HIST 010: World History I

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Basic Information

Term: Fall, 2009

Time/Place: M, W, 2:30-3:20 / 110 Wartik (lecture; all sections) & F, various times and places depending on your section:

Important Task: Memorize your section number and keep it in mind for the duration of the course. Almost everything in the course is organized by sections. Logistical Note: Direct all inquiries about section-related matters to the Graduate Assistant in charge of your section.

Instructor: Gregory Smits

Office: Weaver 211

E-mail: gjs4@psu.edu

Office Phone: 863-0172

Office Hours: 1:20-2:20,  M & W

Graduate Assistants: Rebecca Lloyd (ral255@psu.edu; Office: 207 Weaver, desk 5) and Joel Zaslow (jaz173@psu.edu; Office:205 Weaver, desk 6).

Graduate Assistant Office Hours: Lloyd: W, 1:15-2:15; Zaslow: M, 4:00-5:00

Department of History Office Phone: 865-1367

Dates to Remember:

• Syllabus quiz: to be taken during Friday sections, 4 September

• Exam #1: Wednesday, 23 September

• Exam #2: Monday, 26 October

• Exam #3: As scheduled during finals week (see eLion ca. 5th week of semester)

Required Book:

Michael Cook, A Brief History of the Human Race (We will read chapters 1 - 13, inclusive.)

 

(Buying this book from a web-based bookseller can result in a substantial savings, especially if you can locate a used copy.)

 

Note regarding this book: In general it is of excellent quality and has the additional virtue of being inexpensive. I do not like the title. It should be  "A Brief History of the Human Species" to be accurate. A more important shortcoming is that Cook writes Chinese names and terms using an archaic spelling system. It makes no sense to me that a textbook author would do this, and normally archaic spelling of Chinese names would disqualify a book for use in this course. But the book is otherwise so good (at least compared with other choices on the market), that I made an exception.

Major Work in the Course:

1. Attend lectures and discussion sections.

2. Read carefully the required book on schedule and discuss its contents in the small sections.

3. Study the Web-based material in the "Lessons" section of ANGEL.

4. Take three exams (each exam 1/2 multiple-choice & 1/2 essay) that will test comprehension of the lecture material and the required reading.

Course Description

This course is an overview of important themes in world history from the dawn of  the human species until roughly 1600-1750 (depending on the topic). In lectures, we will be selective in coverage, making no attempt to deal with the entire world systematically. Instead, the geographic emphasis will be on the Eurasian continent and adjacent areas such as Northern Africa. The textbook is more systematic, and therefore, to some extent, you will end up studying most of the world. In terms of themes and topics, we will  emphasize patterns of trade, cultural exchange, and, especially, human interactions with the natural environment. The effects of disease on human history, for example, will figure prominently in the course. If all goes well, this course will aid your understanding of the reasons for the world's current condition. HIST 010 can also serve as an excellent beginning point for the further study of history or of human affairs in general.

In general, lecture topics occur in rough chronological order, but the course is not organized around a strict chronology. Some topics will require that we backtrack in time or that we jump ahead. It is essential, therefore, always to pay close attention to time. Be aware of changes that occur over time with respect to a single issue, cause-and-effect relationships, and the times of major developments in different parts of the world. Equally important for staying oriented is to be aware of space, that is, geography. Make frequent use of maps, especially in cases where geo-political boundaries change as a result of major events. In addition to the usual study habits, taking care stay oriented in terms of time and space is essential for success in this course.

The textbook and the lectures have much in common and will reinforce each other. However, the organization of the book and the lectures differs, especially after we get through the earliest material. Therefore, what you read in the textbook will sometimes be material we cover in a later lecture or have already covered in an earlier lecture. This situation should be no problem because encountering material a second time usually aids in comprehension. Moreover, the approach and emphasis of the lectures and textbook will be slightly different. Some material in the textbook will not be covered in lectures, but you should study it with the same care as material that is covered in lectures.

There are no curricular prerequisites for this course. College-level reading and thinking skills, however, are essential, and should be regarded as prerequisites for the course. The ability to use a computer for the usual basic functions is also essential for this course (and life in general). A disciplined approach to work and the ability to manage your time effectively will also be of great benefit in this and all other courses.

Exams and Grading

This section explains exams and grading in detail, and thus I will spend little time talking about these matters in class. The final grade is determined as follows:

1. Syllabus quiz = 6% (Note: The quiz consists of 15 multiple-choice questions about the content of this syllabus. There is no need, however, to remember the contents of the sections "Friday Discussion Sections" and "Lecture Topics" for the quiz.)

2. Three exams @ 28% each = 84%

3. Participation 10% (defined mainly as informed attendance at Friday discussion sections)

It is important to understand the basis on which grades are assigned in this course. Grades are based on degree of mastery of the course content as measured by three exams of equal weight, plus a small components for participation and a quiz on the contents of this syllabus. These weighted scores are the only basis on which grades are assigned. Personal circumstances (e.g., getting married/divorced, having two jobs, being a graduating senior, the "need" for a certain level of grade, etc.) are not factors that influence the assignment of grades. Grades earned in other courses are irrelevant to the grade you will earn in this course. Moreover, In this course and in most college-level courses, grades are based on results, not effort. Of course, expending serious time and effort in studying is highly recommended as a means to attaining good results, but there is no guarantee. In the end it is the results that count. There is no "extra credit." Regular attendance at lectures is expected; regular attendance at discussion sections is required.

The exams are rigorous and both analysis and a recall of basic facts. Each exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions plus one long essay selected from a list of four. Each exam covers material since the previous exam; exams are not cumulative. After final exams are graded, the final, weighted percentage will convert to PSU's grading system as follows: A = 92-100%; A- = 90-91%; B+ = 87-89%; B = 82-86%; B- = 80-81%; C+ = 77-79%; C = 68-76%; D = 50-67%; F = below 50% The dates and times of the exams are listed above. Be sure to be present on those days because missed exams may not be made up except in the case of a serious emergency the day of the exam. In the unlikely event that an exam conflicts with an official university function, you may arrange to take it early. See the instructor in advance.

Exams are given at the start of class on the scheduled day. They are intended to take about 45 minutes. Bring an examination book (commonly called a "blue book;" some are green) with you on exam day, as well as both a pen and a pencil. Write both your name and student number on the multiple choice answer sheet. Do not write your name on the examination book. Instead, clearly write your student number and section number on the front cover. Grading the exams usually requires 2-3 class days. Exams are returned in connection with section meetings on Fridays.

The format and degree of difficulty of exams should not be a surprise to serious students because past exams from his course are available at the practice exam center. Study the exams on this site from time to time, and actually write out answers to some of the essay questions. As you probably know, there is often a big difference between passively looking at an exam question and thinking that you could probably answer it well versus actually writing an answer. Effort spent in practice writing answers before the real exam will usually pay off nicely. Note also that the exams from past offerings of the course, will not correspond perfectly with the current term. Topics and the pace of coverage typically vary from term to term, and the assigned readings are sometimes different. Therefore, some questions will be irrelevant and some relevant material may be found on exams other than the one for which you are studying.

H1N1 ("Swine") Influenza Notice

You are probably aware that public health experts expect an outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus during the traditional flu season, and perhaps starting sooner. Here is Penn State's recommendation should you begin to suffer symptoms of influenza:

In compliance with CDC and Pa DOH recommendations, Penn State will instruct
students with influenza signs and symptoms to follow CDC self-isolation
guidelines.  Students will be instructed that they should NOT attend classes or
any public gatherings while ill.  We will ask symptomatic students to leave
campus if possible and to return home to recover.  Usually the illness and
isolation period will be about a week. 

Because of the possibility of a severe influenza outbreak, it is especially important to keep up with the day-to-day work in this course to lessen the adverse impact should you need to miss one or two class sessions for this reason. If you miss a lecture owing to illness or any other reason, you should listen to the missed lecture as soon as possible using the sound files on the course management system. While listening to the lecture, review the relevant slide presentation(s). If you miss a Friday discussion section owing to influenza or other illness, you must notify the teaching assistant in charge of that section within 48 hours, briefly explaining your situation.

Disabilities

If you require accommodation for a disability, you must first identify yourself as disabled to the appropriate university office (click here for details). This office will make a determination of your disability and accommodation(s) based on medical information. The instructor for this course will not (and cannot) make such determinations, but he will be happy to help you contact the appropriate people for assistance.

Academic Honesty

Basic fairness to all requires reasonable standards of academic honesty. Specifically, plagiarism (use of another's ideas and/or words as your own without proper acknowledgment) and other forms of cheating will not be tolerated. Although circumstances may vary, ordinarily, clear cases of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the assignment in question and referral of the case to the appropriate university disciplinary unit.

For reference, the official policy of PSU regarding academic integrity is as follows:

49-20 Academic Integrity

Definition and expectations: Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner. Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle. Consistent with this expectation, the University's Code of Conduct states that all students should act with personal integrity, respect other students' dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts.

Academic integrity includes a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of work completed by others.

To protect the rights and maintain the trust of honest students and support appropriate behavior, faculty and administrators should regularly communicate high standards of integrity and reinforce them by taking reasonable steps to anticipate and deter acts of dishonesty in all assignments (Senate Policy 44-40: Proctoring of Examinations). At the beginning of each course, it is the responsibility of the instructor to provide students with a statement clarifying the application of University and College academic integrity policies to that course.

Academic Integrity Resources for Students

Friday Discussion Sections

One goal of these smaller sections is to refine reading and logical thinking skills. The specific points in the readings are also helpful in reinforcing and refining material covered in lectures and for exam preparation. The graduate assistants will teach the discussion sections and will propose questions about the assigned reading (a list of questions will also appear in Angel in the Lessons tap a day or two in advance of the section meetings). Your job is to attend the sections prepared and to join in the discussions. The assigned reading for the sections is as follows below. Be sure to complete your reading prior to the meeting of your discussion section.

28 August: orientation

4 September: syllabus quiz and Cook, Chapter1

11 September: Cook, Chapters 2 & 3

18 September: exam preparation

25 September: Cook, Chapter 4

2 October: Cook, Chapter 5

9 October: Cook, Chapter 6

16 October: Cook, Chapters 7 & 8

23 October: exam preparation

30 October: Cook, Chapter 9

6 November: Cook, Chapter 10

13 November: Cook, Chapter 11

20 November: Cook, Chapter 12

4 December: Cook, Chapter 13

11 December: exam preparation

Lecture Topics

The lecture topics do not correspond to specific class days, and most topics will require more than one class session. There are probably more topics on the list  than we can cover. We will generally move through them in order, possibly with minor modifications, and keep going until the course ends. Note well that most of these topics are not isolated. They tend to address recurring themes in the course and later material often requires a mastery of earlier material.

Big Bang to modern humans

Stone age humans (hunter/gatherers)

Neolithic (late stone age) revolution (settlements emerge)

Disease Basics

Early civilizations: Egypt, Mesopotamia/Babylon, Palestine, India, and China

Early religions: Confucianism, Hinduism,  Buddhism, monotheism, paganism, Zoroastrianism

Slightly later empires: Greece, Rome, and Han China

The spread of Christianity, Islam, and Manichaeism

Tang China and the Silk Road

The central importance of Sogdiana

Salt in China and Africa

Medieval Europe & the Crusades

The world's largest land empire

The Great Mortality in Eurasia (i.e., the Black Death) and its legacies

European contact with the Americas and the second great mortality

World trade, part 2: spices

World trade, part 2: the bitter taste of sugar

The legacy of medieval Europe in songs (2 or 3 examples in connection with topics above)

Gunpowder empires (if time permits)

Earthquakes and Volcanoes in human history (details dependant on time remaining, if any)

(Possibly one or two other topics, TBA, toward the end if time permits)