DESCRIPTION: This
course introduces the study of history as a way of understanding today's world. You will
most likely live your life in large cities, make your living in a changing and often
bewildering economy, find yourself the object of selling campaigns by politicians and
hucksters of ideas and values. More than once in your life you may have to reconsider
basic attitudes and values or train yourself in new skills. Your daily life will be
affected by events and conditions far from where you live and work. This course will
explore how that world has developed over the last 400 years. |
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OBJECTIVES: Working through the materials of this course will not only give you
important information for understanding the development of
our world. You will also learn skills
of analysis, writing and reading. You will learn to place issues into historical context, to consider evidence, and to develop
arguments. It is important to keep up with assignments and to
come to class ready to participate achieve these objectives. The essays, Web Forum
assignments, and final exam will assess your progress in achieving these objectives. |
See the syllabus
for details on topics and assignments.
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READING:
Both
books should be brought to
class regularly.
The text book
also has primary sources. In addition we have a whole book of primary sources. Learn the
difference between a primary and secondary source. Why do historians depend on primary
rather than secondary sources? I will distribute a guide
to using primary sources. Use it regularly.
The text book is a mine of information. You
should use it as a reference. You will find a narration of events as well as various aids
like maps, chronologies, time lines, and pictures. As you use these materials keep in mind
the difference between an EVENT, TOPIC, and ISSUE. An event is something specific that happens at a given time and place
[Congress declares war on Japan on Dec. 8, 1941]; a topic is something general, a subject
for study or discussion [Congress, the Civil War]; an issue is a controversial topic, a
subject that divides people [nuclear weapons, abortion]. You will find that some topics
become issues in certain contexts. Thus, monarchy is a topic that in the 18th century
became an issue in the period of the American and French Revolutions. It is important to
keep in mind that events, actions by real people, are always behind historical topics. A
good story teller knows the
importance of character and action. |
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REQUIREMENTS:
 | Two essays |
| Quizzes &
assignments |
| Final exam |
| Participation,
both in class and on the Web, is essential. YOU SHOULD DO THE TEXT BOOK READING AND ASSIGNED DOCUMENTS
BEFORE THE SCHEDULED CLASS. |
Attendance is required. Virtual
sessions will consist of posted assignments
and exercises in the Forum. They must be completed and posted on time, as instructed. Follow the directions carefully. There will be other forms of on-going
participation in the Forum in addition to the Virtual
Sessions
work. Be sure to check the
web site several times a week for notices, cyber-space discussion, lecture notes, and
learning aids.
GRADING
| Participation: 30% (including assignments,
Internet work & Portfolio) |
| Quizzes: 10% |
| Two Essays: 30%
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| Final Exam: 30%
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| KEEP UP WITH THE NEWS: The present is related to the past.
Pay attention
to the news, finding ways it is connected to historical movements and trends. Click here for a free online
subscription to the New York Times. Other newspapers
from around the world as well as television networks are also available on the Web. |
| MAIN
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