The key question we study is "What is Western Civilization?" By the end of this course, students should be able to ask questions about the origins and characteristics of the civilization in which we live. To answer such questions does require some accurate information (or "facts"), but as you move into a college environment you will find that the study of human history has little to do with the tedious memorization of facts, and everything to do with discussion of different ways in which we can interpret the past.

As such, this course is designed to give every student the chance to learn some of the "facts" about European Civilization, while also providing the chance to discuss the past and how things, ideas and people of the past shape the world in which we live.

Required Book and supplies

1. Judith Coffin, Western Civilization, Brief Edition (ISBN 0-393-92558-7)

2. Hard Times, Charles Dickens

3. All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Marie Remarque

4. A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, Alexander Sozhenitsyn

5. Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe

• 2 blue books & 2 scantrons (available in bookstore) 1 set for each exam

Book quizzes

Short Research Assignment                                         

Travel Agent Group Project

Exam #1

Exam #2

Extra Credit Assignment

10%

10%

25%

25%

25%

Bonus 5%

There are no makeups for missed quizzes, assignments or exams.

Late papers will lose one letter grade for every day late, starting with ½ grade if submitted after the beginning of class on the date an assignment is due.

Exams

Each exam is composed of four parts: chronology (15%), map identifications (18%), identification questions (42%) and an essay question (25%). The essay is an "open note, open neighbor" exam. No use of the text or electronic devices during the exam.

Quizzes

Each of the four books other than the course text is the subject of a short quiz. The quizzes occur at the very beginning of each class. If you are late you will miss the quiz. There are no makeup quizzes. The chapter quizzes are multiple choice questions each and will be graded and discussed in class.

Short Research Assignment

The manner of your oral presentation is entirely up to you. Some ideas from past students have included; videotaped re-enactments of a portion of the person’s life, a poem written about the time period in the manner that period, a slide show or a live performance by a group of students. Whatever option you take, choose one that you can have fun with and feel most comfortable with.

 Sign-ups for topics will occur during the second week, in class. There are no make-ups for missed presentations.

Content: your presentation should:

1. provide a brief identification and description of the topic

2. explain the significance of the subject to the history of that period

3. offer an analysis of how this subject does or does not illustrate the major events occurring in the world around it

4. conclude with an offer to answer questions

 Format: each presentation must include the following:

1.  be more than a simple oral presentation (such as computer, video, web, audio, slide show, hands on activity, etc.)

2. last between three (3) and five (5) minutes on the date of the class topic

3. include a handout distributed to the class

4. EMAIL to professor your bibliography of sources used to prepare the presentation including at least:

1. two (2) different books

2. three (3) web links, none of which may be a .COM

Historical Travel Agent Assignment

In conjunction with a group of your fellow travel professionals, your task is to create a itinerary for a group of students undertaking a week-long tour of one nation. During that week they are to visit the sites in the country that you feel will help them best understand the colonial and modern-day history of this country as well as learning about the people and culture of the nation.

During this seven day trip you and your colleagues will act as guides to the sites that you have carefully selected to best enhance your tour group’s understanding both of the nation’s history since the time of its colonization by Europeans and about contemporary issues affecting the country. Send your group to seven different sites located anywhere in the country (don't worry about travel times) that help explain the culture and history of the country.

As a travel professional, you will, of course, provide each tour member a printed itinerary.

Historical issues: (from 1800-the end of colonialism)

Describe the role and impact of colonialism in this country:

1. when and how the colonial power operated in the country

2. how the colonial power utilized any natural resources

3. how the country gained independence

4. the effect of colonialism on the current state of the nation

Contemporary issues (post-colonialism):

1. International affairs, including relations with the United States;

2. Political and economic situation

   major sectors of economy

   infrastructure (e.g. roads, electricity, water, railroads, etc.)

3. Social structures

   Level of education

   Health care

   Position/role of women

4. Cultural differences

   Language spoken – need for an interpreter

   Openness to westerners

   Religion

   Taboos

 On the day of your presentation you will have no less than 10 and no more than 15 minutes (you will be timed!) to convey your information to your classmates.

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