Course Description
This course will trace the development of world civilizations from the rise of the river valley civilizations to the age of global expansion in the 16th century. The emphasis will be on the distinctive histories and cultural values that shaped major regions and cross-cultural contacts that helped to spread world religions between the world's distinctive cultural areas. Studying how ancient and pre-modern societies adapted their environments, organized their political economies, expressed themselves in art and philosophy and interacted with other peoples different from themselves can help us attain a deeper appreciation of our own modern world and recognize significant patterns in the past.
Exams & QUIZZES
There are three exams in this course each covering one-third of the course (and the final being non-cumulative). Exams will be composed of three parts: 1) a matching section of terms, 2) image IDs and 3) several short-answer questions with each one focused on a selected reading or iWork you have read/viewed.
For each book there will be an on-line book quiz given PRIOR to the Fridy discussion section for which it is assigned. These will generally be brief quizzes of ten to twenty questions on the names, places and critical elements of the readings. In the weeks that there is no book, there will be a quiz on the weekly readings and iWork. These quizzes will typically be given on ANGEL Thursday evenings. Except for emergencies and other exceptional reasons no alternative (or "make-up") exams will be offered. You must contact me prior to any excusable absence (medical, sport-related, etc.). Alternative exams will only given for university approved reasons.
Points/Grading
Adjustments to grades on exams are made only on the basis of demonstrable, objective or mathematical errors. In accordance with university policies, grades may not be raised by means of “extra-credit” work. Anyone found cheating on an exam will receive a grade of “F” for that exam.
The breakdown of the points for this course are as follows:
240 pts - Attendence & Participation (Each third of the course = 80 pts)
130 pts - Book Quizzes (2 x 50 pts/ 1x 30 pts)
240 pts - Mid-term Exams (2 exams x 120 pts per exam)
140 pts - Final Exam
100 pts - Daily Quizzes (10 quizzes x 10 pts)
150 pts - Weekly quizzes (5 quizzes x 30 pts per quiz)
1000 TOTAL POINTS
Final grades will be based according to the following breakdown:
|
A = 1000 - 930 pts |
B+ = 899 - 870 pts |
C+ = 799 - 770 pts |
D = 699 - 600 pts |
TEACHING ASSISTANTS
The teaching assistants for HIST10: World Civilizations to 1500 (Spring 2009) are Andrea Gatzke and Arye Chakravartty. Both are advanced graduate students in the department of history. Andrea is a specialist on the Classical World and Arye's research examines South Asia. They will lead the discussion sections on Fridays.
ANDREA GATZE:
EMAIL: afg127@psu.edu
Office Hours: Th 11-12 and by appointment
Office: 205/207 Weaver Bldg
FRIDAY DISCUSSION SECTIONS:
Section 1 - 9:05-9:55 (127 HENDERSON SOUTH)
Section 4 - 1:25-2:15 (67 WILLARD)
ARYE CHAKRAVARTTY:
EMAIL: axc967@psu.edu
Office Hours: M 11-12 and by appointment
Office: 205/207 Weaver Bldg
FRIDAY DISCUSSION SECTIONS:
Section 2 - 11:15-12:05 (127 HENDERSON SOUTH)
Section 3 - 12:20-1:10 (127 HENDERSON SOUTH)
Make-ups, Incompletes & Missed assignments
Incompletes are only given in instances of extraordinary circumstances (health, disability, or bereavement) which prevent the completion of the course — not for low grades. In addition, a student must have successfully completed 75% of the course.
Adjustments to grades on exams are made only on the basis of demonstrable objective or mathematical errors. In accordance with university policies, grades may not be raised by means of “extra-credit” work. Anyone found cheating on an exam will receive a grade of “F” for that exam.
Required readings:
There are only three books required for this course. The primary textbook while extremely useful for doing well will be on reserve in the lirary and might better be described as a good "reference work" rather than a required textbook. As such it is optional. Conversely the three secondary readings listed below are MANDATORY reading. Be forewarned that there are many translations of the books selected, but you should only buy the version assigned:
TITLE: Gilgamesh: A New English Version
AUTHOR: Stephen Mitchell
ISBN: 0743261690
PUBLISHER: Free Press
TITLE: Ramayana: A Tale of Gods and Demons
AUTHOR: Ranchor Prime
ISBN: 1932771026
PUBLISHER: Mandala
TITLE: Arabian Nights
AUTHOR: Husain Haddawy
ISBN: 0393331660
PUBLISHER: W.W. Norton & Co
OFFICE HOURS & contact:
I check my e-mail regularly (compulsively?) and thus is the best way to get in touch with me. I am also available for consultation with students during regular office hours in Weaver 413a. If necessary, appointments to meet at another time can be arranged at our mutual convenience. You may also reach me via email (dgatwill@psu.edu) and check on course materials via the internet at the course homepage.
Academic Honesty & Disability Access
Any deliberate attempt to present knowledge, ideas or statements (verbatim or paraphrased) as your own when, in fact, it is gained from another source or solicited from another person is plagiarism. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with Penn State's policy's on academic integrity and what constitutes plagiarism.
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in this programs and activities and is committed to the policy that all people shall have equal access to programs, facilities, and admissions without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation in this course or have questions about physical access, please tell the instructor or contact the Office for Disability Services as soon as possible.