California State University, Chico HFA / History Hist 101-02 Ancient Civilizations Spring 2010 Course Usage of Blackboard Vista Copies of the course syllabus and assignments may be found on Vista, which you may access through the portal at http://portal.csuchico.edu. Please check the online resources regularly, as I will add and change documents throughout the semester. Note especially that some reading assignments will be available through the “Readings” folder under the main “Course Materials” page. I would also prefer that you use the Blackboard Vista email program to be in touch with me on matters related to the course. Course Description and Goals In this course, we will examine the political, economic, social and religious structures of the ancient civilizations that are the focus of the sixth-grade history and social science curriculum in California public schools – Mesopotamia, Egypt, Kush, Judaea, Greece, India, China and Rome. We will also focus on methods of understanding the ancient world in its own contexts, and thus we will pay particular attention to cross-cultural contacts and conflicts, as well as to the similarities and differences in the material worlds and lived experiences of these cultures. For starters, what is a “culture”? and what might define the experience of it? Instructor: Prof. Jessica Clark Office location: 206 Trinity Hall Telephone: (530) 898-6302 Email: [email protected] Office hours: T 3:30-5:00 p.m. W 12:00-3:30 p.m. Class days/time: TR 2:00-3:15 p.m. Classroom: Plumas 102 Prerequisites: noneStudent Learning Objectives The History Department’s “Student Learning Objective” for Spring 2010 is that “oral presentations are clear and comprehensive.” There will be many informal opportunities to present your ideas in class. Course Content Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: LO1 : Characterize the primary places and cultures of the ancient world, distinguish their key political, social, artistic and religious elements, and convey this information in their own words. LO2 : Examine critically the sources and types of evidence for studying ancient cultures and assess areas where we know more or less, and why and how that affects historical reconstructions. Required Texts/Readings Textbook Worlds Together, Worlds Apart. A History of the World. Vol. 1. (If you purchase a combined volume, be sure it includes chapters 1-8) Available at the AS Bookstore or by online order Other readings Short additional readings from primary source texts will be posted on the course Blackboard Vista site, under “”Web Links.” Classroom Protocol All components of the course must be completed in order to receive a passing grade – for example, you may not skip an exam. Attendance and participation are required, and are part of your grade – if you will miss a day or you will arrive unprepared, let me know in advance! Do not come late to class; if you will need to leave early, speak to me before class. Please do not sign in other students – it’ll come back to haunt you. No cellphone use, etc. in class, and no recording in class unless authorized through DSS. Dropping and Adding You are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal, etc. found http://www.csuchico.edu/catalog/. You should be aware of the new deadlines and penalties for adding and dropping classes.Assignments and Grading Policy Attendance and Participation: 10% Quizzes: 10% Weekly Study Question Assignments: 20% First Midterm Exam: 15% Second Midterm Exam: 20% Final Exam: 25% Attendance and Participation: Attendance at all class lectures is mandatory. Please come prepared to discuss the weekly study questions (in class on Thursdays) and to participate in discussion. If you need to miss class, notify me beforehand. More than two unexcused absences will result in deductions from your grade; perfect attendance will earn you extra points. Quizzes: There will be at least four quizzes during the semester, as listed on the syllabus, and a possible two additional “pop” quizzes. Scheduled quizzes are based on maps in your textbook; the “pop” quizzes would be drawn from the assigned Study Questions. Weekly Study Question Assignments: In the syllabus, after each week’s reading, you are assigned several “Study Questions” based on that reading. Each week’s assignment is an “Assignment” on Blackboard Vista – all are due by 2:00 p.m. on each Thursday (that is, before class), and cannot be submitted for any credit later than midnight the next Sunday. If you do not have regular access to a computer, come see me. All the assignments are available to you now, so last-minute computer problems are no excuse. You may work with other students on these, but be sure each answer is in your own words – any answers that too closely resemble others will receive no credit. Midterm Exams: These are not cumulative, and the second is weighted more than the first. Midterms will be short answers and identifications. The questions will be based on a study guide. Final Exam: The Final Exam will follow the same format as the Midterms, but will also include an essay. The short answer section will not be cumulative, but the essay questions will be. University Policies and Campus Resources Academic integrity Students are expected to be familiar with the University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at California State University, Chico, and the University’s Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. The policy on academic integrityand other resources related to student conduct can be found at: http://www.csuchico.edu/sjd/sja.shtml Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the DSS Office (Disability Support Services) to establish a record of their disability. Special accommodations for exams require ample notice to the testing office and must be