to assess personal behavior and that of others. Such learning requires an historical consciousness; familiarity with components of social structure and social institutions; knowledge of basic behavioral processes; comprehension of the interplay among ideas, technology, and social organization; and appreciation of the complex dimensions of personal and institutional rules.” Senate Document 93-14.
III. Required Texts
A. The following texts will be used:
1. McKay, Hill, Buckler, A History of Western Society Since 1400, 8th ed., 2006
2. Kishlansky, Sources of the West, vol. 2: From the 1600 to the Present, 6th ed., 2006
B. Each chapter of the principal text ends with an excellent annotated bibliography which more than adequately will lead students to additional readings if desired.
IV. Expectations for Students
A. Each session of the course will convene at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday and will last until 7:15 p.m. The instructor will take attendance at each session, since attendance in class is expected.
B. Format of instruction: Information will be presented primarily through lectures. However, the instructor also expects students to do the assigned readings so that class discussions can be profitable. Students should also feel free to ask questions regarding the lectures or other pertinent topics. Finally, the instructor will supplement his lectures with films and videos as time and opportunity permit.
C. Three examinations will be given. The lowest grade of the three will not be computed in the student's grade. Each of the remaining two examinations will count for one third of a student's final grade for the course. Students are expected to take all exams when scheduled, and there will be no makeup examinations. Any examination that is missed will automatically be construed as the examination whose grade is dropped when computing the student's final grade.
D. The remaining one third of a student's grade will be determined by a written assignment described as follows.
1. News media are often criticized for their superficial coverage of world events, especially for their failure to provide the historical background that is necessary for understanding contemporary events. The purpose of this assignment is to supply at least some of that background for something in the news that is of interest to the student and of significance for western civilization. The topic should not be one that deals exclusively with the United States.
After choosing such an event, the student will prepare a paper of eight to twelve pages (typed, double-spaced) that analyzes the contemporary situation in terms of the past. The analysis should be based upon credible, responsible sources, including, if possible, primary (first-hand) sources. At least, five to ten sources will have to be consulted. The analysis does not have to arrive at original conclusions. The important point of the exercise is that students think for themselves and then present their conclusions in an organized and persuasive written fashion.
The length of the paper precludes doing a comprehensive historical analysis of any world event. Therefore, part of the student's task is to limit the subject to one that can be done adequately in eight to twelve pages.
2. In preparing the written assignment, students must observe a standard style for annotations (footnotes or endnotes), title page, bibliography, grammar, spelling, and other mechanical considerations. Following a standard style manual, such as Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers, or MLA is a good method for minimizing mechanical mistakes and is required for this assignment. The student should include the style manual consulted for this assignment in the list of works cited at the end of the paper.
3. Examples of term paper topics: “1948 - Year of Decision for Arabs and Jews in Israel”; “The Origins of the Oil Industry in the Middle East”; “Whoever Heard of Irish 'Protestants' Anyway!”; “European Unity and a Common Currency: The Origins of the Euro”; “African Disunity and the Legacy of Colonialism”; “The Boxer Rebellion - An Unpleasant Episode in Chinese/Western Relations”; and “The Partition of India and the Dissolution of the British Empire.”
4. The instructor will grade the student's paper on both content and presentation (style, grammar, organization, and the like).
5. For help with your paper, remember the following:
a. Use the IPFW Library. The members of the staff are there to help you. Ask them for help in finding and obtaining the resources you need to do your research. Visit the library web site at www.lib.ipfw.edu/
b. Save time and write better papers for any class through free individual consultations in The Writing Center, Kettler G19. Bring assignments, questions, ideas, and a draft (if you have one). Consultants can help you get started, write more clearly, revise, edit, and cite sources responsibly. Come as you begin a paper and as you revise. Drop-ins are welcome if time is available, but appointments, made online through TutorTrac, receive preference. For TutorTrac, online consulting, and resources to make your writing process easier, go to www.ipfw.edu/casa/writing. Questions? Call 481-5740.
Hours for Fall 2007:
Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. to5 p.m
c. visit the History Department Web Site www.ipfw.edu/hist
This site contains much information about doing research and writing your paper. Don't miss it.
6. Due date for written assignment: Tuesday, November 6, at the beginning of class. A student's grade on the paper will be reduced for every day that it is late.
E. Criteria for evaluation
1. The following grading scale will be used on all examinations:
A -- 100-90 per cent
B -- 89-80 per cent
C -- 79-70 per cent
D -- 69-60 per cent
F -- 59 per cent and below.
2. To summarize the above, a student's grade will be determined as follows:
a. Each of two tests counts for one third of the grade for a total of two thirds. The lowest grade of the three tests or a missed examination is not counted.
b. The term paper counts for the remaining one third.
F. Academic Honesty Policy
The university expects students to do their own work both on tests and on papers. Students who cheat on an examination or turn in written work that is not their own will receive a zero grade for the assignment and may be subject to other sanctions as well.