JCU Logo
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS 120"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Western Civilization I"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Gene Ogle
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 11:30 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS:
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course, we will explore the foundations of “Western” societies and cultures and the transformations they underwent from prehistory through the Reformation. Emphasis will be placed on the cross-cultural interactions in the ancient Mediterranean and beyond that established the foundations of the “West,” the ways in which political structures and cultures changed over time, and developments in intellectual, religious, and cultural life. In addition, through the examination and discussion of primary source materials, i.e., documents and other artifacts from the time periods with which we’re concerned, the course will serve as an introduction to how historians examine the past and draw conclusions about it.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
There will be two class meetings a week, composed of a combination of lecture and discussion. Most of the discussion portion of class will be spent examining and analyzing primary sources and other readings. Please feel free to ask questions about the lectures or the reading. Your attendance and active participation in classroom discussions will determine a significant portion of your grade (15%).
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

In successfully completing this course, you will cultivate an understanding of the most important themes and developments of Western history from prehistory to the 16th century. You will also develop an awareness of some of the most important modes of analysis that historians use in reconstructing the past.

In this course, you should work on developing the following skills: critical analysis of primary sources and historians’ arguments, developing your own well-reasoned and well-supported arguments, and effectively communicating your arguments in writing and oral discussion.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Cengage Advantage Books: Western Civilization: Beyond Boundaries, Volume I, 7th EditionThomas F. X. Noble, et alWadsworth Cengage LearningISBN-13: 9781133610137     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm ExaminationThe exams will be in-class written exams composed of short answer and essay questions. In addition, the final exam will require you to answer a question analyzing a primary source. Your grade on these exams will depend upon the analytical strength and persuasiveness of your arguments as well as the factual accuracy of your answers. I will provide you with more information about these exams and how to prepare for them as their dates near.25%
Primary Source Paper (5-7 pages)In the primary source paper, you will make a historical argument based on one or more primary sources. Your grade will be determined by the strength of your analysis, the persuasiveness of your argument (including quality of writing), and the originality of your thought. I will provide you with further guidelines regarding this assignment later in the session.25%
Participation and Discussion QuestionsYour participation grade will primarily be determined by your participation in our classroom discussions. To do so in an adequate manner, you absolutely must do the class readings assigned by the dates for which they are assigned. You also must bring copies of those readings to class so that you may consult them during our discussions, and you may be asked to leave the classroom should you fail to do so. In addition, when we discuss primary sources from handouts or on the web, you should e-mail me a question based on those primary sources that you think would make a good discussion question. You must send me these questions by 9 a.m. on the day of class. Please note that behaving in ways that create distractions for other members of the class (including the professor) will lower your participation grade. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to: messaging, checking Facebook or other social networks, catching up on e-mail, watching on-line videos, reading non-class related materials, studying for other courses, shopping on-line, and generally any activity that detracts from your or any other classmate's full participation in what we are doing in the classroom.15%
Final ExamThe exams will be in-class written exams composed of short answer and essay questions. In addition, the final exam will require you to answer a question analyzing a primary source. Your grade on these exams will depend upon the analytical strength and persuasiveness of your arguments as well as the factual accuracy of your answers. I will provide you with more information about these exams and how to prepare for them as their dates near.35%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
See above.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

The books are available at the Anglo-American Book Store (Via delle Vite, 102). Additional course readings are available on-line or on reserve in the library.

The textbook reading (Noble et al) complements the lectures by providing you with further contextual information and different interpretations of past events. You should do the textbook reading for the day it is assigned.

The on-line historical sources will provide the basis for our classroom discussions. You must read and think about those assigned for a particular class period before coming to that class. Otherwise, you will be unable to participate adequately and your participation grade will suffer. You should also bring printouts of online material to class on the days that we are discussing it. If you need additional print credits to do so, I will be happy to sign a print-credit waiver form.

Please note that in using on-line primary sources I am not endorsing the more general content and intent of many of the websites on which they are found.


Important Course Policies

All late work will be penalized by at least one letter grade. No late work will be accepted following the final examination.

Any documented case of academic dishonesty on any assignment will result not only in a failing grade for the assignment in question but also in a failing grade for the course as a whole. If you have questions about how to cite material properly, refer to the appropriate sections of the MLA Style Manual or Chicago Manual of Style (or talk to me). There are copies of both in the reference section of the library downstairs. Please note that also submitting work that you have previously submitted (or plan to submit) for credit in another course is also a form of academic dishonesty, unless you obtain explicit approval from both instructors to do so. For this course, no such double submission is allowed. Please note that your papers may be submitted to turnitin.com to check their content for plagiarism.

Accessing Shared Documents on MyJCU

1. Go to the internal web site (MY JCU).
2. After you have logged in, click on the course post-it for Fall 2014, HS 120. Then click on shared files.
3. You should then be able to access any course handouts not accessible by clicking the links on this syllabus.
4. Be sure to check the handouts page frequently for changes and updates. Similarly, I will post messages on the MyJCU board should I need to contact you in between class meetings (e.g., in the case of an unexpected class cancellation).

 

 

Course Schedule (Please note that what is below may be subject to minor changes.)--UPDATED SEPT. 16


Sept. 2  Introductions—Civilization? The West?

Noble, Preface


Sept. 4  From Prehistory to History: Agriculture, Cities, and Mesopotamia

Noble, Ch. 1



Sept. 9  Mesopotamia and Egypt—Environment, Culture, and Politics

FOR DISCUSSION:

“Penitential Prayer to Every God”

http://www.thenagain.info/Classes/Sources/SumerPrayer.html

“Hymn to the Nile”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/hymn-nile.html

“The Egyptian Negative Confession”

http://www.mircea-eliade.com/from-primitives-to-zen/110.html



Sept. 11  Monotheism—Hebrews and other Near Eastern Peoples

Noble, Ch. 2

FOR DISCUSSION:

Exodus Available On Intranet (My JCU)

Jeremiah, Books 7-8

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=JER%207-8



Sept. 16  Classical Greece—Athens and Sparta

Noble, Ch. 3

Sept. 18  Right, Might, Philosophy, and the Gods in Classical Greece

FOR DISCUSSION:

“Pericles’ Funeral Oration and The Melian Dialogue”

http://www.cofc.edu/~mccandla/Thucydides.htm#The%20Melian%20Dialogue

Aristotle, Politics (Excerpts)

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/Aristotle-politics-polis.html

“Accounts of Hellenic Religious Beliefs”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/greekrel2.html

Plato, The Apology (Excerpts) Available On Intranet (My JCU)


Sept. 23  The 1st World Conqueror’s World—Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World

Noble, Ch.4

Sept. 25  Greeks and Non-Greeks in the Hellenistic World
FOR DISCUSSION:
"The Hellenistic Encounter with the East" (Handout)

Sept. 26 (OFFICIAL MAKE-UP DAY) Where does the “West” Begin?–The Black Athena Debate and Beyond

 

FOR DISCUSSION:

Noble, Preface

Bernal, “Review: Not Out of Africa”

http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/bmcr/1996/96.04.05.html

Lefkowitz, “Response to Bernal”

http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/bmcr/1996/96.04.19.html

Lenz, “Review of Black Athena, Vol. II”

http://www.users.drew.edu/%7Ejlenz/bernal.html

Read at least TWO of the Major Primary Sources for the Debate, via the links on:

http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110tech/BlackAthena.html


 


Sept. 30  Monotheism, Part 2—The Rise of Christianity in the Roman World 

 

FOR DISCUSSION:

“The Sermon on the Mount”

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=MATT%205-7

Galatians 3:15-29

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=GAL%203:15-29

“Documents on the Persecution of the Christians”

http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/xtians.html


Oct. 2  Monotheism, Part 2—Christianity From Illegal To Imperial Religion

FOR DISCUSSION:

Augustine, “Account of His Own Conversion”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/aug-conv.html

Augustine, “The City of God: excerpts on the Two Cities”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/aug-city2.html

Jerome, “Letter to a Soldier”

http://www.thenagain.info/Classes/Sources/Jerome.html

Tertullian, “On Pagan Learning”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/200Tertullian-pagan.html

 


 

October 3 (Friday), Time TBA--2 ½ Hour Make-Up For 2 Dates To Be Announced (On-Site at the Roman Forum)  

 

Understanding Rome From Republican City-State to “World” Empire

Noble, Chs. 5 and 6

FOR DISCUSSION:

Livy, “The Rape of the Sabine Women” Available On Intranet (My JCU)

Livy, “The Rape of Lucretia”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/livy-rape.html

“Res Gestae Divi Augusti, c. 14 CE”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/14resgestae.html

“Primary Sources for Gladitorial Games”

http://abacus.bates.edu/~mimber/blood/gladiator.sources.htm

 

 

 



Oct. 7 Transitions—The Fall of Rome? Barbarian Invasions?

Noble, Ch. 7

FOR DISCUSSION:

“Tacitus, the Germania, excerpts”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/tacitus-germania-excerp.html

“Letters of Sidonius”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/sidonius1.html

“Priscus at the Court of Attila”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/priscus1.html



Oct. 9 Midterm Exam (NOTE--the Date has Changed from the First course syllabus)


Oct. 14  Rome’s Heirs and Monotheism—Islamdom

Noble, Ch. 8

FOR DISCUSSION:

Ibn Ishaq, “Selections from the Life of Muhammad”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/muhammadi-sira.asp

“The Qu'ran” (Excerpts)

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/koran-sel.asp

http://www.mircea-eliade.com/from-primitives-to-zen/123.html

“The Pact of Umar”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/pact-umar.html



Oct. 16  Rome’s Heirs—The Byzantine Empire and “Eastern Europe”

FOR DISCUSSION:

Procopius, “De Aedificis”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/procop-deaed1.html

“Corpus Iuris Civilis” (Excerpts)

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/corpus1.html

John of Damascus, “In Defense of Icons”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/johndam-icons.asp

 “The Christianization of Russia”

http://www.dur.ac.uk/a.k.harrington/christin.html





Oct. 21  Rome’s Heirs—The Germanic Kingdoms and the Carolingian Revival

FOR DISCUSSION:

Einhard, “The Life of Charlemagne” (Excerpts)

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/einhard1.html



Oct. 23  More Invasions and the Development of Feudal Rule

Noble, Ch. 9

FOR DISCUSSION:

“Annals of Xanten, 845-853”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/xanten1.html

Fulbert of Chartres, “On Feudal Obligations”

http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/fulbert1.asp

 “Fief Ceremonies”

 http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/feud-fief1.asp



Oct. 28  The Sword and the Staff—Medieval Monarchies and the Church

FOR DISCUSSION:

Henry IV, “Letter to Gregory VII”

http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/henry4-to-g7a.asp

Gregory VII, “First Deposition and Banning of Henry IV”

http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/g7-ban1.asp

 “Charter of Liberties of Henry I, 1100”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/hcoronation.html

“Constitutions of Clarendon”

http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/cclarendon.asp

Roger of Hoveden, “The Order of Coronation of Richard I”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/hoveden1189a.html



Oct. 30  Christendom on the March—The Crusades

FOR DISCUSSION:

Urban II, “Speech at Clermont 1095”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/urban2a.html

Soloman bar Samson, “The Crusaders in Mainz”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/1096jews-mainz.html

Anna Comnena, “The Bad Manners of A Crusading Prince”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/annacom1.html

Fulcher of Chartres, “The Latins in the East”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/fulk3.html

Usmah Ibn Munqidh, “Autobiography, excerpts on the Franks”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/usamah2.html





Nov. 4    Cathedrals and Universities—Medieval High Culture

Noble, Ch. 10

FOR DISCUSSION:

Robert de Courçon, “Statutes for the University of Paris”

http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/courcon1.asp

Frederick II, “Lictere Generales”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/1224fred2-lictgen.html

“Courses in Theology [1271] and Medicine [1270-74]”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/uparis-theol.html

Peter Abelard, “From Sic et Non”

http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/Abelard-SicetNon-Prologue.asp

Jacques de Vitry, “Life of the Students at Paris”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/vitry1.html

“Medieval Students' Songs”

 http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/medievalstudentsongs.asp



Nov. 6  Crossing the Steppes—Mongol Eurasia and the “West”

FOR DISCUSSION:

Waugh, "The Pax Mongolica"

http://www.silk-road.com/artl/paxmongolica.shtml

Ibn al-Athir, “On The Tatars, 1220-1221CE”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/1220al-Athir-mongols.html

Marco Polo, “On the Tartars”

http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/mpolo44-46.asp

Marco Polo, “The Glories Of Kinsay [Hangchow] (c. 1300)”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/polo-kinsay.html

John of Monte Corvino, “Report from China 1305”

http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/corvino1.asp

John of Monte Corvino, “Letter to the Minister General of the Friars Minor in Rome, c. 1280”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/1280corvino2.html



Nov. 11 Times of Trouble—The Great Schism, The Black Death and the 100 Years’ War

Noble, Ch. 11

FOR DISCUSSION:

Boccaccio, “The Decameron – Introduction”

http://www.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/boccacio2.asp  

“The Black Death and the Jews 1348-1349 CE”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/jewish/1348-jewsblackdeath.html

 



Nov. 13 Times of Transition—The Renaissance

Noble, Ch. 12

FOR DISCUSSION:

Petrarch, “Letters to Cicero”

http://history.hanover.edu/texts/petrarch/pet09.html

http://history.hanover.edu/texts/petrarch/pet11.html

Vergerius, “The New Education”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/vergerius.html

Machiavelli, “The Ancients and Liberty”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/machiavelli-disc2-2.html




Nov. 18  Christendom on the March, pt. 2—The First Global Empires

Noble, Ch. 13
Primary Source Paper Due


Nov. 20  Worlds Colliding—The West and the New Worlds of the 16th Century

FOR DISCUSSION:

Christopher Columbus, “Extracts from Journal”

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/columbus1.html

Sepúlveda, Democrates Secundus (Excerpts)

Las Casas, In Defense of the Indians (Excerpts)

Available On Intranet (My JCU) as “Sepulvda vs Las Casas”



Nov. 25  The Fall of Christendom?—The Reformation

Noble, Ch. 14

FOR DISCUSSION:

Martin Luther, “Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation”

http://history.hanover.edu/texts/luthad.html

Dec. 1  Wrapping Up, Brainstorming for Final Exam

Dec. 3  No Class-Covered by the Make-up Class on October 3

 

 

FINAL EXAM—Tuesday, December 9, 15:00-17:30